If your kitchen sink is draining slowly, or your bathroom keeps gurgling after every shower, you’re dealing with one of the most common calls we get from homes across Rozelle, Balmain, Birchgrove, and Leichhardt. Blocked drains rarely happen overnight — they build up gradually, and knowing the early signs can save you from a much bigger mess later.
What usually causes it
Most household blockages come down to a build-up of grease and food scraps in kitchen pipes, or hair and soap residue in bathroom drains. Older homes around Rozelle, Balmain, and Annandale often have ageing clay or cast-iron sewer pipes, which are also prone to tree root intrusion — one of the trickiest blockages to clear without professional equipment. Leichhardt and Lilyfield properties with established street trees see this particularly often.
Signs your drain is on its way to a full blockage
Water draining slower than usual, gurgling sounds from other fixtures when you run water, a bad smell coming from the drain, or water backing up into another sink or shower are all early warning signs worth acting on.
What you can try first
A simple plunger or a mix of hot water and dish soap can sometimes clear minor grease build-up. Avoid chemical drain cleaners where possible — they can damage older pipes and don’t fix the underlying cause.
When to call a plumber
If the blockage keeps coming back, affects multiple fixtures at once, or you notice water pooling in your yard, it’s likely further down the line than a DIY fix can reach. We use drain cameras to find the exact cause and location before recommending a fix, so whether you’re in a Birchgrove terrace or a Balmain East cottage, you’re not paying to dig up your yard unnecessarily.
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