Blocked Sewer Lines

Don’t Ignore the Gurgle: Early Warning Signs of a Blocked Sewer Line

One of the most overlooked signs of a blocked drain is gurgling. It’s subtle at first. You flush the toilet, and instead of a clean swoosh, you hear bubbling. Maybe water in the bowl rises before going down. Maybe your shower drain sounds like it’s gargling.

That sound is air and water trapped in your sewer line, struggling to get through. It’s not normal—and it’s not something you should ignore.

3 Early Signs You’ve Got a Blocked Sewer Line

1. Gurgling Drains or Toilets. This is sewer gas and trapped water trying to escape. It often means there’s a partial blockage in the line—commonly from tree roots or pipe sagging.
2. Slow Draining Fixtures. If your sinks, baths, or showers are taking longer than usual to empty, there’s likely a buildup in the pipe. It might not be fully blocked yet, but it’s getting there.
3. Bad Smells. A foul odor near drains or coming from your bathroom is a red flag. When sewer gases can’t vent properly, they’ll come back through your fixtures.

One Missed Signal Can Lead to Thousands in Repairs

We had a customer in Brighton who noticed gurgling but put it off for months. When their toilet finally backed up, it wasn’t just a minor blockage—it was a collapsed section of pipe caused by tree roots.

We could’ve fixed it with a reline for $5,000 six months earlier. Instead, it turned into a $20,000 excavation job. Three days of digging, pipe replacement, safety gear, and full certification.

What Causes These Blockages?

• Tree roots Especially in dry weather, trees aggressively search for moisture. Your sewer line becomes their favorite target.
• Old clay pipes Common in Melbourne’s older suburbs, these pipes shift, crack, and allow intrusions.
• Poor installation or DIY repairs Pipes with incorrect fall or no bedding will collapse over time.

Blocked Sewer Lines? What You Should Do

If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait:

• Call us for a camera inspection
• We’ll show you the inside of your pipes
• We’ll give you clear, upfront options

From there, it’s your call—temporary fix or permanent solution.

But the longer you wait, the more expensive and invasive the repair will be.