The Times Australia
The Times House and garden

.

How To Tell If Your Drains Are Blocked

  • Written by NewsServices.com

A smelly, blocked or gurgling drain is not just an inconvenience, it’s a potential health hazard if left too long. If your drain-flow issues are allowed to develop it can cause mould growth and dirty backflow that can impact your health and take a lot of time to clean up. Getting your drains flowing again comes down to identifying the signs of blocked drains early and taking action straight away.

We’ve outlined the ways you can identify drain issues quickly.

4 Signs of a Blocked Drain

There are four main signs your drain is blocked. Depending on the type of blockade and where it is located in your pipes these symptoms may come slowly and progressively, or hit you all at once:

  • Gurgling Sounds

A common early sign is a loud gurgle or slurping, strangled noise from blocked air escaping pipes. The usual cause of drain noises is a blockage, forcing water to change direction and pace and pushing against pipes in unusual ways. It’s a good sign you have a blockage that needs attention.

  • Foul Smell

If the matter trapped in your drain is organic it will break down and cause a foul smell. This will cause a noticeable and unpleasant odour around your kitchen drain or in your bathroom when you step inside. It might take some work to identify which pipe or drain is blocked if the smell is slight, however, if you are also experiencing other symptoms listed here it will be a lot easier to know which drain is causing issues.

If the smell seems to be coming from multiple locations, call a plumber for advice, you might be experiencing a more serious issue with your main sewage line.

  • Slow Draining

Slow draining can occur in a number of places in your home, including toilets, showers, sinks and bathtubs. Starting out it might just take a little longer to drain than usual, but as the blockage continues to grow you will see water pooling in increasing volumes. Eventually, the blockage in the pipe will act as a plug and prevent water from exiting at all. While it looks harmless enough to have a slow-acting drain, letting it escalate to fully blocked or flooding will leave you with a plumbing nightmare that takes more time and effort to fix.

  • Overflowing

Overflowing drains can be caused by a number of issues; Caked soap and snagged hair are common problems in bathrooms, while oil, fat and food waste can cause blocks in kitchens, and garden materials and dead leaves can wash into outdoor drains. For toilets, overflow is usually from something flushed that doesn't break down, like sanitary items or wipes. Different problems will need different approaches so think about what might be causing the blockage to help decide what approach to take. Just keep in mind that blocks at this level can still be simple to remove, but you might need some professional help and the right tools to get there.

Home fixes are usually suitable to clear blocked drains but they won’t budge every problem. If you know your pipes are old you might have more severe plumbing issues going on with damaged and broken pipes hidden deeper in your plumbing system. Calling a plumber can help you know if your drains are blocked.

Times Magazine

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Times Features

Distressed by all the bad news? Here’s how to stay informed but still look after yourself

If you’re feeling like the news is particularly bad at the moment, you’re not alone. But many of us can’t look away – and don’t want to. Engaging with news can help us make ...

The Role of Your GP in Creating a Chronic Disease Management Plan That Works

Living with a long-term condition, whether that is diabetes, asthma, arthritis or heart disease, means making hundreds of small decisions every day. You plan your diet against m...

Troubleshooting Flickering Lights: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners

Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik Effectively addressing flickering lights in your home is more than just a matter of convenience; it's a pivotal aspect of both home safety and en...

My shins hurt after running. Could it be shin splints?

If you’ve started running for the first time, started again after a break, or your workout is more intense, you might have felt it. A dull, nagging ache down your shins after...

Metal Roof Replacement Cost Per Square Metre in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide for Australian Homeowners

In recent years, the trend of installing metal roofs has surged across Australia. With their reputation for being both robust and visually appealing, it's easy to understand thei...

Why You’re Always Adjusting Your Bra — and What to Do Instead

Image by freepik It starts with a gentle tug, then a subtle shift, and before you know it, you're adjusting your bra again — in the middle of work, at dinner, even on the couch. I...