Drain blockage — get it flowing again (and prevent it from returning)

A drain blockage often starts as “a bit slow” and then suddenly becomes urgent. It might be water standing in the sink, gurgling in the floor drain, a toilet that flushes slowly — or in the worst case, water backing up where it shouldn’t. The key is clearing the blockage the right way, without damaging pipes or creating new problems later.

We help homeowners and businesses in the Falkenberg municipality with clearing and troubleshooting drain blockages. The goal is not just to “push” the blockage to the next bend, but to remove the cause and confirm normal flow. In practice that means we look at where the blockage likely sits (trap, branch, main, floor drain, kitchen line), how the drain behaves, and which symptoms are present (odor, gurgling, recurring blockages, multiple drains affected at once).

Many people try chemicals or aggressive tools at home — sometimes it works, but often it only creates a partial blockage, moves the problem, or damages seals and pipes. We work methodically and tailor the approach to the situation, so you get a solution that lasts and advice to reduce the risk going forward.

If you have a blockage: avoid running large amounts of water and don’t try to “force it through” if the level rises. Describe whether the blockage is in the kitchen, bathroom or WC, and whether multiple drains are affected. We’re based in Ätran and work across the Falkenberg municipality.

Contact us about blocked drains

Have a blocked drain in Falkenberg municipality? Call us and we’ll help you move forward.

Planeterra Installation AB
Org. no.: 559459-7543
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Common questions about drain blockages

What is the most common cause of drain blockages?

In kitchens, it’s usually fat, food residue and buildup over time — especially when combined with cold water. Fat can look “liquid” when poured out, but it solidifies in the pipes and catches debris that passes through.

In bathrooms, hair, soap residue and skin buildup are common — especially in floor drains and traps. It becomes a “filter mat” that stops flow.

For toilets, it can be too much paper, inappropriate items flushed (wet wipes, cotton swabs, paper towels), or a restriction further down the line.

If the blockage keeps returning, it’s often a sign the cause is deeper in the system than you think.

How do I know if the blockage is in the trap or further down?

If a single sink/basin is slow and nothing else is affected, the trap is a common first suspect. It can also smell more than usual.

If multiple fixtures are affected (e.g., both sink and shower, or sink and dishwasher), the blockage may be further down the line or in a shared branch.

Gurgling sounds or water “backing up” in another drain can indicate air and water aren’t passing normally further down.

A simple test is to see how it behaves when you use another fixture — but avoid large amounts of water if you suspect overflow risk.

Is it dangerous to use drain cleaners/chemicals?

Chemical drain cleaners can sometimes help with small deposits, but they rarely solve larger blockages — and they can be aggressive to materials, seals and older pipes. They also create a hazard for anyone who later works on the drain.

If chemicals sit at a blockage, splashing during trap removal or cleaning can be unpleasant and dangerous for skin/eyes.

We recommend mechanical methods first (cleaning the trap, clearing the floor drain) and if that doesn’t help, get professional help so the blockage can be cleared safely.

If you’ve already used chemicals, tell us when you contact us so we can take the right precautions.

What does it mean if the floor drain bubbles when I flush?

Bubbles and gurgling often indicate that air isn’t moving properly through the line, which can happen with a partial blockage or restriction further down. Water tries to pass, and pressure/air takes the “back way” through the nearest drain.

It can also be related to venting issues, but in practice a partial blockage is a common cause when it starts suddenly.

If bubbling is combined with slow drainage or recurring blockages, it’s a strong sign it’s time for proper troubleshooting.

The earlier you address it, the lower the risk of a full blockage or backflow.

Toilet blockage — what should I do and not do?

Start by avoiding repeated flushes if the level is rising. It’s easy to make it worse and cause overflow. If you have a plunger/toilet pump, you can try gently.

Don’t flush “solutions” like paper towels or wet wipes — they usually make it worse. If you suspect something is stuck (e.g., a toy), treat it as a troubleshooting case rather than forcing it down.

If the toilet is blocked but other drains work, it may be close to the bowl. If multiple drains are affected, the blockage may be further down the system.

We can help assess the situation and clear it properly without damaging the toilet or pipes.

Why does the blockage keep coming back?

Recurring blockages often happen because only a “channel” was opened through the blockage, while the buildup/cause remains. Then it runs okay for a while and builds up again quickly.

There may also be a design/flow cause: a sag in the pipe, too small a diameter, poor slope, or a line that collects grease/hair easily.

In kitchens it often comes down to grease habits and not flushing with enough hot water after dishes. In bathrooms it can be hair that never gets cleared from the floor drain.

When we fix it, we’ll discuss the root cause and what’s best to change so it holds.

How do I know if the blockage is in the main line (more serious)?

If multiple drains in the house are affected at the same time — especially in different rooms — it may indicate a blockage in a shared line or main. A clear sign is water coming up in a floor drain when you flush the WC, or the kitchen sink affecting the bathroom.

In apartment buildings, a main‑line blockage can affect multiple units, and symptoms are often backflow in lower drains.

Odor and bubbling in several fixtures are also signals.

In these cases it’s important to act quickly and avoid continued flushing to reduce the risk of backflow and water damage.

Can I prevent kitchen drain blockages?

Yes — small habits make a big difference. Avoid pouring fat and oil into the sink, even if you run hot water. Wipe pans and pots with paper and throw it in the trash.

Use a sink strainer and empty it often. Run hot water for a while after washing up (not just a quick splash) so grease doesn’t remain.

If you have a dishwasher: check the filter and scrape food off plates before loading.

If you’ve had blockages before, a preventive cleaning can sometimes be smarter than waiting for the next full blockage.

What can I do myself before I call?

In the kitchen/basin, start by checking and cleaning the trap (place a bowl under it and take it slowly). Clear the strainer and visible buildup.

In bathrooms: clean the floor drain and remove hair in the trap if accessible. It often helps immediately if the blockage is near.

Avoid running large amounts of water if it drains slowly and the level rises. And avoid chemicals if you think you’ll need help anyway.

If you can: note whether multiple drains are affected, and whether there is bubbling or odor — it helps us choose the right approach quickly.

When is a drain blockage urgent?

It’s urgent if water starts rising and risks overflowing, or if sewage backs up into a floor drain, shower or other drains. That’s a risk for water damage and hygiene issues.

It’s also urgent if the blockage affects the toilet and you don’t have a working alternative, or if it’s in a business where drainage is required for operations.

Recurring blockages that are getting worse should also be taken seriously — it’s often cheaper and easier to fix before it becomes a full blockage.

Describe the symptoms and any overflow risk so we can prioritize correctly and bring the right equipment.