The Problem
A Canning Vale homeowner got in touch with us after noticing a frustrating pattern with their kitchen and laundry drains. Every time water was used in one area, it would start backing up through the other.
This type of issue is a strong indication that the blockage is not sitting at the sink, trap or individual fixture. Instead, the problem is usually further down the drainage system where multiple lines join together.
With both the kitchen and laundry affected, we knew the blockage would likely require specialised equipment to properly clear the shared drainage line.
Why Kitchen and Laundry Blockages Often Affect Each Other
When multiple drains in a home begin backing up at the same time, it usually indicates the blockage is located in a shared section of pipe rather than at an individual sink or appliance.
Kitchen and laundry drains often connect along the same drainage line before joining the main sewer system. If a blockage forms further along this shared section, wastewater has nowhere to go and can begin flowing back through whichever drain is lowest or easiest for the water to escape from.
Clearing the blockage restores flow, but recurring issues can sometimes indicate a bigger problem within the pipework, such as a damaged section, poor pipe alignment or a build-up that has developed over time. If a blockage continues to return, a CCTV drain inspection can help identify the underlying cause.
Our Solution
To clear the blocked drain, we used a small electric drain machine to break through the build-up within the shared kitchen and laundry line. The machine allowed us to reach further into the pipework, remove the obstruction and restore proper wastewater flow through to the sewer.
Once the blockage was cleared, we tested the drains to ensure everything was flowing correctly and cleaned the area before completing the job.
For blockages like this, using the right equipment is important. While smaller obstructions near a single drain can often be cleared with hand tools, shared line blockages usually require machinery to properly clear the build-up and prevent the issue from immediately returning.
The Result
The kitchen and laundry drains were successfully cleared, restoring normal drainage throughout the property.
The job was completed in approximately one hour, with the total cost coming to $718.30.
The additional cost compared with a standard blocked drain call came down to the equipment required and the extra time spent on site. In this case, the electric drain machine was necessary to reach the blockage and clear the shared line effectively.
Experiencing a Stubborn Blocked Drain? Call Swan’s Professional Plumbing Today!
If your kitchen, laundry or other drains are backing up, call Swan’s Professional Plumbing today. Our team can identify where the blockage is located, use the right equipment to clear it and provide advice on preventing future drainage issues.
