Blocked Drain or Broken Pipe? How to Tell (Wellington Edition)
When water starts backing up, gurgling noises echo through your pipes, or bad smells begin creeping up from your drains, it’s easy to panic — but what’s really going on? Is it just a blocked drain… or something more serious, like a broken pipe?
At Paramount Plumbing & Gas, we handle both issues daily across Wellington, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, and Porirua. This quick guide will help you spot the signs, understand the difference, and know when it’s time to call in the experts.
What’s Causing Drain and Pipe Problems in Wellington?
Wellington’s landscape, climate, and infrastructure can all contribute:
Clay soils are prone to movement, which can crack old ceramic pipes.
Tree roots from pōhutukawa, oak, and other species seek out water — and your pipes.
Heavy rainfall can overload older drainage systems and reveal broken pipes.
Ageing infrastructure in older suburbs like Newtown, Karori, and Thorndon is more vulnerable to failures.
Common Signs of a Blocked Drain in Wellington Homes
Blocked drains are one of the most frequent plumbing issues Wellington homeowners face — especially in older suburbs with tree-lined streets and clay sewer pipes.
Here’s what to look out for:
Slow-draining sinks, showers, or bathtubs
Water pooling around the drain usually points to a local blockage in the pipe.Gurgling sounds when water drains
Air trapped by a blockage can cause bubbling or gurgling in nearby fixtures.Toilets that won’t flush properly or overflow
If the problem is limited to one toilet, the blockage is likely close to that fixture.Bad smells from drains
Food scraps, soap scum, hair, and other buildup in pipes can begin to rot, producing an unpleasant smell.Multiple slow drains
This could mean the blockage is further down the line, potentially in the main sewer.
Signs It Could Be a Broken Pipe Instead
A blocked drain might be annoying — but a broken pipe can be far more damaging. If left unchecked, it can cause property damage, soil erosion, and even health risks from exposure to wastewater.
Warning signs include:
Water pooling in the garden or driveway
If you notice soggy patches, even in dry weather, you may have an underground pipe leak or break.Sudden drop in water pressure
Low pressure in taps and showers could indicate a leaking supply pipe.Frequent drain blockages that keep returning
A cracked or collapsed pipe can allow tree roots to grow inside and block it again and again.Unexplained mould or dampness indoors
Water leaks behind walls or under floors can quickly cause hidden damage.Foundation cracks or soil movement
Leaking wastewater around your home’s foundations can shift soil and cause structural issues.
How We Diagnose Drain vs Pipe Issues in Wellington
At Paramount Plumbing & Gas, we use advanced diagnostic tools to pinpoint the cause:
CCTV Drain Inspections
We run a specialised camera down your drains to see the exact problem in real time — from tree root invasions to pipe collapses.Leak Detection Equipment
For suspected pipe leaks, we use pressure tests, moisture sensors, and acoustic equipment to track hidden leaks without tearing up floors.Jet Blasting and Root Cutting
If it’s a blockage, we can clear it quickly using high-pressure water jetting or mechanical root cutters.Trenchless Pipe Repairs
Where repairs are needed, we’ll explore no-dig solutions like pipe relining, minimising disruption to your home or garden.
Blocked Drain or Broken Pipe? Let’s Sort It Today
If you’re seeing the signs but not sure what’s behind them, let us take the guesswork out. Our local Wellington plumbers will diagnose the issue fast, explain your options clearly, and get it sorted with minimal fuss.
Or contact us online to book a CCTV drain inspection or leak assessment.
Paramount Plumbing and Gas are locally owned and operated Plumbers in Wellington. Paramount was founded to provide an unrivalled, top-quality service to homes and businesses alike, and have extensive plumbing and gas fitting experience in Wellington and surrounding suburbs. We’re proud of every job we do, whether it’s fixing emergency leaks (What to do if you have a plumbing emergency), performing repairs or working on major installations.
Raising the standard of plumbing and gas fitting throughout Wellington