Introduction
You’ve just noticed signs of a blocked drain: water pooling, slow drains, maybe some unpleasant smells or that gurgling sound when you turn a tap. It’s annoying, inconvenient—and if ignored, a small blockage can turn into a big, expensive problem. At Drain Divers, we specialize in blocked drains, but we understand that sometimes, there are steps you can take before we arrive to reduce damage or make the eventual job easier.
Here’s what to do if you identify a blocked drain—what to check, what to do (and what not to do). Knowing this can save you time, money, and stress.
Signs you have a blocked drain
Before you act, it helps to be sure. Some typical signs include:
Water draining more slowly than normal (sink, shower, toilet)
Water backing up—either into fixtures or through overflow drains / relief gullies
Foul, sewage-type odour from drains or drain openings
Gurgling noises when water flows (usually air trying to escape past a partial blockage)
Multiple drains acting up (e.g. sink + shower + outside drain) — this suggests the blockage might be deeper, perhaps in a main sewer line
Initial steps: What to turn off / stop
These are immediate actions you can take while you wait for a plumber, or before things escalate:
Turn off all water-using fixtures that feed into the blocked drain
If possible, stop using taps, showers, washing machines, dishwashers. The less water entering, the less chance of overflow, backup, or damage.Avoid further strain on the blockage
Don’t pour grease or oil, food waste, or any other debris down the sink. Don’t flush non-flushable items (e.g. wet wipes, sanitary products) down toilets connected to the affected drain.Check outdoor relief / overflow gullies
Many homes have overflow relief points or relief gullies / drain outlets outside. If water is backing up into these, it gives you clues: is it coming from inside, or is the main external line blocked? Also, ensure these relief gullies aren’t themselves blocked with leaves, soil, garden debris.Protect the area
If water is backing up, protect floors, walls, or landscaping. Mop up, place buckets or towels to prevent water damage.Ventilate if odours or gases are evident
Blockages can lead to stagnant water or trapped gases. Open windows, doors, turn on exhaust fans (if safe).
Things not to do
It’s just as important to avoid actions that may make things worse:
Don’t use harsh chemicals without caution
Strong chemical drain cleaners (especially those with lye, acids) can damage certain kinds of pipes, harm the environment, or be dangerous if mixed with other chemicals.Don’t force tools if you’re unfamiliar
Using drain snakes, rods, or other tools improperly can damage pipes (scratching, dislodging, or even breaking joints).Don’t wait too long
What starts as a small problem can escalate quickly: increased risk of pipe leaks, more structural damage, bad smells, health risks.
When to call the Pros
Some blockages or symptoms need professional diagnosis & repair:
If multiple fixtures are affected (suggesting a main line or sewer problem).
If the blockage persists despite your best attempts (e.g. after cleaning relief gullies, stopping water use).
If you suspect tree root intrusion, collapsed or misaligned pipes, or damage to sewer line or pipe joints.
If water is backing up into your house or flooding.
If odours are strong, persistent, or suspect sewer gas.
If you’re unsure or uneasy—DIY might cost more in damage if done incorrectly.
At Drain Divers, although we’re not a 24-hour service, we aim to respond quickly during our operating hours and can guide you over the phone until we arrive.
What will we do
When you call us, here’s what you can expect:
A qualified plumber will assess your site, including inspecting outside overflow relief points, gullies, all accessible drains.
Use of diagnostic equipment such as CCTV camera inspections to see inside pipes and locate blockages or damage.
Clearing the blockage using appropriate tools (rodding, water-jetting, etc.).
Repair of any damage (pipe cracks, joint failures, etc.), if needed.
Advice on what caused it, and how to prevent recurrence.
You can read more on our Blocked Drains & Repairs service page for details of pricing, process, and what we cover.
Preventative tips to avoid future blockage
While this isn’t strictly what to do now, it helps reduce the chance of this happening again:
Use strainers in sinks, showers, baths to catch hair, food particles, etc.
Don’t pour grease or fats down sinks; instead, let them solidify and dispose of them in the bin.
Regularly clean outdoor drain covers, rain gullies, relief overflows, and check they’re free of debris.
If you have trees near your sewer or external drains, get them checked by a plumber/CCTV for root intrusion.
Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper (avoid wet wipes, etc.).
Conclusion
A blocked drain may throw off your day, but with prompt, sensible action, you can limit the damage and get things back to normal faster. Turning off water, checking overflow relief points, avoiding risky DIY fixes—these can all help. And when it’s more than you can safely handle, that’s exactly when you call in experts like us at Drain Divers.
If you think you may have a blocked drain now, or you want to prevent problems before they start, call us at 0466 999 132 or visit our blocked drains service page for more info.
