Date Published: April 5, 2022, Last Updated on June 16, 2025 by Brian Doherty
The key plumbing fixtures comprising a sewer system include sinks, taps, showers, baths, toilets, dishwasher in the kitchen, and the overall pipework connecting these to the mains sewer line. Sometimes a clogged sewer line can spell big trouble for your indoor plumbing.
The sewer lines in a property drain the wastewater from bathrooms and kitchens into the underground sewerage system. The Council sewerage network is connected to the household via a boundary trap and an inspection shaft.
Warning Signs
Wastewater always needs to flow somewhere. So, a blockage in the sewer line often causes unwanted disruptions and inconvenience. By calling a professional plumbing service such as Doherty Plumbing Solutions, you will receive a prompt response and an effective solution for sewer line blockage.
So, how do you know if the sewer line is blocked? Here are a few tell-tale signs.
Unpleasant odour
If the sewer pipes are blocked due to the accumulation of organic debris (such as leaves and soil), these get mixed with the stagnant water inside the pipeline and begin to decompose. This decaying organic matter gives rise to foul-smelling hydrogen sulphide gas.
Pipeline alignment
It is always advised to utilise the help of a licensed plumber such as Doherty Plumbing Solutions to lay down a correct sewer pipe alignment. Otherwise, a cracked or poorly-constructed sewer network can cause blockage, as it disrupts the flow of wastewater.
Solid waste (such as garbage)
Waste that should not be going down the pipeline, such as hair, pieces of plastic, food scraps, and so on, can clog up the pipes over a long period of time.
Tree roots growing inwards
Tree roots seek moisture underground while growing. If trees are planted too close to pipelines, this increases the chances of roots moving towards the pipes, and can cause cracks in them.
Water backing up in showers / tubs
A clear sewer line is supposed to take the wastewater away from the house. If there is evidence of this dirty water flowing back indoors, with a gurgling sound emanating particularly in the bathroom / kitchen drains, this can be due to a blockage.
Slow rate of drainage
Slow rate of water draining through the property’s sewer network can indicate there is an obstruction somewhere inside the pipelines.
Recurring blockages
If you notice the other warning signs appearing too frequently around your property, this can be due to recurring blockages inside the sewer network.
How to detect if a tree root is causing sewer line blockage?
It’s not easy to zero in on tree roots as being the exact cause of a sewer line blockage. However, there are certain tell-tale signs that help locate the underlying causes of the blockage, including tree roots.
Slow drainage
When your showers or sinks take a long time to drain, this can be a sign of a blockage.
Unpleasant odour
If the sewer pipes are blocked due to the accumulation of organic debris (such as tree roots and soil), these get mixed with the stagnant water inside the pipeline and begin to decompose. This decaying organic matter gives rise to foul-smelling hydrogen sulphide gas.
Cracked drain pipes
If sewer drains show signs of cracking, this could be due to tree root infiltration. Over time, these cracks could lead to burst pipes.
If you notice these warning signs, call for professional help. Experienced plumbers with the Doherty Plumbing Solutions crew can help you detect if these signs are due to tree roots causing a blockage.
Where can I get plumbing help for blocked sewer pipes in Melbourne’s east?
If you are concerned about the possibility of blocked sewer lines at your property, you need professional help from Doherty Plumbing Solutions.
Our team of experienced sewer plumbers work across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs and can help promptly detect the root cause and resolve the issue at your home or business, with minimal disruption to you.
We have access to drain machines, and if required, cameras, which can accurately diagnose plumbing problems related to sewer blockage, and help with the clearing process.
Contact the friendly team at Doherty Plumbing Solutions today, and discuss how we can assist you to find a long-term solution.
