Blocked Drains Cleaning Perth

Joel Hunter

Our Hydro Jetter can unblock drains in Perth homes without digging. If you are experiencing a blocked drain in your Perth home or blocked shower drains and are looking for an affordable, non-invasive solution, contact us today.

man unblocking drain with plunger

What Causes Blocked Drains?

Here are some of the top reasons why blocked drains occur:

Toiletries

Baby wipes and nappies are two everyday toiletries that can get stuck in your drain when you flush them down the toilet. It is best to throw these and other toiletries out with your garbage.

Poor Installation

Bad installation can cause drain and pipe blockages, which can impact your wallet. DIY methods can solve the problem, but it is recommended that you get a qualified plumber to do so.

Storms and Heavy Rain

During wet seasons, you will experience flooding from heavy rains, and drains are not really built to handle large volumes of water. Make sure you keep your gutters free of leaves, as they just add to the problem.

Plants

Trees, leaves and shrubs are just some natural debris that cause your drains to become blocked. It is easy to prevent this from happening if you keep the outside area free of leaves and other debris.

Hair

This is no surprise to anyone, but it is one of the most common causes of blocked drains. To avoid a huge problem down the line, remove hair as soon as you see it in the drain. Use gloves when doing so to protect yourself against bacteria.

Grease and Fat Buildup

Just like hair, fat and grease build up in the sink over time. It is not uncommon for pipes to become so clogged that not even water can pass through.

Instead of washing fatty products down the drain, pour the fatty ingredients into a small container and throw them in the dustbin.

Foreign Objects

Foreign objects range from soap to toys, sanitary products to other items, but either way, they get stuck and cause blocked drains.

Check that your kids do not flush anything down the toilet and throw food scraps away, rather than letting it go down the drain with your dish water.

Broken Pipes

Tree roots are one of the things that can cause pipes to break. General wear and tear is another reason, but it is not always easy to tell, especially with underground pipes.

If you think that there might be a broken or fractured pipe, you should always enlist the help of a professional. Trying to do it on your own will only lead to further problems unless you are a plumber.

Mineral Buildup

Hard water deposits can accumulate inside pipes, narrowing the passage over time.

Tree Root Intrusion

Thirsty tree roots seek out water sources, often finding their way into tiny cracks in your pipes and expanding over time.

shower drain cleaning

Blocked Shower Drains In Perth

A common issue we deal with is blocked shower drains. Hair, soap scum, and mineral build-up are usually the main culprits.

If left untreated, these blockages can lead to slow drainage, unpleasant odours, and even water damage to your bathroom.

Our licensed plumbers use specialised tools to clear shower drains quickly and prevent future blockages.

Warning Signs of a Blocked Drain

Don't wait until water is backing up into your home. Look for these early warning signs:

Gurgling sounds from drains or toilets
Slow-draining sinks, showers, or bathtubs
Unpleasant odours coming from drains
Water pooling around floor drains
Multiple fixtures backing up simultaneously

Spotting these signs early can save you from costly emergency repairs and property damage.

diy solutions vs professional drain clearing

DIY Solutions vs Professional Drain Clearing

For minor blockages, you might try:

Using a plunger on the affected drain
Pouring boiling water down the drain (not suitable for PVC pipes)
Creating a natural cleaner with bicarbonate of soda and vinegar

However, these methods often provide only temporary relief. When blockages persist or return quickly, it's time to call the professionals at Drip Hunters.

Our thorough approach addresses the root cause, not just the symptoms.

Our Professional Drain Clearing Equipment

At Drip Hunters, we tackle blocked drains with professional-grade equipment:

High-Pressure Water Jetters: These powerful tools blast away blockages with focused water pressure, leaving your pipes clean and clear.
Professional Drain Snakes: Our industrial-strength drain snakes reach deep into your plumbing to break up and remove stubborn blockages.
Pipe Locators: We precisely identify the location of underground blockages without unnecessary digging.

Blocked Drain FAQs

How do you unblock a badly blocked drain?

If your drain has become badly blocked, there are several solutions you can try to unblock it. Firstly, you can use a plunger to attempt to dislodge the obstruction.

Place the plunger over the drain and create a seal. Then, pump the plunger up and down several times to try and dislodge the obstruction.

If this doesn't work, you can try using a drain snake. This device is a metal rod with a corkscrew-like end that you can snake down the drain to try and break up the blockage.

You can also use a mixture of hot water, baking soda, and vinegar to create a chemical reaction that can help break up the blockage.

Pour the mixture of hot water, baking soda, and vinegar down the drain and let it sit for about 30 minutes before running hot water down the drain to see if the blockage has cleared.

If none of these methods work, you may need to call a professional to assess the situation.
What do plumbers use to unblock drains?

Plumbers use a wide variety of tools to unblock drains, depending on the type of blockage.

Commonly, they will use a plunger or a drain snake, which is a long, flexible metal rod that is inserted into the pipe to remove any blockages.

In more serious cases, a hydro-jetter may be used to blast water through the pipes to clear the blockage, or an electric eel, which is a mechanical auger with a cutting head.
Will a blocked drain unblock itself?

No, unfortunately, a blocked drain will not unblock itself. You may be able to alleviate the problem temporarily by using a plunger or a chemical-based drain cleaner.

However, these measures are often only successful in the short term, and the blockage can return soon after.

If the problem persists, it is best to seek professional help from a qualified plumber.
Can baking soda and vinegar harm pipes?

The short answer is yes: baking soda and vinegar can harm pipes. The reason is that the combination of baking soda and vinegar can cause a reaction that produces carbon dioxide, which can build up in pipes and cause damage.

It is important to note that this is more common in older plumbing systems, as newer systems often have better protection against these reactions.

If you are concerned about your pipes and are considering using baking soda and vinegar, it is best to contact a qualified plumber for advice first.
Does boiling water unblock drains?

Boiling water is one of the oldest and most reliable methods for unblocking drains. It can be used on both sink and shower drains to help break down any built-up debris, so it is worth a try.

Start by boiling a large pot of water, then slowly pour the water directly into the blocked drain. Leave it to sit for a few minutes before flushing the drain with cold water.

This should help to dislodge any blockages and restore the flow of water.
How much does it cost to clear a blocked drain?

We provide upfront pricing before starting any work. Costs vary depending on the location and severity of the blockage, but we always aim to deliver value for money.
How long does drain clearing take?

Most standard blockages can be cleared within 1-2 hours. More complex issues might take longer, but we'll keep you informed throughout the process.
Can you prevent blocked drains?

Yes! Regular maintenance and proper disposal practices significantly reduce the risk of blockages. We're happy to provide personalised prevention advice for your home.