At Exeter Plumbing, we believe in saving you money wherever possible—if we can help you solve a drainage problem yourself with simple DIY methods, we're happy to share our expertise. However, when the job requires professional tools and experience, we're here to provide fast, reliable service across the Southern Highlands.
Blocked drains are one of the most common plumbing issues facing Southern Highlands homeowners. Whether it's leaves clogging outdoor drains during autumn, kitchen sinks backing up, or bathroom drains running slow, knowing when you can tackle the problem yourself—and when to call Exeter Plumbing—can save you time, money, and potential damage. Quick Assessment: Is This a DIY Job? Before you start, ask yourself:
Best for: Toilet blockages and sink drains with standing water 1. Remove any visible debris from the drain opening2. Cover overflow holes with a wet cloth to create proper suction3. Use a cup plunger (not a flange plunger) for sinks4. Create a seal around the drain and plunge vigorously 10-15 times5. Test with running water to see if blockage clears Pro tip: A good plunger can clear 80% of simple blockages without chemicals.
Best for: Grease buildup in kitchen sinks 1. Boil a large pot of water (not for PVC pipes - use very hot tap water instead)2. Add 2-3 tablespoons of dish soap to the drain3. Pour hot water slowly down the drain in 2-3 stages4. Wait 20 minutes then flush with more hot water5. Repeat if necessary Pro tip: Never use boiling water on PVC pipes as it can cause damage.
Best for: Light blockages and regular maintenance 1.Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain2. Follow with 1/2 cup white vinegar3. Cover the drain with a plug or cloth4. Wait 15 minutes for the reaction to work5. Flush with hot water Pro tip: This method is safe, natural, and won't damage your pipes.
Best for: Bathroom drains with hair clogs 1.Remove the drain cover if possible2. Use needle-nose pliers or a wire coat hanger to pull out visible debris3. Wear rubber gloves and remove hair, soap buildup4. Replace drain cover and test with running water Pro tip: This is great to do every couple of months as routine maintenance.
When dealing with blocked drains, it's just as important to know what to avoid as it is to know what works. Many homeowners make costly mistakes that can turn a simple blockage into an expensive plumbing disaster. The biggest mistake is reaching for chemical drain cleaners. While these products promise quick results, they can cause serious damage to your plumbing system, especially in older homes or those with PVC pipes. Chemical drain cleaners are also harmful to the environment and can severely damage septic systems, which many Southern Highlands rural properties rely on. More importantly, these harsh chemicals often don't solve the underlying problem and can actually make blockages worse by creating a hardened mass. They're also dangerous to handle, as splashing can cause serious chemical burns to your skin and eyes. Equally problematic is using excessive force to clear blockages. Many homeowners attempt to use drain snakes or augers without proper knowledge of how these tools work, often pushing blockages further down the pipe or damaging the pipe walls. Similarly, dismantling pipes without plumbing knowledge can lead to leaks, improper reassembly and water damage. Another common mistake is using high-pressure water from a garden hose indoors, which can force water and debris back into your home and potentially damage pipe joints.
Living in the Southern Highlands presents unique drainage challenges that homeowners in other regions might not face. During autumn months, fallen leaves create particular problems for outdoor drainage systems. Leaves commonly accumulate in outdoor drains, gutters and downpipes, creating blockages that can cause water to overflow and potentially flood your property. The abundance of established trees throughout the Southern Highlands means this is an ongoing seasonal issue that requires regular attention. Property owners should make clearing outdoor drains part of their autumn maintenance routine to prevent major blockages from developing. Winter brings its own set of drainage challenges to the region. The wet winter months encourage tree root intrusion into sewer pipes, as roots seek out moisture and nutrients. Ground movement during heavy rainfall can also affect pipe alignment, particularly in areas with clay soils common to parts of the Southern Highlands. Additionally, the increased rainfall during winter can overwhelm drainage systems that work fine during drier months, leading to backups and slow-draining fixtures. For rural properties throughout the Southern Highlands, drainage issues can be more complex than in town areas. Many rural homes rely on septic systems rather than town sewer connections, which require different approaches to blockage clearing and maintenance. The longer pipe runs typical of rural properties mean that blockages can be harder to locate and access. Water quality variations in rural areas may also contribute to different types of buildup in pipes, with mineral deposits and soap scum forming differently depending on your local water source.
Some drainage problems are serious enough to require immediate professional attention. If you notice any of these red flag situations, stop what you're doing and call Exeter Plumbing on 1300 155 944 right away.
Red Flag Situations Multiple drains backing up simultaneously - indicates main line blockage Sewage odors coming from drains Water backing up into other fixtures when you use a sink or toilet Gurgling sounds from multiple drains Tree roots visible in outdoor drains Recurring blockages in the same drain You've Tried DIY and It's Not Working - Methods above haven't worked after 2-3 attempts- Water level isn't going down after several hours- Blockage returns within days of clearing- You're uncomfortable with any step of the process
If your drain blockage is beyond DIY methods or if you're simply not comfortable tackling it yourself, Exeter Plumbing is here to help. We service Moss Vale, Bowral, Mittagong and the entire Southern Highlands region with 24/7 emergency service for urgent blockages, professional drain cleaning with specialised equipment, CCTV drain inspections to identify root causes, preventative maintenance programs and honest advice on repair vs replacement. Don't let a blocked drain ruin your day. Call Exeter Plumbing on 1300 155 944 for fast, professional drain clearing services across the Southern Highlands. Remember: When in doubt, call the professionals. We're here to help solve your drainage problems quickly and effectively.
Caring For Your Septic System
Whether you are new to having a septic system or have had one for years, Exeter Plumbing can help you look after your septic system ensuring you have minimal issues. Septic tanks are a living…
Blocked Drain Culprits
When it comes to your toilet there are only three things that should be flushed – a ‘number one’, a ‘number two’ and toilet paper. Everything else has the potential to clog your pipes. This is especially true for…
Signs Of A Blocked Drain
Exeter Plumbing have the latest equipment to ensure your drains flow freely. Our trucks are equipped with Jet Blasters and CCTV Drain Inspection Cameras to visually inspect the inside of your drains…
Toilet Talk 101
There are overwhelmingly many different types of toilets available on the market. While having a choice is great, it can get confusing with all of the specialised terminology...
Call us anytime day or night 1300 155 944
Exeter Plumbing services all areas of the Southern Highlands and surrounding areas.
No call out fees Monday-Friday 7.30am - 4.00pm
