What can I safely try?
Remove visible hair or debris from a plughole and use a sink plunger with enough water to cover the cup. For a kitchen sink, avoid adding more grease or food waste. Do not mix chemical drain cleaners, and be cautious using them before a plumber attends because they can create a splash or chemical hazard.
Why do multiple drains block together?
If the kitchen sink, shower, toilet or floor waste are all slow, the restriction may be further along a shared waste line. Gurgling, sewage smells or wastewater returning through a floor drain are reasons to arrange professional assessment rather than repeatedly treating one fixture.
Could tree roots cause the blockage?
Roots can enter damaged or poorly sealed underground drainage. A recurring blockage, outdoor overflow or problem that returns after clearing may need inspection of the pipe rather than another temporary clearing.
What should I tell the plumber?
- Which fixture is blocked and when it started
- Whether other fixtures are slow
- Any odour, gurgling or wastewater backup
- What plungers, products or drain tools have been used