Only one fixture is slow
A slow kitchen sink may involve its trap or local branch, whereas several fixtures backing up together suggests a problem farther along the system.
KATAWA PROJECTS / CAPE TOWN
Blocked Drains & Drain Repairs Cape Town
Clearing and assessing blocked sinks, showers, toilets and external drainage lines.
✓ Cape Town metro✓ Registered trade capacity✓ Clear job assessment
Property services throughout Cape Town
Request a service visit
Enquire about Blocked Drains & Drain Repairs
Send your suburb and a short description of the problem. Tell us which fixtures are affected, whether the problem is recurring and if any external gully is overflowing.
Understanding the job
Plumbing problems and their causes
What to look out for
A slow-draining sink may have a localized trap blockage; several fixtures backing up together can indicate a more distant restriction. Gurgling, odours and recurring overflows are useful details because they can reveal where the problem sits in the system.
How we approach it
We identify which fixtures are affected and whether water is backing up, draining slowly or escaping from an access point. The appropriate clearing or inspection method depends on access, pipe condition and likely obstruction. Persistent recurrence may require evaluation of damaged or poorly graded sections.
Technical perspective
Water supply, materials and access
Avoid mixing chemical drain cleaners, especially when a blockage is severe. Let us know if any chemicals have already been used. For wastewater overflow, keep children and pets away from contaminated areas until they are made safe.
Practical guidance
Determine which part of the drain is blocked
A single slow basin may have a local trap obstruction. Multiple fixtures backing up together can suggest a problem deeper in a shared waste line. We ask which outlets are affected, whether water returns through another fixture and whether the problem is recurring. This helps determine where inspection should begin.
Clearing methods should suit the pipe and obstruction. Inappropriate chemicals or force can damage some components and expose people to hazardous substances. Recurring blockages may indicate poor falls, displaced joints, root intrusion or damaged pipework that simple clearing will not correct. Access to inspection points can be important.
Where the affected drainage serves several units or crosses a shared property boundary, we recommend checking responsibilities and obtaining access permissions before work. A drain that clears briefly but repeatedly backs up needs further assessment, not repeated unverified promises of a permanent solution.
Before arranging the visit
Blocked drain: locate the restriction before choosing the clearing method
External overflow
Wastewater escaping at a yard gully or inspection chamber can point to a common drain or downstream restriction. Avoid allowing children and pets near contaminated water.
Repeated blockages
A blockage that clears and quickly returns may need investigation for poor fall, damage, displaced joints or recurring material in the line—not repeated use of chemicals.
What to send with your enquiry
Tell us which fixtures are affected, whether the problem is recurring and if any external gully is overflowing. Avoid mixing drain chemicals, which can create hazards for anyone attending to the system.
Frequently asked questions
Helpful answers before you book
Why do my drains keep blocking?
Recurring restrictions can involve grease, foreign objects, roots or damaged pipework; the cause should be checked.
Can one blockage affect several fixtures?
Yes, when the shared drainage line is restricted.
Should I use drain acid first?
We recommend avoiding harsh chemicals, particularly where pipe condition and blockage cause are unknown.