How to Clear a Blocked Drain and When to Call a Pro

There’s nothing more frustrating than a sink that won’t drain or a toilet that gurgles every time you flush. Blocked drains are a common issue in Rockingham homes and businesses, and while some blockages are easy enough to fix, others may need a professional blocked drain cleaner to sort things out properly.

At RDF Plumbing, we’ve seen every kind of drain blockage under the sun, from grease build-up and tree roots to all the wrong objects that should never have gone down a drain in the first place. If you’re currently dealing with slow drainage, unpleasant odours, or a complete blockage, here’s what you need to know.

Common Signs of a Blocked Drain

Before we dive into how to clear a blocked drain, it helps to know what you’re looking for. Here are some common signs your drain might be blocked:

• Water draining slowly from your sink, shower, or bath
• Gurgling sounds coming from the drains
• Unpleasant smells coming from the pipes
• Water rising higher than usual in the toilet bowl
• Overflowing stormwater grates during rain

If you’re in Rockingham and notice any of these, it’s likely that you’ve got a blocked drain.

Keep Your Drains Clear with Regular Maintenance

Once your drains are cleared, it’s important to maintain them for long long-lasting effect. At RDF Plumbing, we offer ongoing maintenance services for homes, businesses, and properties across Rockingham. Our scheduled inspections and preventative treatments reduce the risk of repeat blockages and catch small issues before they become big headaches.

If you’re a business owner, we also provide tailored plumbing maintenance plans to help keep your operations running smoothly, especially in industries where hygiene and water flow are critical.

When to Call a Professional Blocked Drain Cleaner

If your DIY efforts haven’t done the trick or the blockage keeps coming back, it’s time to call in a licensed blocked drain cleaner like the team at RDF Plumbing. This is the time when you stop guessing and start taking action:

• Water is backing up into your home
• You’ve tried several methods with no improvement
• There’s a foul odour coming from the pipes
• Multiple drains are affected at once
• You suspect tree roots are invading your outdoor pipes

Our team specialises in diagnosing and clearing blocked drains in Rockingham using professional-grade equipment like drain cameras, high-pressure water jetters, and electric eels. We don’t just treat the symptom, we find and fix the root cause.

What Causes Blocked Drains?

Understanding what causes blockages can help prevent future headaches. Here are some of the most common causes we often see in Rockingham homes:

• Fat and grease poured down the kitchen sink
• Hair and soap scum in shower drains
• Foreign objects (like wipes, toys, or sanitary items) flushed down toilets
• Tree roots inside outdoor pipes
• Heavy rain overloads stormwater drains

Being mindful of what goes down your drains and keeping gutters and grates clear can go a long way in avoiding costly plumbing issues.

Preventative Tips to Keep Your Drains Flowing

• Use drain strainers in sinks and showers
• Dispose of oil and grease in the bin, not down the sink
• Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper
• Have regular plumbing inspections, especially in older homes

Cut back trees near drain lines to reduce the risk of root intrusion