4.7-Stars based on 231 Reviews

24/7 Emergency

Introduction: Recognizing the Signs of a Severe Plumbing Blockage

A blocked drain or pipe can significantly disrupt daily life for Strathfield residents and businesses. When debris, grease, hair and other materials find its way into your plumbing system, they can obstruct the flow of wastewater and bring your daily routines to a standstill.

While minor clogs may slow drainage or cause bubbling noises, severe blocks require immediate attention as they indicate a serious plumbing issue. Left unchecked, they can lead to sewage backups, flooded properties, burst pipes and compromised stormwater drain systems, leading to expensive repairs. identifying signs your drains might be clogging up early allows for immediate action, which is crucial.

With over a decade of trust from Strathfield locals, Strathfield Plumbing is committed to helping you quickly identify and address severe blockages to prevent catastrophic damage. Read on as we outline the key indicators that your drains require emergency drain cleaning services.

Slow or Backed Up Drainage

One initial sign of a blocked drain is water draining slowly from your sinks, showers, bathtubs, and other fixtures. You might observe water taking longer to drain than usual, leading to pools of water or the frequent necessity to use a plunger.

Slow drainage suggests a partial obstruction of wastewater flow, not yet resulting in a complete clog of your sink or toilet drain. While this stage usually precedes a full blockage, slow drainage on its own can still enable sewage backups and flooding if left unaddressed.

Slow drainage in multiple fixtures throughout your home suggests a more significant issue with your main sewer line. Any sluggish drainage affecting the entire plumbing system warrants immediate attention before the issue escalates.

Strathfield Plumbing advises against ignoring slow draining water, which often signals a blocked drain. Call us as soon as you notice reduced your water flow so we can conduct drain inspections and clear the obstruction before major damage occurs.

Gurgling Sounds from Pipes

Gurgling noises from your washing machine or pipes during drainage are a distinct sign of a severe blockage. Gurgling and burbling sounds from your drains may indicate a blockage.

Don’t ignore gurgling sounds from your plumbing fixtures or main sewer line, as these often indicate a blocked drain. The team at Strathfield Plumbing highly recommend taking these auditory signs seriously as they suggest an imminent and dangerous clog that can quickly escalate into a backup, flood or burst pipe if left unmanaged.

Although some gurgling may arise from minor buildup or trapped air in the pipes, persistent or louder gurgling typically signals a substantial accumulation of debris, leading to blockages. Sewage gases can in addition corrode pipes and create unhealthy gases in your home, slowly making their way down drain.

If you notice your drains gurgling regularly or loudly, it’s a clear indication to call a qualified plumber soon, and our team in Strathfield is ready to provide assistance. We can employ a drain camera among other specialised equipment to pinpoint the location of the blockage and clear it fully before catastrophe strikes your plumbing system.

Foul and Unusual Odors

Odours reminiscent of rotten eggs or sewage can hint at a significant blockage trapping contaminated water and organic material.

As debris clogs the pipe, it restricts water and air flow, much like incorrectly flushed items do. The stench could indicate that the blockage has begun seriously obstructing wastewater flow, paving the way for a dangerous backup and potential further damage.

Don’t overlook unusual and unpleasant smells from sewer drains, as they often expose hidden blockages. These odours are often the first tip-off of a critical blockage in need of urgent attention before flooding or pipe deterioration occurs.

While brief odours can sometimes come from small amounts of debris, consistent terrible smells indicate that the drain can have a more complete clog. Sewage gases also corrode pipes, posing a health risk if released indoors.

If you detect persistent foul odours within your plumbing system, contact Strathfield Plumbing right away, our expertise can be used to resolve the issue. We have the tools and expertise to pinpoint and resolve the blockage before major drainage failures and expensive plumbing repairs become necessary.

Overflowing Drains

Drain overflow incidents, such as water backing up from a toilet or floor drain, can disrupt your entire drainage system and are a clear indicator that a dangerous blockage exists. This backup allows wastewater to overflow the toilet bowl and other drains rather than passing through the obstructed plumbing system.

Overflowing drains are hazardous, particularly when caused by a blocked toilet due to sewer line obstruction. Even blocked stormwater drains in areas just outside your home may overflow, unbeknownst to you.

To avoid disastrous sewer backups, contact Strathfield Plumbing promptly if you see water overflowing from any drain. We can inspect pipes throughge

Common Causes of Severe Blockages

Buildup of Debris

Tree Roots

Structural Pipe Damage

Consequences of Neglecting a Severe Blockage

Backed Up Sewage

Allowing a severe blockage to persist can enable raw sewage to back up into your property. Backed up sewage contains harmful bacteria, viruses and mould spores that can cause serious illnesses.

Sewage backups can cause significant terrible odours and create costly damage if the contaminated water spills onto floors and furniture. Sewage water is considered a category 3 hazardous material.

Pipe Bursts and Water Damage

When water levels rise and pressure builds behind a severe blockage, it’s vital to shut off your property’s water supply to prevent potential pipe bursts. Turning off water to the property is crucial when Burst pipes can release large volumes of water that may severely damage walls, floors, ceilings, and personal property.

Shutting off water supply can mitigate the impact when a burst pipe floods an average of 300 gallons of water per hour. Water damage enables mould growth and requires extensive repairs.

Health Risks

The havoc raw sewage can do when overflowing indoors poses a high risk of infectious diseases. Gastroenteritis, hepatitis A and dysentery are among the illnesses spread by exposure to contaminated wastewater and sewage gases.

Dangerous mould can take root if prolonged moisture issues exist. Allowing any overflow or backup to persist puts your household’s health and safety in peril.

By carefully monitoring signs of a severe blockage and acting quickly, you can avoid a plumbing crisis. Our expert team is on call 24/7 to tackle severe blockages and protect your plumbing system.

Preventing Severe Blockages

Regular Drain Maintenance

Implementing regular drain maintenance is the best way to avoid severe blockages in your Strathfield home. This includes regularly removing accumulated hair, soap scum, and grease to prevent major clogs.

Weekly routines like flushing hot water and baking soda down the sink to dissolve grease, utilising drain strainers to trap debris, and clearing drains with an auger can help prevent build-up. Having Strathfield Plumbing conduct professional drain cleaning for your garbage disposal can help remove any substantial buildup every 6-12 months.

Catching minor clogs early prevents them from escalating into drain blockages that require emergency plumbing repairs down the road.

Avoid Pouring Grease Down Drains

Grease and cooking oils are main causes of blockages and should never be washed down the drain nor poured into kitchen sinks. As it cools, grease solidifies, sticking to pipe walls and contributing to blockages from accumulating debris.

A grease trap and overflow relief gully fitted to your kitchen sink can capture grease, fat, and oil, stopping them from entering the pipes. Scrape grease and food remnants off plates and cookware into the bin, avoiding the flushing of such items down the toilet.

Install Screens to Catch Debris

Fitting shower, bathroom sink, and tub drains with screens is a practical method to intercept hair, food particles, and debris from entering the plumbing system. This also keeps large objects from causing immediate obstructions.

The team at Strathfield Plumbing highly recommends stainless steel screens with small holes that allow water drainage while trapping solids. Screens should be cleaned off regularly to maximise effectiveness.

Through careful maintenance and correct disposal of toilet paper, you can steer clear of the disruptions and hazards of clogged drains. Contact Strathfield Plumbing for all your plumbing services needs, including personalised services and tailored drain care plans for your home or business.

Knowing When to Call a Professional

As experienced plumbers, we at Strathfield Plumbing understand that clogged drains and other plumbing problems can sometimes appear manageable at first. Nevertheless, certain signs like slow drainage or bad odours can flag significant problems that may require professional assistance.

Persistent Drainage Issues

If plunging or chemical cleaners fail to improve slow or backed-up drainage, the blockage might be beyond DIY remedies. Persistent bad odours, overflowing fixtures, and audible gurgling sounds emanating from somewhere your sewer’s vicinity also signal it’s time to seek professional help.

Signs of Burst Pipes or Sewage Leaks

Pipe bursts and sewage leaks can lead to floods, contaminate your residence, and require extensive repairs. If you see water spots on walls or ceilings from potential water leaks, detect a gas or sewage smell, or find standing water anywhere, contact our emergency plumber immediately.

When to Call Strathfield Plumbing

Our team of licensed, insured plumbers is on hand 24/7 to address any water system concerns. Equipped with the right tools and expertise, we can swiftly diagnose issues and carry out repairs, including pipe relining. Trust our professional team who did great job in the past handling severe blockages, pipe bursts, sewage backups, and other catastrophic plumbing situations.

For urgent help emergency plumbing assistance in Strathfield and throughout Sydney, call Strathfield Plumbing anytime at 1300 349 338 or email [email protected]. Our top priority is restoring and protecting your home through skilled drain repairs to prevent further damage your property could endure.

News & Information

Essential Safety Gear Gas Work
Essential Safety Gear for Gas Work

On gas work sites, required safety gear usually includes eye protection, hearing protection, hand and foot protection, and flame-resistant clothing to protect against hazards. Proper protective equipment is essential to avoid injuries when working with flammable gases.

Chemical Drain Cleaners?
Should You Use Chemical Drain Cleaners?

Chemical drain cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can damage pipes and release toxic fumes. While convenient, they pose safety risks and environmental concerns. Eco-friendly enzyme cleaners are a safer alternative. For the pros and cons and best methods, contact our experts.

Blocked Drains’ Health Risks Home
Blocked Drains’ Health Risks At Home

Blocked drains allow bacteria and pests to breed, creating health hazards. They also risk pipe and property damage from corrosion, leaks, and floods. Call a professional plumber to safely unblock drains.

Do you need a Strathfield plumber?

Shield

Address

Strathfield, 2135 NSW

Contact Our Plumbers

We will call back as soon as possible.

Plumber
Footer
Call Now!