Earlwood is a residential suburb in Sydney's inner south-west, close to the Cooks River and to Campsie and Canterbury. It is filed under the Inner West here only because of its web address. Interwar and post-war brick houses dominate, usually on blocks a little larger than in the denser inner suburbs, and the land rises and falls in ridges.
Trees, blocks and brick houses
Larger blocks and generous street trees are pleasant, but they are a classic cause of drain trouble: roots seek out moisture, and a long run of drain between house and connection offers a lot of opportunity. Houses of this age often have had one or two renovations, with bathrooms and kitchens rebuilt over the original drainage layout. The garden itself may hide an old inspection opening or gully that matters when a blockage appears.
- Find your inspection openings and keep them accessible, not buried under gardens.
- If a drain keeps slowing, ask for a camera inspection to check for roots.
- Note the age of the hot water unit, which in a house this age is often a replacement.
Near Earlwood
Dulwich Hill and Marrickville are the closest guides on this site, and both sit nearer the city. Compare them with the Dulwich Hill guide and the Marrickville guide.
Keep reading
For region-wide context visit the Inner West region. If you suspect roots, read blocked drains in Sydney and try the blocked drain checker.