Understanding Sewer Blockages and How To Handle Them

Had a blocked sewer line recently? Youll know exactly how quickly things go sideways slow drains, weird smells, maybe even murky water creeping back into your tub. Its not just gross. Its stressful. It usually hits at the worst time, like after a storm or during a family lunch.

But heres the thing: sewer blockages are almost always preventable. Not always, but mostly. The sooner you get your head around the signs, the fixes, and the dont do that again moments, the easier it is to stay ahead of them.

Lets examine whats happening under the floor properly (and how to prevent it from becoming a nightmare).

What causes a blocked sewer?

The truth is, blocked drains dont just happen out of nowhere. They sneak up on you. One gurgle. Then another. Until eventually Its full-blown chaos.

I had it happen oncethe toilet gurgled every time I did laundry. I thought it was just dodgy plumbing. Nope. It was a big tree root. It took hours to sort it out.

Heres what usually causes it:

Tree roots. Old pipes? Big trees? Bad mix.
Fat, oil and grease. Pour it down the sink once, and itll come back to haunt you.
Wipes and random junk. Flushable is a lie. Just chuck it.
Sagging or broken pipes. Happens with age, bad soil, or poor installations.
Heavy rain. Too much water, nowhere to go. It backs up into your place.

Fixing it isnt cheap. Catching it early? Way better.

Signs your sewers screaming for help

How do you know its not just a slow drain? Simple your house tells you.

More than one drain slows down. Thats no coincidence.
Smells. Funky ones. Especially from the bathroom or laundry.
Gurgling or bubbling sounds. Its air trying to push past water.
Backflow. Water where it should not be.
Outdoor overflow pits are bubbling up. Thats your system under pressure.

True story when I finally called a plumber, he pulled out what looked like a small tree from the line. No joke. Had been growing for years.

For a full breakdown of early warning signs, consider checking out a plumbing health check explanation, which covers what to look for before things go wrong.

Who's responsible?

Ah, the big question. Is it you? Or the council?

If the blockages inside your property line, its on youpipes under your lawn, inside your house, etc.

The council might step in if its out on the street or past your connection point. But dont assume. Theyll want proof, so calling a plumber with a drain camera is goldthey can record it.

If the blockages inside your property line, its on you the pipes under your lawn or inside your home. But once the issue crosses into public land, things get less clear. Sometimes, the responsibility shifts to the local authority or utility provider. You can find practical guidance on sewer maintenance responsibility, which breaks down who handles what regarding shared or boundary-line drainage.

What to do when everything starts backing up

Right. So youve got a problem. Heres what to do quickly.

Stop using the taps. No water down any drain. Seriously.
Check your overflow relief gully (ORG). Its that covered pipe outside. Water might already be spilling there.
Call a plumber. One who knows blocked drains. Ask if theyve got CCTV gear.
Skip the chemicals. They wont help. It could make it worse.

Ill be honest I tried fixing it myself. Thought it was a quick clog. I poured hot water, used a coat hanger, and used a dodgy plunger from the shed. Nothing. Still backed up. Eventually, I called the plumber. Turned out the pipe had cracked underground.

It cost less than I thought and way less than if Id waited.

Keeping it from happening again

Okay, heres the truth: most sewer issues can be dodged if you treat your drains correctly. That doesnt mean nothing will ever go wrong, but youll avoid 90% of it.

Do this stuff:

Dont pour oil or fat down the sink.
Use strainers in the shower and kitchen.
Dont flush wipes, cotton buds, or just one tissue.
Trim back trees near your sewer line.
Get your pipes checked every year or two.

And heres the kickerjust watch your drains. If one starts acting weird, dont ignore it.

One time, our ensuite sink started draining more slowly every Tuesday. Turned out it was after the kids swimming lessons hair, sand, sunblock. I pulled a lump of gunk out using a bent fork and a pair of gloves. Gross. But hey, no plumber was needed that time.

Another time, our kitchen sink clogged completely on a Sunday morning. It turns out that it was bacon grease from a few breakfasts in a row. We didnt think much of it then, but the build-up was a nightmare. Now weve got an old coffee tin on the bench. Grease goes in that. Every time.

If you rent a property, give your tenants a little info sheet. It doesnt need to be fancyjust a dont do these five things list. Itll save everyone the stress.