Blocked Drains
Blocked drains in Melbourne are common, whether you’re living in a heritage home in Fitzroy or a newly built estate in the outer suburbs. So whether you need a plumber in Richmond or beyond, then Pinnacle Plumbing Group has the skill and experience to get the job done
Signs You Have a Blocked Drain & When to Call a Plumber
Blocked drains don’t always happen overnight—they often start with minor warning signs that, if ignored, can escalate into major plumbing disasters. Slow drainage, bad smells, and gurgling noises are early indicators that your plumbing system needs attention.
At Pinnacle Plumbing, we specialize in drain inspections, unblocking, and preventive maintenance to ensure your pipes stay free-flowing and functional. Here’s how to identify a blocked drain before it becomes a bigger issue and when to call a professional plumber.
1. Slow Drainage: The First Warning Sign
🚨 What to Look For:
✔ Water takes longer than usual to drain in sinks, bathtubs, or showers.
✔ Toilet flushes sluggishly and may not clear properly.
✔ Standing water in the sink or shower that drains slowly.
🛠 Why This Happens:
- ● Grease, soap scum, and hair accumulate inside pipes, restricting water flow.
- ● Mineral deposits from hard water can cause buildup over time.
- ● A partial blockage may be forming deeper in the drain system.
💡 DIY Fix:
✅ Use a plunger to dislodge the blockage.
✅ Flush drains with hot water and dish soap to break down grease.
✅ Try a baking soda and vinegar mixture, followed by boiling water, to clear minor buildup.
📞 If slow drainage persists, it could be a deep blockage—call Pinnacle Plumbing before it worsens!

2. Unpleasant Odours from Drains
🚨 What to Look For:
✔ A rotten or musty smell coming from sinks, showers, or floor drains.
✔ The odour worsens after running water.
✔ A persistent sewage smell near drains or in the yard.
🛠 Why This Happens:
- Food scraps, grease, and debris trapped in pipes start to rot.
- Sewer gases may be escaping due to a blocked vent or drain line.
- Standing water inside pipes can encourage bacterial growth.
💡 DIY Fix:
✅ Pour a cup of baking soda followed by vinegar down the drain to break down debris.
✅ Flush with hot water after 10 minutes.
✅ Use enzyme-based drain cleaners to prevent bacterial buildup.
📞 Still smelling foul odours? This could indicate a deeper issue—Pinnacle Plumbing can help with professional drain cleaning!

3. Gurgling Sounds from Pipes: A Sign of Air Blockages
🚨 What to Look For:
✔ Bubbling or gurgling noises when flushing the toilet or draining sinks.
✔ Water backing up into other fixtures—for example, the shower drain gurgling when the toilet is flushed.
✔ Drains making unusual sucking or whistling noises.
🛠 Why This Happens:
- Air pockets form due to trapped water and waste, making gurgling sounds as water tries to flow past.
- A blocked vent pipe prevents air from circulating through the plumbing system.
- Sewer line blockages create a vacuum effect, causing air bubbles to escape through other drains.
💡 DIY Fix:
✅ Run hot water down all sinks for several minutes to check for improvement.
✅ Use a plunger to attempt clearing the blockage.
✅ Inspect outdoor vent pipes for obstructions like leaves or debris.
📞 Ignoring gurgling sounds can lead to a complete blockage or sewage backup—call Pinnacle Plumbing before it’s too late!
4. Water Pooling or Overflowing Drains: A Plumbing Emergency
🚨 What to Look For:
✔ Water backing up in the shower or bathtub drain when using other fixtures.
✔ Floor drains overflowing with dirty water.
✔ Toilet water rising dangerously high after flushing.
✔ Sewage backup in sinks or drains.
🛠 Why This Happens:
● A complete drain blockage prevents water from flowing freely.
● Sewer line obstructions (like tree roots or grease buildup) stop wastewater from draining properly.
● A collapsed or broken drain pipe may be preventing water from passing through.
📞 This is a plumbing emergency! Contact Pinnacle Plumbing for 24/7 emergency drain clearing!
All the recent technologies
To clear your drains fast from Hydrojetting, CCTV and pipe locating equipment.
Our Experienced Plumbers
Can diagnose, clear and repair whether it be stormwater or sewer drains.
Tree root intrusion
never a problem with our high powered Jetters and Root Cutters.
A comprehensive report
Provided on completion including CCTV footage of our findings.
Our expert team
Can perform expert repairs as required. From collapsed drains to build up of foreign matter
5. Unexplained Patches of Green Grass or Wet Spots in Your Yard
🚨 What to Look For:
✔ Lush, overly green patches of grass in your yard.
✔ Wet spots or puddles that don’t dry up, even in dry weather.
✔ Foul odours near sewer line areas outside your home.
🛠 Why This Happens:
● Sewage leaks from underground pipes can fertilize grass, causing it to grow unnaturally fast.
● A broken or leaking sewer pipe may be releasing wastewater into the soil.
● Tree roots may have damaged your drainage system, leading to underground leaks.
📞 If you suspect an underground pipe issue, call Pinnacle Plumbing for a CCTV drain inspection!


When Should You Call a Plumber for a Blocked Drain?
At Pinnacle Plumbing, we offer fast, reliable, and affordable drain clearing services to prevent minor issues from turning into major disasters.
Why Homeowners Trust Us:
✔ 24/7 Emergency Drain Clearing – We respond fast to urgent blockages.
✔ CCTV Drain Inspections – We find and fix hidden pipe issues before they worsen.
✔ High-Pressure Jetting – Clears stubborn grease, roots, and debris efficiently.
✔ No Hidden Fees – Honest pricing with no surprises.
✔ Licensed & Experienced Plumbers – Guaranteed professional service.
🚨 Ignoring a blocked drain is risky—call Pinnacle Plumbing before it’s too late! 🚨
📞 Blocked drain? Get expert help now—Call Pinnacle Plumbing today!
Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs of a Blocked Drain
Blocked drains always start small—whether it’s slow drainage, bad smells, or gurgling sounds. Catching these signs early can prevent expensive plumbing emergencies.
🚨 If you notice any of these warning signs, contact Pinnacle Plumbing today for professional drain cleaning and repairs! 🚨