Blocked Drains in Winter: Why They Happen More and What To Do

There is something about the first heavy winter rain that reveals all kinds of things a house has been quietly hiding. Gutters that almost cope in summer suddenly overflow. And drains that were borderline blocked throughout autumn give up entirely when the water load increases.

Blocked drains are one of the most common plumbing callouts across the Southern Highlands in June and July. Understanding why they happen more in winter, and what signs to look for, could help you act before a slow drain becomes a genuine problem.

Why Winter Increases the Risk

Several factors combine to make winter a peak season for drain issues in the Southern Highlands.

Leaf fall and debris

Late autumn through June sees significant leaf fall from deciduous trees, many of which line older properties in Bowral, Berrima, and Mittagong. Leaves accumulate in gutters and stormwater drains, forming a mat that stops water flowing freely.

Increased rainfall

More water moving through drainage systems puts greater pressure on any partial blockage. What was draining slowly in dry conditions stops draining almost entirely when rainfall is heavy.

Ground movement

Cold, wet conditions cause soil to contract and shift. This can affect buried drainage pipes, particularly on older properties, causing misalignment or cracking that catches debris more easily.

Tree root intrusion

Roots naturally seek moisture, and the wet winter soil encourages movement. Root intrusion is one of the most common causes of repeat blockages in established suburban streets and rural properties alike.

Signs a Drain Is Becoming Blocked

• Water draining noticeably more slowly than usual
• Gurgling sounds from floor wastes, toilets, or sinks after water drains
• Water pooling in the garden or along the driveway after rain
• A persistent smell near floor drains, particularly sulphurous or sewage-like
• Toilets that bubble or seem reluctant to flush fully

What Not To Do

It is tempting to pour drain cleaner into a slow drain and hope for the best. Chemical drain cleaners can sometimes clear minor organic build-up, but they do not address root intrusion, structural issues, or solid blockages, and repeated use can deteriorate older pipe materials.

High-pressure water jetting or an electric eel machine, operated by a licensed plumber, is a more effective approach for most blockages. A pipe camera can identify exactly what is happening inside the pipe before any work begins, which avoids unnecessary digging or guesswork.

When To Call a Plumber

If water is pooling where it should not, if you are getting gurgling sounds from multiple fixtures at once, or if outdoor drains are overflowing during rain, these are signals that the blockage may be in the main line rather than a single fixture. This warrants a prompt callout rather than a wait-and-see approach.

Team Penguin Plumbing uses water jet blasting and pipe camera equipment to locate and clear blocked drains across the Southern Highlands. We service Bowral, Mittagong, Moss Vale, Bargo, Berrima, and surrounding areas.

Call 0432 374 689 if you are dealing with a drain that is not clearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I clear a blocked drain myself?

Minor blockages in individual fixtures, such as a bathroom basin, can sometimes be cleared with a plunger or drain snake. For outdoor drains, main sewer lines, or anything involving persistent smell or gurgling, a licensed plumber with the right equipment is the more effective option.

How do plumbers clear blocked drains?

Methods include electric eel machines (a flexible rotating cable), water jetting (high-pressure water that clears the pipe walls), and pipe cameras to inspect the line first. The right method depends on the cause and location of the blockage.

Are tree roots a common problem in the Southern Highlands?

Yes. The region has a lot of established trees, and older properties often have terracotta or clay drainage pipes that tree roots find easier to penetrate than modern PVC.

How much does it cost to unblock a drain?

Costs vary depending on the method required and the severity of the blockage. Call 0432 374 689 for a quote specific to your situation.

Drain not clearing? Call 0432 374 689. We cover all areas of the Southern Highlands.