Tag Archive for: blocked drains

Blocked Drains? Signs, Causes & How to Get Your Drain Cleared Fast

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When you have a blocked drain, it rarely happens out of nowhere. Most drain issues build up over time — until suddenly water stops flowing and you need urgent help.

If you’re searching for drain clearing, unblocking a drain, or an emergency plumber, here’s what you need to know.

Common Signs of a Blocked Drain

Catching a blockage early can save you time, stress, and money. Look out for these warning signs:

  • Water draining slowly from sinks, showers, or baths
  • Toilet water rising higher than normal after flushing
  • Gurgling noises coming from pipes or drains
  • Unpleasant smells coming from plugholes or outside drains
  • Outdoor gully trap overflowing or sitting full of water

If you notice any of these, your drain likely needs professional attention.

What Happens If You Don’t Clear a Blocked Drain?

Delaying drain unblocking can turn a minor issue into a costly repair.

Left untreated, blocked drains can lead to:

  • Sewage backups into your home
  • Foul odours caused by trapped waste and bacteria
  • Health risks from contaminated water
  • Leaks and flooding that damage floors, walls, and foundations
  • Higher repair costs if pipes crack or collapse

In short: the earlier you act, the simpler and cheaper the fix.

What Causes Blocked Drains?

Most blocked drains come down to a few common issues:

1. Build-Up of Waste and Debris

Over time, everyday materials accumulate inside pipes:

  • Grease and cooking oils
  • Soap residue and hair
  • Toilet paper and sanitary products
  • Food scraps

This gradually restricts water flow until a blockage forms.

2. Tree Root Intrusion

Tree roots are a major cause of blocked drains in New Zealand properties.
They can:

  • Enter pipes through small cracks or joints
  • Expand inside the pipe
  • Completely block water flow

3. Damaged or Collapsed Pipes

Older or damaged pipes may:

  • Crack
  • Shift
  • Collapse

This not only causes blockages but may require repair or replacement.

How Professional Drain Clearing Works

When you call a plumber for blocked drain repair, the process is typically:

Step 1: Initial Assessment

A plumber checks the symptoms and may attempt to clear the blockage using manual tools for a quick, cost-effective solution.

Step 2: CCTV Drain Inspection

If the blockage is stubborn, a drain camera may be used to:

  • Identify the exact cause
  • Locate the blockage
  • Assess pipe condition

Step 3: High-Pressure Water Jetting

For tougher blockages, high-pressure jetting is used to:

  • Cut through tree roots
  • Flush out grease and debris
  • Fully clear the pipe

Step 4: Repair and Clean-Up

If damage is found, repairs can be carried out. The area is then cleaned and disinfected to ensure hygiene.

Can You Clear a Blocked Drain Yourself?

For minor issues, you can try:

  • Boiling water (for grease build-up)
  • A plunger
  • Basic drain cleaners

However, if the problem persists, it’s best to call a professional. DIY attempts often only provide temporary relief and can sometimes worsen the blockage.

How to Prevent Blocked Drains

Reduce the risk of future blockages with a few simple habits:

  • Avoid pouring fats, oils, and grease down the sink
  • Use drain strainers to catch hair and debris
  • Only flush toilet paper (no wipes or sanitary items)
  • Schedule regular drain inspections if your property has trees nearby

Need Your Drain Cleared? Act Early

Blocked drains don’t fix themselves — and waiting usually makes things worse.

If you’ve noticed slow drainage, bad smells, or rising water levels, it’s time to get it checked. Early drain clearing is faster, cleaner, and far more affordable than dealing with major damage later.

Contact us today for fast, professional help with blocked drains.

Why You Should Clean Your Blocked Gutters – Before It’s Too Late

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As beautiful as Autumn leaves are, they often bring hidden problems for homeowners—especially when they end up in your gutters. Blocked gutters can quickly become a headache.

If you’re not a plumber, you may not realise how much damage a build-up of leaves and debris can cause to your guttering and drainage system. Ignoring your gutters could lead to problems such as:

  • Overflowing gutters during rainfall

  • Rust and deterioration of metal guttering caused by damp, trapped debris

  • Blocked downpipes and stormwater drains when leaves wash into the system

Signs Your Gutters Might Be Blocked

Not sure if your gutters need cleaning? Go and inspect your gutters and look out for these common signs:

  • Water spilling over the sides when it rains

  • Grass or small plants growing in the guttering

  • Damp spots or water pooling near the foundation of your home

Why Gutter Cleaning Matters

Regular gutter cleaning helps prevent expensive repairs and extends the life of your guttering. By removing leaves and debris, you’ll:

  • Reduce the risk of water damage to your home

  • Avoid costly drain unblocking services

  • Keep your downpipes flowing freely

  • Protect your roof, fascia boards, and foundation

If your home is surrounded by trees that frequently drop leaves into your gutters, you might also consider a gutter guard installation. Gutter guards prevent build-up and minimise the need for frequent cleaning.

Get Your Gutters Ready for Winter

With Winter fast approaching, now’s the perfect time to book a professional gutter cleaning service. Craig is your local expert—tall, great with heights, and thorough. He can:

  • Clean out your gutters and downpipes

  • Check for leaks and blockages

  • Wipe your spouting clean

  • Install a gutter guard so you don’t have to think about leaves again

Contact Craig now, he’ll be very happy to come round and get your gutters ready.

Reliable Plumber for Property Managers

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Plumb specialises in residential plumbing maintenance and we have worked with property managers for over 15 years. We understand what a property manager needs from their tradespeople and do our best to make their job easier.

Quick, Reliable Service

We respond to work orders promptly, keeping the property manager updated on progress so they know where each job is at. We’re used to co-ordinating access with tenants and understand the importance of returning keys to the office quickly. Craig’s work truck is stocked with common fittings etc which allows him to complete most jobs on the spot. This means plumbing problems are resolved efficiently and reduces the inconvenience for tenants.

Maintenance, Drain Clearing, Hot Water Cylinders

We do all general plumbing maintenance work such as leaking taps, running toilets and blocked drains. We work with a subcontractor who has a drainage camera and clearing machine for tackling more difficult blockages. We also do hot water cylinder replacements and we prioritise these so that tenants aren’t left without hot water. We work with experienced electricians and are happy to organise them to do the electrical work for cylinder installations.

Keeping Your Landlords Happy

As a plumber for property managers, we know that what we do impacts your relationship with your landlords. Our rates are competitive and our invoices are itemised so you can present them to your landlords without hesitation. We keep spending limits in mind and always get in touch if we expect the cost of a job will go over the allowed amount.

Servicing All of Wellington

We work all over Wellington, including but not limited to The Hutt, Porirua, Wellington Central and the Eastern suburbs.

Contact Plumb

So, if you’re looking for an experienced plumber for property managers who is reliable and easy to work with, contact us now.