Drain blockage library

Understanding drainage symptoms

A slow sink on its own points somewhere different from several fixtures backing up. A gully that overflows only during rainfall raises a different question again. Looking at which outlets are affected, and when, helps narrow down where a restriction or fault may lie.

• Affected outlets: one sink or toilet, several fixtures, or an outside drainage point.
• Timing: continuous, after another fixture discharges, or only during rain.
• Material: suspected wipes, grease, leaves or another known obstruction.
• Current condition: slow drainage, backing-up, overflowing wastewater or loss of use.