It always starts the same way. You’re doing the dishes and suddenly notice the sink isn’t draining as fast as it should. No biggie—you grab the plunger or pour something down the drain. It works for a bit… until it doesn’t. And here you are again.
If you live in Auckland, blocked drains aren’t just an occasional nuisance. For many, they become a cycle. One that keeps coming back no matter how many times you “fix” it. But here’s the thing—if your drains keep getting blocked, it’s probably not just a surface problem.
Most folks think it’s grease or hair. And sometimes it is. But more often, there’s something else going on. Something you can’t see. And unless you get to the root of it, it’s just gonna keep happening.
If it’s an emergency and water’s already backing up, don’t wait. Our 24 Hour Plumber in Auckland CBD is always ready to help—no matter what time the problem shows up.
So… Why Does It Keep Happening?
Alright, let’s not overcomplicate it. A one-off clog? Sure, that happens. But if you’re clearing the same drain every few weeks, there’s a deeper issue.
Here’s the most common stuff we see:
- Grease buildup – It hardens inside the pipe walls. You can flush it with hot water, but eventually, it turns sticky again.
- Tree roots – You’d be surprised how small cracks in underground pipes invite tree roots to crawl in.
- Misaligned or sagging pipes – Older Auckland homes are especially prone. Pipes shift or sink, water starts to pool, and stuff collects.
- DIY solutions that push the clog further – It feels fixed because the water drains, but really, the blockage is just hiding further down.
This is why quick fixes don’t last. They clear what’s visible, not what’s growing deeper.
Not Just Bad Luck—It’s the Pipes
Auckland’s plumbing network has its own set of challenges. With older suburbs like Grey Lynn, Mt Eden, or Ponsonby, you’ve got some real vintage plumbing under those homes. We’ve seen clay pipes still running under properties from the ’60s.
Add in heavy rainfall, shifting ground, and nearby tree roots… and that old pipework doesn’t stand a chance.
What’s Really Causing the Trouble? (Here’s a Look)
Common Issue | What It Feels Like | What Actually Works |
|---|---|---|
Grease & food scraps | Slow kitchen sink, gurgling sounds | Jet blasting + grease trap habits |
Hair & soap scum | Standing water in the shower | Manual extraction + drain screens |
Tree root invasion | Drains back up across the whole house | Root cutting + pipe relining |
Pipe collapse/sagging | Random blockages that keep returning | CCTV inspection + targeted repair |
Chemical corrosion | Older pipes begin leaking or clogging | Safe cleaning + possible pipe upgrades |
Quick Fixes vs Proper Repairs
We’re not against plungers or boiling water. But those methods are best for minor clogs. If you’ve used drain cleaner three times this month—or if your bathroom sink gurgles when the washing machine drains—it’s time to stop guessing.
A proper fix means inspection. At HandyHub NZ, we usually start with a CCTV camera check. It’s not just cool tech—it tells us exactly what’s wrong without digging anything up.
Once we’ve seen what’s inside, we can do things like:
- High-pressure jet cleaning
- Root cutting (yes, it’s a real thing)
- Pipe relining or section repair
You’d be shocked how many people spend years on recurring clogs when the actual fix is something we can do in half a day.
A Few Simple Habits That Actually Help
Sometimes, it’s not about a big repair. It’s about stopping the small stuff from becoming big stuff. Here are a few habits I wish every homeowner followed:
- Wipe grease into the bin, not the sink.
- Use mesh drain covers in showers.
- Rinse recyclables before they go in the bin.
- Run hot water after doing greasy dishes.
- Never flush wipes—even the ones that claim to be “flushable”.
- Watch for slow drains—they’re warning signs.
These won’t fix major damage, but they will keep your system happier for longer.
FAQ Section (Not the Same Old Answers)
- What causes drains to keep getting blocked repeatedly?
It’s usually a sign that the initial blockage wasn’t fully cleared, or that there’s damage deeper down the pipe. Think of it like cutting weeds above ground—the roots are still there, waiting. Sometimes it’s grease, sometimes it’s a belly in the pipe that collects water and gunk. Either way, unless you clean the full pipe or fix the shape, it’ll keep coming back.
- How do you permanently fix a blocked drain?
First, you’ve gotta see what’s going on. A CCTV inspection is the only way to be sure. From there, the fix might be as simple as a pressure clean. Other times, you’ll need to cut roots out or even reline the pipe. A permanent solution deals with the why, not just the what.
- Are blocked drains the homeowner’s responsibility in Auckland?
Yes, in most cases. If the issue is within the boundary of your property, it’s yours to handle. Once it reaches the council line (usually past the boundary trap), then Watercare steps in. But here’s the twist—most problems start before that line. So yeah, if it’s backing up in your home, chances are you’ll need to sort it.
- Can tree roots cause recurring drain blockages?
Absolutely. And they don’t need a huge crack either. Just a hairline opening is enough for roots to sneak in. Once they’re in, they grow fast and catch all the debris flowing through. You’ll clear it, only for it to return a month later. Root cutting tools are your best friend here—and possibly relining the pipe to keep them out for good.
- Is it safe to use chemical drain cleaners often?
Short answer: not really. Long answer: maybe once or twice a year in a pinch. But using them regularly can corrode pipes, especially older ones. We’ve replaced entire lines because someone used drain cleaner every weekend. If you’re reaching for it that often, it’s time to call someone who can fix the issue properly.
- When should I call a professional for a blocked drain?
The second you’ve had to clear it more than once—or if more than one drain starts acting up. Also, if you smell that sour sewage smell or hear weird gurgling sounds, don’t wait. That usually means a bigger issue is brewing. And trust me, it’s way cheaper to fix early than after your bathroom floor’s underwater.
Wrapping It Up
A blocked drain once in a blue moon? Annoying, sure, but manageable. But if it’s becoming your weekend routine—or worse, you’re planning your mornings around whether the sink will drain—it’s time for a deeper look.
At HandyHub NZ, we don’t just poke around and leave. We figure out why it’s happening, fix it at the source, and help you prevent it from coming back.
Blocked drains aren’t just about convenience. Left alone, they can wreck flooring, encourage mould, and ruin a perfectly good shower.
If you’re stuck and need a hand—literally or figuratively—our 24 Hour Plumber in Auckland CBD has got your back.
No drama. Just clean drains and peace of mind.
