3 Reasons You Should Call a Plumber to Get Your Drain Cleaned

Blocked drains are one of those problems that usually start small — a bit of slow draining here, a strange smell there — and before you know it, water is backing up, the sink won’t empty, and you’re grabbing the plunger for the third time that week. While it can be tempting to try and fix the problem yourself, getting your drains professionally cleaned by a licensed plumber is almost always the smarter move.

Whether it’s your kitchen sink, bathroom drain, shower, toilet, or stormwater drain, a plumber has the tools, training, and experience to diagnose the issue properly and clear it safely. Here are three key reasons why you should call a plumber to get your drain cleaned — before a minor inconvenience turns into a major plumbing emergency.

1. A Plumber Finds — and Fixes — the Real Cause of the Blockage

Most DIY drain cleaning methods only deal with the symptom, not the source of the problem. You might clear a little bit of debris and think the job’s done, but the real blockage is still sitting further down the line.

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Common causes of blocked drains in Australian homes include:

Built-up grease and food particles in kitchen sinks
Hair, soap scum, and toothpaste in bathroom drains
Tree roots infiltrating underground pipes
Foreign objects flushed down toilets
Collapsed, cracked, or ageing pipes
Sanitary products and wipes (even “flushable” ones)

When you call a professional plumber, they don’t just guess what’s going on. Many plumbers use CCTV drain cameras to inspect the inside of your pipes, allowing them to identify exactly what’s causing the problem and where it’s located. This means the blockage can be treated properly — not just temporarily pushed further down the line.

A licensed plumber also understands your property’s plumbing layout, pipe sizes, and possible weak points. That knowledge is invaluable. If the drain is blocked because of underlying damage, shifting soil, or root intrusion, the plumber can recommend the right long-term solution before the situation gets worse. That’s something you simply don’t get with supermarket drain cleaners or a quick plunge.

2. Professional Drain Cleaning Protects Your Pipes (and Your Health)

Chemical drain cleaners are often marketed as a quick fix for blocked drains — but what those labels don’t always tell you is that they can be harsh on your pipes and dangerous to handle. Over time, repeated chemical use can corrode metal pipes, damage seals, and weaken PVC. If the chemicals don’t fully remove the blockage, they can also sit in the pipe and create further issues.

Plumbers use professional-grade tools that clear drains safely and effectively, including:

Electric drain snakes / augers — to break apart stubborn clogs
High-pressure water jetting — to flush out grease, sludge, and tree roots
CCTV drain cameras — to inspect and verify the pipe condition

These methods remove the entire blockage — not just part of it — which helps restore proper flow and reduce the risk of future clogs.

There’s also a health factor to consider. Blocked drains often trap stagnant water, bacteria, and organic waste. That’s what causes unpleasant smells — and those odours can indicate the presence of harmful microbes. Overflowing wastewater is not only unpleasant, but it can also pose genuine health risks, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.

A licensed plumber follows strict safety and hygiene practices to ensure the work is carried out cleanly and professionally. They also know how to identify potential cross-contamination risks and ensure wastewater is managed correctly.

So rather than risking exposure to chemicals, sewage, and contaminated water, it’s safer — and cleaner — to leave the job to a professional.

3. Getting Your Drain Cleaned Early Can Save You Thousands in Repairs

One of the biggest benefits of calling a plumber early is cost savings. A slow drain may not feel like an urgent problem, but small blockages often grow into major obstructions. When pipes burst, backflow occurs, or sewage overflows, the damage can extend to flooring, walls, cabinetry, and even your home’s foundations.

Some of the costly problems caused by untreated blocked drains include:

Water damage and mould growth
Structural damage to walls and floors
Persistent dampness and odours
Burst or cracked pipes
Sewage overflow and contamination

When these problems occur, the repair bill rises fast — and that’s before you factor in the cost of restoring your home.

By contrast, routine drain cleaning and early intervention are relatively affordable. Many plumbers also provide preventative maintenance, especially if your property is prone to recurring blockages due to tree roots or ageing infrastructure. Keeping your drains in good condition is much cheaper than emergency plumbing call-outs and major repairs.

Calling a plumber also provides peace of mind. Once the drain is cleaned and inspected, you’ll know your plumbing system is working the way it should — and you won’t be left wondering when the next blockage will strike.

Signs You Should Call a Plumber for Drain Cleaning

It’s time to get professional help if you notice:

Slow-running drains
Gurgling or bubbling sounds
Water backing up into sinks or showers
Frequent need to plunge drains or toilets
Bad smells coming from pipes
Wet patches around drains or outdoors
Multiple drains blocking at once

These symptoms usually mean the blockage is deeper in the system — and that’s when a plumber’s expertise really matters.

While DIY methods might seem like an easy fix, blocked drains are best handled by a licensed plumber. Professional drain cleaning ensures the real cause of the blockage is found and resolved, protects your pipes and your health, and helps you avoid costly repairs down the track.

If your drain is slow, smelly, or completely blocked, don’t wait for it to get worse. Calling a plumber now is the safest, most reliable way to get your drains flowing freely again.