Eastern Suburbs Plumbing Projects
Home » Learn From Us » Blog & Plumbing Tips » Blocked Drains: A Practical Guide
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 329 reviews Samantha Lopez18 July 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jamie attended my apartment to complete a complex reconnection to restore water supply to my bathroom. He was extremely professional and took great care to ensure all work was completed to a high standard. I highly recommend Jamie and the Mint team. Andrew Murray18 July 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Was available, didn’t have to wait long, got what we needed done all without any fuss. What more could you want! Jacqueline Chou17 July 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everyone was so responsive and helpful. Had Yvan help me fix the plumbing in my van. He was so keen to figure out the problem. Each step was super thorough and eventually figured out the issue and made sure everything was working fine. Even helped me clean up all he water spillage. I'm so thankful for Yvan! He's the absolute best!!! Kate Elderfield17 July 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The workers who came today were efficient and completed the job, I would highly recommend, Jamie was friendly and helpful! Robert Giumelli17 July 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jamie was quickly onsite, diagnosed the issue and planned repairs. gerry kortegast16 July 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great work and Super fast response time. Jamie was great stephen mcgivern11 July 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Good service. Jamie was very helpful Gayle Hannan11 July 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Prompt service, great communication. Jamie got the job completed and updated everyone in unit block of timeline. Mark Blackburn10 July 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Recently had a fantastic experience with Mint Plumbing! Josh & Kim are super responsive and arranged the job ASAP after I called about a blocked sewer line. They made the whole process easy and stress-free. Liam, the plumber who came out, was incredibly efficient, friendly, and got the job done in no time with no fuss at all. Couldn’t be happier with the service – professional, prompt, and reliable. Highly recommend Mint Plumbing! Bev B9 July 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Highly recommend Mint Plumbing. Had an urgent issue which was attended to very promptly within the hour. Jamie repaired the gas leak, explained exactly what was required and was very pleasant to deal with. Will definitely use again!