BLOCKED DRAINS IN PERTH’S NORTHERN SUBURBS (WHAT TO DO BEFORE IT GETS WORSE)

Common causes in Tuart Hill, Mount Hawthorn, Doubleview and Joondanna homes

Blocked drains are one of the most common callouts we get across Perth’s northern suburbs.

From slow-draining sinks to completely blocked toilets — it usually starts small and gets worse quickly.

If you’re in Tuart Hill, Mount Hawthorn, Doubleview or Joondanna, here’s what to look for and when to call a plumber.

Signs your drain is blocked

• Water draining slowly

• Gurgling sounds in pipes

• Bad smells from sinks or drains

• Water backing up

• Toilet not flushing properly

If you’re noticing one or more of these, it’s best to act early before it turns into a bigger issue.

What causes blocked drains

• Grease and food build-up (kitchens)

• Hair and soap (bathrooms)

• Tree roots in pipes (very common locally)

• Old or damaged pipes

• Foreign objects flushed down toilets

In older suburbs like Mount Hawthorn and Joondanna, we often see ageing pipes combined with tree root intrusion causing repeat blockages.

What happens if you leave it

Blocked drains don’t fix themselves.

Left too long, they can:

• Fully block and stop water flow

• Overflow into your home

• Cause pipe damage

• Lead to more expensive repairs

What you can try first

• Boiling water (for grease build-up)

• A plunger

• Basic drain cleaner (for light blockages only)

If it doesn’t clear quickly, it’s best not to keep forcing it — that’s when things can get worse.

Why it’s common in northern suburbs

We see more blocked drains across:

• Tuart Hill and Joondanna (older pipework)

• Mount Hawthorn (renovations connected to older systems)

• Doubleview (tree roots and established properties)

A lot of homes still have older drainage systems, which are more prone to issues over time.

Gunbarrel tip

If your drain has blocked once, there’s usually an underlying reason.

Getting it properly cleared and checked can prevent it from happening again.

Blocked drains are one of those problems that start small and escalate quickly.

The sooner it’s sorted, the easier (and cheaper) it is.