When you have a blocked sink or slow-draining shower, it’s natural to call a local plumber. But if the problem keeps coming back or suddenly gets worse, there’s a good chance a blocked drain specialist is what you really need.
Blocked drains can be common in Sydney, especially during winter. Heavy rain, aggressive tree roots, and solidified kitchen grease all make a bad situation worse. While a general plumber might clear the surface issue, a drain specialist goes deeper. We identify and fix the root cause, which is often hidden underground, with tools and experience beyond what most plumbing services offer.
Here are the signs you’re not just dealing with a simple blockage but something that needs a drain expert.
1. The Blockage Keeps Coming Back
If you’ve already tried drain cleaner, boiling water, or even called a plumber more than once, it’s time to stop wasting money and start solving the problem properly. Recurring blocked drains often point to damage inside the pipe itself or deeper issues like tree roots or collapsed sections.
A blocked drain specialist uses CCTV drain inspection equipment to check what’s really going on. We look inside your pipes to find the exact cause so you’re not stuck guessing or relying on temporary fixes.
2. You Smell Sewage or Musty Odours
A foul smell coming from your sink, toilet, or outdoor drains is more than just unpleasant. It’s a warning sign. These smells are often caused by trapped waste, broken pipes, or a blocked sewer line. In older Sydney homes, these systems can fail silently until they become a serious health risk.
Standard plumbing tools might not reach the source. We use specialised equipment to diagnose and clear deep blockages safely without tearing up your garden or bathroom.
3. Water Draining Slowly or Not at All
Water should move freely through your pipes. If multiple drains are slow at the same time, such as your shower, kitchen sink, and toilet, that usually signals a blockage further down the system.
In some cases, a collapsed pipe or build-up of silt and debris could be choking the flow. These problems won’t go away with a plunger. Our drain clearing specialists use high-pressure jetting and CCTV to clear the blockage and check for damage at the same time.
4. Stormwater Overflowing During Rain
If your yard floods or water pools near your drains after rain, it could be a stormwater drain blockage. Leaves, mud, and tree roots are common culprits, especially after heavy winter downpours.
Unlike indoor drains, stormwater issues often go unnoticed until it’s too late. Overflow can damage your foundation, paving, and even the structure of your home. We’re equipped to clear and repair stormwater pipes so your drainage system can cope with the weather.
5. Gurgling Sounds from Pipes or Toilets
Unusual sounds coming from your pipes might not seem like a big deal at first, but they can be early signs of a serious problem. Gurgling often means air is trapped in the system. This is usually due to a blockage or partial collapse in the pipe.
The longer it’s left, the more pressure builds. This increases the chance of a complete blockage or pipe damage. Getting this checked by an Sydney drain expert means you can fix the problem early before it becomes an emergency.
6. You’ve Found Tree Roots in Your Drains Before
Tree roots in drains are incredibly common in Sydney, especially during winter when the ground is soft and roots grow aggressively. Once roots get into your pipes, they continue to grow, trapping grease, paper, and waste until you end up with a full blockage.
Clearing the roots manually might provide a short-term solution. But unless the pipe is repaired or relined, the roots will grow back. Our team handles both the removal and repair. We use CCTV drain inspection to assess the damage and then carry out long-lasting fixes that stop the problem returning.
7. You’re Facing an After-Hours Emergency
Some drain issues can’t wait. Overflowing toilets, water backing up into sinks, or severe flooding during storms are emergencies that need a fast response.
We offer emergency drain services across Sydney. Whether it’s after-hours or on a public holiday, we’re equipped to handle the most urgent blocked drain issues without delay.
Why Sherlock Drains?
We don’t just clear blocked drains. We solve the cause of the issue and we do it with care. Our team provides honest advice, clear pricing, and practical solutions that work without damaging your home or blowing your budget.
Instead of throwing money at the same drain every few months, we help you get it fixed properly the first time. Whether it’s a CCTV inspection, high-pressure jetting, pipe relining, or root removal, we’ve got the tools and experience to sort it out.
Book a Specialist, Not Just a Plumber
If you’ve noticed any of the signs above, it’s time to stop patching the problem and call in the experts.
Get in touch with our team to book a proper inspection or ask about our drain unblocking services in Sydney. Let’s find the cause and fix it properly for good.
0455 158 158