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How to Unblock a Drain: Signs, DIY Fixes & When to Call a Plumber
Blocked drains can cause serious damage if left unchecked. Learn how to recognise early signs, safely unblock your drains using DIY methods, and know when it’s time to call in the professionals. Get practical tips to prevent plumbing emergencies at home or work.
How to Spot a Blocked Drain
Blocked drains often start small, but catching the issue early can prevent larger problems down the track. Here are the most common signs to watch out for:
- Slow-Draining Sinks or Showers: If water is draining slower than usual, there’s likely a blockage somewhere.
- Unpleasant Smells: Foul odours from your drain are usually a sign of trapped waste.
- Gurgling Noises: If you hear strange noises coming from the pipes, it’s often air trapped behind a clog.
- Water Backing Up: If water rises up through your sinks or toilets, this could indicate a serious blockage.
If you notice any of these, don’t wait. Call us at (02) 9139 8003 before the problem worsens.
What You Can Do About Blocked Drains
If the issue seems minor, there are a few things you can try before calling a plumber:
- Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners: These can damage your pipes, especially older systems.
- Try boiling water or baking soda and vinegar: These natural remedies can break down small clogs.
- Plunge or Snake the Drain: If the clog isn’t too deep, a plunger or drain snake might help.
- Call a Licensed Plumber: If the blockage persists or keeps coming back, it’s best to get professional help to prevent further damage.
If you’re not sure or the issue persists, don’t hesitate to contact Mint Plumbing & Relining.
Emergency Plumbing for Blocked Drains
A blocked drain can quickly become an emergency, especially if it’s causing water to back up or flooding your home or business. If you’re experiencing a sudden blockage, it’s important to act fast. Mint Plumbing & Relining offers emergency plumbing services for blocked drains, ensuring you get quick, professional help when you need it most. Our team is on call to provide immediate solutions and prevent further damage to your property.
Take Action Before It Gets Worse
Ignoring blocked drains can lead to bigger issues, such as burst pipes or flooding. If you’re dealing with frequent blockages, bad smells, or water backup, it’s time to get professional help. Early intervention can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
Don’t wait until the problem worsens. Call Mint Plumbing & Relining for fast and reliable assistance. We’ll clear your drains and ensure everything is running smoothly.
Why Choose Mint Plumbing & Relining?
At Mint Plumbing & Relining, we understand how frustrating plumbing issues can be. Our expert team offers quick, reliable solutions for everything from drain inspections to pipe relining. Whether you’re dealing with a minor blockage or a major drainage issue, we have the expertise to get the job done right.
We’re trusted by homeowners and businesses across Sydney, including those with older plumbing systems in the Eastern Suburbs. Our goal is to help you avoid costly repairs by addressing issues early. Let us solve your plumbing problems quickly and efficiently.
Get in touch with our expert team today before your blocked drain turns into an emergency!
Service Areas
Our team proudly serves Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, from Watsons Bay to Maroubra, Randwick to Rose Bay, and everywhere in between.
Whether you’re in Bondi, Coogee, Paddington, or Potts Point, you can rely on Mint Plumbing & Relining for fast, local service, with a $0 call-out fee throughout the Eastern Suburbs.
Wherever you’re located in the east, we’ve got your plumbing needs covered.
Customer Testimonials
EXCELLENT Based on 402 reviews Noad A21 October 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great work from Mitch, called ahead, came in the allocated time, sorted out all the issues plus more. Really appreciate it. Karli Germann18 October 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. George fixed our water heater today and was very professional, friendly and reliable. I’d recommend him to anyone needing a plumber! Marsh Li14 October 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. YVAN. Professional work and very polite. Jamie Byrne14 October 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had Mint Plumbing fix a burst pipe in our apartment and they did a great job! Yvan was super efficient and had great communication. Everything was left nice and clean afterwards. Claudine Haber13 October 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great work, on time, efficient Jordan Farrell13 October 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a really good experience with Mint Plumbing. George came out to replace some tapware, install a new cistern and improve the drainage. He was super professional, easy to deal with and did a great job. Everything was done properly and with no fuss. Would definitely recommend George and the team!! Zrinka Lemezina9 October 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mint was fantastic, in every way. Mitch and Finn responded to our emergency call out within the hour and fixed our hot water for the day, while also organising a permanent fix to our outdated and failing heating system. George and James spent the following morning installing a full upgrade and replacement of our hot water system, arriving punctually and working efficiently to ensure minimal disruption to our home. They were super neat and cleaned up what very little mess was required to do the job properly. Everyone was courteous and friendly, and all prices were quoted upfront. We are very happy customers - thank you Mint! Ross Annas29 September 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Outstanding experience dealing with Joshua and his company Mint Plumbing and Relining. The team, led by Lucas, were efficient, very effect and completely professional. Admin were on top of all communication and I was never waiting for information. Lucas even came back on the weekend following the completion of the job to unblock another, unrelated blockage and didn't charge! (And it was Footy Finals weekend!!) I thoroughly recommend you use these guys. joshua Baraba27 September 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jamie was outstanding and super respectful Sinead Franks27 September 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thanks Jamie! Very knowledgeable, efficient and respectful of my home.