Top 7 Causes of Blocked Drains in Australia

In many homes across Australia, blocked drains are a common problem that can cause frustration and inconvenience. Understanding the causes of blocked drains can help you prevent serious damage to your plumbing system. Thankfully, by simply being mindful of the most common causes, you can minimise the risk of drain clogs in your home.
Let’s take a look at the top seven reasons why a blocked drain might occur. We’ll offer helpful tips and solutions to keep your drainage system running smoothly. Whether it’s hair clogging the shower drain or tree roots penetrating broken pipes, knowing what to look out for can save you time and money.
1. Food Waste and Grease Build-Up in Kitchen Sinks
Food waste and grease build-up are common factors behind blocked pipes in kitchen sinks. Regular culprits typically include:
- fruit peels
- vegetable scraps
- starchy foods like rice and pasta
- cooking oils
- other food residue
When you wash dishes, food scraps and grease can easily go down the drain, leading to clogs. Over time, grease solidifies and combines with food residue, causing serious blockages in the pipe walls and making the problem worse.
How to Stop a Blocked Drain in the Kitchen
To prevent blocked drains, always scrape food waste into the bin before washing up. Installing a sink strainer is an often easy fix that catches food scraps and stops them from entering the drainage system. Regularly run hot water down the drain to help dissolve any grease build-up, keeping your kitchen sink flowing smoothly and avoiding potential blockages.
2. Tree Roots Infiltrating Broken Pipes
Tree roots infiltrating broken pipes and sewer lines are a major cause of blocked drains.
Much like humans and any other living things, trees naturally seek out moisture as a way to thrive. As it happens, your sewer lines provide a perfect source. Over time, roots can break pipes and block up the drain system. You might notice slow-draining sinks or backed-up water flow as early signs.
To prevent this, use a licensed plumber to regularly inspect your outdoor drains and sewer lines. They use advanced tools to detect and remove tree roots so your plumbing system remains clear. Regular maintenance and early broken pipe detection can save you from serious damage and costly repairs.
3. Foreign Objects and Flushed Items
Foreign objects and flushed items are frequent causes of blocked drains. Common culprits that should never be flushed include:
- baby products (including wipes)
- flushable wipes
- feminine hygiene products
- kids’ toys, and
- other inappropriate items
These objects do not break down easily and can cause serious blockages in your toilet and plumbing system. Yes, even the “flushable” wipes, as they’re typically made of synthetic materials that don’t often break down.
Educate young kids on what not to flush and keep a bin in the bathroom for sanitary pads and baby wipes. Regularly check that only toilet paper and human waste are going down the loo. Preventing these blockages can save you from a blocked toilet and the need for professional plumbing services.
4. Hair and Soap Scum in Shower Drains
Hair and soap scum are notorious for clogging shower drains. As you shower, hair strands can accumulate and combine with soap scum, quickly creating a stubborn blockage. Over time, this build-up can slow water drainage and lead to a clogged drain.
The best way to prevent build up is to use a drain cover that catches the hair before it goes down the drain. Regularly clean the drain cover and use a drain snake to remove any trapped hair. Additionally, running hot water after each shower can help dissolve soap scum.
Keeping your shower drain clear ensures a smooth water flow and prevents inconvenient blockages in your plumbing system.
5. Mineral Deposits from Hard Water
Mineral deposits from hard water can cause significant blockages in your plumbing system. Hard water carries minerals like calcium and magnesium. These can accumulate inside pipes over time, leading to drainage problems. You’ll notice reduced water flow and clogged drains as early signs.
To combat mineral build-up, regularly clean your drains with a mixture of baking soda and boiling water. Installing a water softener can also help prevent these deposits from forming.
By monitoring your plumbing system and addressing mineral build-up promptly, you can maintain a smoothly running drain system and avoid costly repairs.
6. Incorrect Piping Size and Poor Workmanship
Incorrect piping size and poor workmanship are common causes of blocked drains. When pipes are not correctly sized or poorly installed, it can lead to drainage problems and frequent pipe blockages.
Early signs include:
- Slow draining sinks
- Backed-up water flow
- Gurgling sounds from drains
- Water pooling around fixtures
- Unpleasant odours from drains
These issues can quickly worsen, causing serious damage to your plumbing system.
To prevent this, please always hire a skilled and qualified plumber who will ensure proper installation and proper pipe sizing. Investing in quality workmanship and the right piping size keeps your drains running smoothly and avoids costly repairs.
7. Heavy Rain and Outdoor Drains
Heavy rain can lead to blocked outdoor drains, causing significant drainage problems. When it rains heavily, fallen leaves, dirt, and debris can quickly accumulate and cause a blocked drain outside. This can result in backed-up water and potential flooding.
Regularly clean out your outdoor drains and remove any debris to stop this from occurring. Installing drain covers can also help keep leaves and larger debris out of the drainage system. Regular maintenance is key to managing drainage problems during heavy rain. Keeping your outside drains clear ensures proper water flow and prevents serious damage to your property.
The Importance of Using a Licensed Plumber
Using a licensed and experienced plumber is crucial for maintaining a healthy plumbing system and preventing blocked drains.
A professional plumber ensures proper installation, high-quality workmanship, and the correct piping size, avoiding common causes of blockages. They also have the expertise to identify and fix issues before they become serious problems, saving you from costly repairs. Regular inspections and maintenance by a licensed plumber can keep your drain system running smoothly and efficiently.
Don’t risk poor workmanship or DIY fixes that can worsen the problem. Trust a professional to keep your plumbing system in top condition and your drains clear.
Keeping Your Drains Clear and Flowing
Understanding the causes of blocked drains is essential for maintaining a healthy plumbing system. From food waste and grease in the kitchen sink to tree roots infiltrating sewer lines, knowing what to look for can prevent serious damage. Regular maintenance and mindful practices, like using a sink strainer and educating young kids on what not to flush, can go a long way.
If you encounter persistent issues with a blocked drain, don’t hesitate to contact a qualified plumber. Investing in professional plumbing services ensures your drainage system remains efficient, saving you time, money, and the headache of dealing with blockages.
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