How do you know if your sewer is clogged or blocked?

There’s no worse feeling than flushing the toilet and seeing the water in the bowl fill up to the brim, instead of going away. This is an obvious sign that something is not right and there is a blockage.

There can be other signs that are less obvious leading up to this moment.

• Gurgling or gasping sounds.

TOILET GURGLING

• Fluctuating water levels or siphoning.

• Bad Smells.

• External Grates overflowing with sewerage.

OVERFLOW RELIEF GULLY

How do you know if the whole sewer is blocked, or just the one fixture?

For example:

If your bathroom basin is draining slowly or is completely clogged, but there are no issues with other fixtures in the property, it is likely that only the basin is affected. This is a common issue due to the accumulation of hair, toothpaste, skin care products and the occasional cheeky que tip.

In this scenario running hot water can help loosen debris, followed by using a small plunger to clear the blockage in the sink.

Why does my bathroom smell?

Bad odours are often caused by blockages or venting issues but can also result from unused fixtures. Each fixture has a trap (built-in or installed) that stops sewer gases from entering your home. If fixtures like bathtubs aren’t used regularly, their p-traps can dry out, letting unpleasant smells in. To prevent this, run water through all fixtures at least once every two weeks to maintain the water seal in the traps.

EXAMPLE OF A DRIED-OUT TRAP

Why is sewerage is overflowing from the grate outside?

If sewage is overflowing from the Overflow Relief Gully located outside the house, this typically indicates a blockage within the property's main sewer line.

What should I do if my Overflow Relief Gully is blocked?

Begin by removing the grate and using a heavy-duty plunger, such as a shaft plunger.

• Lower the plunger down the gully shaft slowly until it reaches the bottom, where it will make contact with the trap.

• Once positioned at the bottom, pull the plunger up, then push it back down to the trap.

• Repeat this process firmly about ten times or until the blockage is cleared.

• If the blockage persists, it may be necessary to contact a plumber, as the issue could be due to tree roots or damaged piping.

What can cause sewer blockages?

Sewer blockages may occur for several reasons, which can vary depending on whether the property is newly built or older. Newer homes typically use PVC pipes, while older homes often have earthenware (terracotta) pipes. Each type of pipe has its own potential issues that can contribute to blockages.

Newer homes with PVC pipes:

• Inadequate natural slope.

• Pipe damage during construction (e.g., star pickets puncturing pipes).

• Unstable drain bedding leading to pipe cracks, which allow tree roots or toilet paper to cause obstructions.

• Flushing foreign objects down the toilet or Overflow Relief Gully.

Older homes with Earthenware pipes:

Earthenware pipes are constructed from clay or terracotta, with multiple sections connected by rubber seals or mortar. Over time, earthenware may become brittle, which can lead to various problems.

• Misalignment of pipe sections.

• Tree roots entering through joints in the pipework.

• Collapse of sewer lines, boundary traps, or gully traps.

Why choose M2F Plumbing Solutions for sewer blockages?

Amanda & Matt specialise in blockages and repairs. We assess the sewer system to identify and clear issues directly at their source. After clearing, we inspect the drain with CCTV to determine the cause and check pipe condition. If problems are found, we locate the damage and its depth, advising you on your options moving forward.