Slow sinks, gurgling toilets, overflowing gully traps and stormwater that backs up in a storm. Clayton finds the cause, clears it and tells you how to stop it coming back.
Water draining slowly from sinks, showers or the bath
Gurgling from plug holes or the toilet
Toilet rising when flushed
Bad smells from drains or the yard
The overflow relief gully (the grate outside) overflowing
Soggy patches in the yard along the sewer line
Tree roots: the big one on the Coast
Tree roots are the single largest known cause of sewer blockages in Unitywater's network. In 2024–25 they caused 614 of the 3,043 blockages Unitywater crews attended, and Buderim had more root blockages than anywhere else in its network. Older clay pipes with joints every metre or so are the easiest for roots to get into, which is common in established suburbs and older Queenslanders.
Clearing the roots gets things flowing again. If they keep coming back, the long-term fix is repairing or replacing the damaged section.
Your pipe or Unitywater’s?
Pipes on your property are the owner's responsibility. The sewer main and the connection beyond your boundary belong to Unitywater (or Gympie Regional Council in the Gympie region). If the blockage turns out to be on their side, your plumber reports it to them so they can fix it.
Sewage coming up inside the house or across the yard? Stop using water (toilets, showers, washing machine) and call straight away.
Storms and stormwater
Heavy summer rain is when stormwater problems show up: blocked downpipes and pits, and stormwater getting into the sewer. Unitywater notes that downpipes connected to the sewer and blocked overflow relief gullies make sewer overflows more likely, so it is worth getting these checked before the wet season.
Preventing blockages
Only flush toilet paper. Wipes (even "flushable" ones) are a common cause.
Keep fats and oils out of the kitchen sink. Wipe pans into the bin.
Think about where trees go when planting near the sewer line.
Keep the overflow relief gully grate clear and above ground level.
What customers say
★★★★★
Clayton was polite and did not stall in getting the jobs done. Highly recommend and will get him back without hesitation if needed again.
Jeff Baumann · Google review
★★★★★
Highly recommend Cassel's Plumbing - always on time, thorough, polite, great workmanship and very reasonable rates. I was very impressed with Clayton and so glad I called Cassel's.
The property owner is responsible for pipes on their property. If the blockage is in the sewer main on the utility side, Unitywater (or Gympie Regional Council) is responsible.
Does home insurance cover blocked drains?
It depends on your policy. Many don’t cover the blockage itself but may cover resulting damage. Check your policy and keep the plumber’s report.
Why do my drains keep blocking?
Repeat blockages usually mean roots in a cracked pipe, a sagging section that holds waste, or the wrong things going down the drain. Finding the cause stops you paying for the same clear-out again.
Can I use drain cleaner?
Chemical cleaners rarely shift a real blockage and can damage pipes and harm whoever clears it next. Use a plunger for a simple sink blockage; call a plumber for anything more.
