Blocked Drains Napier & Hastings
We find the cause, Not just the blockage
We unblock drains fast across Napier, Hastings, Havelock North and wider Hawke’s Bay — and identify the real cause so it doesn’t keep coming back.
Toilet backing up, gurgling pipes, or water not draining properly?
A blocked drain is rarely a simple one-point problem. What looks like a blocked sink or toilet is usually a symptom of something happening further down the line and if it’s not dealt with properly, it will keep coming back.
Only Drains provides fast, professional drain unblocking across Hawke’s Bay, using specialised equipment and CCTV inspections to diagnose issues properly. We don’t just restore flow, we clear the blockage properly and identify what caused it so it doesn’t keep happening.
Anyone can unblock a drain. Very few can tell you why it blocked
CALL NOW — 24/7 RESPONSE +64 21 499 351
✔ Fast response across Hawke’s Bay
✔ CCTV check included where required
✔ Clean, no-mess service
Common Signs of a Blocked Drain
If you’re noticing any of the following, there’s likely a blockage somewhere in your drainage system:
- Gurgling pipes: Strange bubbling sounds after flushing.
- Slow drainage: Water pooling in sinks, showers, or baths.
- Toilet rising: Water level lifting or struggling to flush.
- Overflowing gully: Wastewater spilling outside near your gully trap.
- Bad smells: Odours coming from indoor drains or outside.
If more than one of these signs is happening, the issue is likely further down the line — often in the main drain — and needs proper diagnosis.
Why the Gully Trap Is Often the Real Problem
On most Hawke’s Bay properties, the gully trap is the connection point where wastewater from your kitchen, bathroom, and laundry leaves the property.
When this point blocks, everything upstream is affected — toilets, sinks, showers, and even outside drains.
That’s why what looks like a blocked toilet or sink is often just a symptom of a bigger issue further down the line.
If your gully trap is overflowing, the problem is rarely just the fixture — it’s usually in your main drainage line.
Check your outside gully trap. If it’s overflowing, let us know when you call — it helps us bring the right equipment and get it sorted faster
What Causes Blocked Drains in Hawke’s Bay
Across Napier, Hastings, Havelock North and wider Hawke’s Bay, most blocked drains come down to a few consistent issues — often a combination rather than just one.
- Tree root intrusion: One of the biggest issues, especially in older clay or earthenware pipes. Roots enter through joints and cracks, then grow inside the pipe until flow is restricted or fully blocked.
- Fat, oil and grease build-up: Often around gully traps and kitchen lines, narrowing the pipe and catching other debris.
- Foreign objects: Wipes, hygiene products, toys, stones, and debris lodged in the line.
- Structural issues: Bellied pipes (a dip in the line that holds water), misaligned joints, cracks and collapses that slow flow, cause repeat blockages, and may require drain repairs.
Most blocked drains aren’t caused by a single issue — it’s usually a combination of build-up, roots, and pipe condition.
How We Clear Blocked Drains Properly
Assessment & Setup
We identify where the blockage is — whether it’s at a fixture, gully, or further down the main line — and choose the best access point for safe, effective clearing.
Clear the Blockage Properly
We use professional high-pressure hydro jetting equipment with the correct nozzles and pressure for the pipe — not just punching a hole through the blockage.
CCTV Drain Inspection (Included)
Where possible, we conduct a CCTV drain inspection to confirm the line is fully clear and identify any underlying issues such as roots, build-up, bellies, or damage
Clean Up & Advice
We leave the area clean and disinfected, then explain what caused the issue and provide practical advice to reduce the chance of it happening again.
Why Choose Only Drains
Specialist drain technicians
We focus entirely on drainage and blocked drains — it’s what we do every day.
Advanced jetting equipment
Multiple nozzles and cutting heads for root intrusions, grease, and stubborn blockages.
Safe for all pipe types
We assess the line first and use the correct pressure and technique to avoid damage.
CCTV verification
We check our work with a CCTV inspection and identify issues others often miss.
Fast response across Hawke’s Bay
Napier, Hastings, Havelock North — we get there fast and get it sorted properly, including
24/7 emergencies.
Recent Jobs in Hawke’s Bay
Havelock North - Root intrusion
Blocked clay pipe filled with root intrusions restricting flow. Cleared using cutting heads and high-pressure jetting, then confirmed on CCTV — restoring flow without excavation and avoiding unnecessary repair costs.
Hastings — Grease build-up blockage
Main line blockage caused by heavy fat, oil, and grease build-up restricting flow through the pipe. Cleared using high-pressure jetting, then confirmed on CCTV to ensure the line was fully restored and not just temporarily opened.
Taradale — Sewer blockage
Inspection point holding and backing up due to a downstream blockage. Cleared using jetting, restoring flow through the line and confirming operation.
Drainage Issues Across Hawke’s Bay
Hastings and Flaxmere clay soils contribute to cracking and root intrusion in older pipes.
Havelock North’s mature trees make root intrusion one of the most common causes of blocked drains.
Napier’s reclaimed and coastal ground conditions can lead to movement, silt, and sections of pipe holding water.
Understanding local ground conditions and pipe materials means we can diagnose issues faster and fix them properly the first time.
What It Costs
Every blocked drain is different — and the right solution depends on what’s actually causing the problem and where it is in the line.
Our Approach to Pricing
We assess the issue properly first, then recommend the right solution — not guesswork or one-size-fits-all pricing.
What You Can Expect
- Clear explanation of the issue in plain language
- Practical solutions based on what we find — from CCTV drain inspections through to targeted drain repairs.
- Transparent pricing before any work begins
No Guesswork. No Surprises.
You’ll always know what’s being done and why — before we proceed.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my drain keep blocking?
Can you fix it without digging?
Do you include CCTV inspections?
How quickly can you get here?
What if the pipe is damaged?
Blocked Drain? Get It Sorted Properly — Diagnosed, Not Just Cleared
Trusted across Napier, Hastings and Havelock North for accurate diagnosis and proper long-term solutions.
CALL NOW — 24/7 DRAIN UNBLOCKING
✔ Fast response across Hawke’s Bay
✔ Clean, professional service
✔ CCTV used where needed