What Causes a Blocked Drain?

Blocked drains are one of the most common plumbing problems we see across the Northern Rivers — from Lismore to Byron Bay. The culprits are usually the same: a slow build-up of grease, hair, soap scum, and tree roots that have found their way into older clay pipes.

Left untreated, a partial blockage becomes a full blockage fast. And a full blockage means sewage backing up into your home — not something you want to deal with on a Sunday afternoon.

Warning Signs You Have a Blocked Drain

• Water draining slowly from sinks, showers, or baths
• Gurgling sounds coming from your drains or toilet
• Unpleasant smells rising from drains
• Water pooling around floor drains
• Multiple fixtures backing up at the same time (this usually means the main sewer line)

If you are seeing more than one of these signs at once, call a licensed plumber immediately. Multiple fixtures backing up simultaneously is a strong indicator of a main sewer blockage — a job that requires professional equipment.

Can You Clear a Blocked Drain Yourself?

For minor blockages — a slow bathroom sink or a shower drain clogged with hair — a plunger or a drain snake from the hardware store can sometimes do the trick. Here is what to try first:

1. Remove visible debris from the drain opening by hand (wear gloves).
2. Use a plunger with a firm seal over the drain. Plunge vigorously 10–15 times.
3. Try a drain snake (also called a hand auger) to break up or retrieve the blockage.
4. Flush with boiling water — effective on grease build-up in kitchen sinks.

Avoid chemical drain cleaners. They are harsh on your pipes, dangerous to handle, and rarely solve the underlying problem. They also make the job harder for your plumber when the chemicals have not worked and you need professional help anyway.

When to Call a Licensed Plumber

DIY methods have their limits. Call Master Blasta if:

• The blockage keeps coming back
• You have tried the above steps and nothing has worked
• Multiple drains are affected
• You can smell sewage inside or outside your home
• You suspect tree root intrusion

We use high-pressure water jetting and CCTV drain cameras to locate and clear blockages that DIY methods simply cannot reach. Our team services the entire Northern Rivers region — same-day appointments available for urgent jobs.

How We Clear Blocked Drains

Our process is straightforward:

1. Diagnosis — We run a CCTV camera through the drain to see exactly what we are dealing with.
2. High-pressure jetting — A powerful water jet scours the pipe walls clean, removing grease, scale, and root intrusions.
3. Verification — We camera the drain again after clearing to confirm it is fully open.
4. Report — We show you the before-and-after footage and advise on any pipe repairs needed.

"Terry and the team were at our place within two hours. The drain had been slow for months — turns out there were tree roots halfway down the line. Sorted in under an hour." — Sarah M., Lismore

Preventing Blocked Drains

A little maintenance goes a long way:

• Fit drain strainers in showers and sinks to catch hair and debris
• Never pour cooking oil or grease down the kitchen sink
• Flush drains monthly with boiling water
• Have your drains inspected every 2–3 years if you have mature trees near your sewer line

If you are in Lismore, Ballina, Byron Bay, Mullumbimby, or anywhere across the Northern Rivers and you have a blocked drain that needs sorting, give us a call on 0487 810 593. We fix it fast. We fix it right.