10 Common Causes of Blocked Drains
Blocked drains are one of the most frequent and inconvenient plumbing issues faced in Australian homes and businesses. While a slow-draining sink or a gurgling toilet may seem minor, these can quickly escalate into larger, more costly problems. Understanding what causes blocked drains is the first step to preventing them.
This guide outlines ten common reasons why drains become blocked, offering practical insights for identifying and avoiding these issues before they worsen. By recognising the early warning signs, you can reduce the likelihood of sudden plumbing failures. Knowing the typical causes also allows you to adopt better habits around the home. Whether it’s the kitchen, bathroom, or outdoor drains, being proactive can help maintain a smooth and efficient drainage system.
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1. Accumulation of Hair
Hair is one of the most common contributors to blocked drains, especially in bathrooms. Strands of hair may seem harmless individually, but over time they gather in plugs, trapping soap, dirt, and other debris. This build-up eventually restricts water flow and leads to full blockages.
Using a drain guard in shower and bath outlets can help reduce the amount of hair entering the pipes. Regularly clearing visible hair from the surface also assists in keeping drains flowing efficiently.
2. Grease and Fat Build-up
Pouring hot grease or cooking oil down the sink might seem like a quick fix, but once it cools, it solidifies inside the pipes. This creates sticky residues that catch food scraps and other particles, gradually leading to complete blockages.
Grease-related blocked drains are particularly common in kitchens. To avoid this, allow fats and oils to cool and solidify, then dispose of them in the rubbish. Cleaning utensils and cookware with paper towels before washing can also limit grease entering your drains.
3. Soap Scum Buildup
Traditional soap bars contain fats that combine with minerals in water to form a thick residue known as soap scum. Over time, this residue accumulates on pipe walls, reducing flow and contributing to blocked drains.
Switching to liquid soap or body wash can reduce soap scum. Periodically flushing bathroom drains with hot water and vinegar is another method that may help break down minor buildup before it becomes a more significant issue.
4. Tree Roots Infiltrating Pipes
Tree roots are drawn to moisture and can detect the smallest cracks in underground pipes. Once inside, they continue to grow, obstructing water flow and damaging pipe structures. These blockages often occur out of sight and remain unnoticed until significant damage is done.
Signs of tree root intrusion include recurring drain blockages, gurgling sounds, or slow-flowing water. Addressing this issue typically requires professional equipment to inspect and clear the affected pipes.
5. Foreign Objects Flushed Down Drains
Drains are designed for water and biodegradable waste only. Unfortunately, many foreign objects are mistakenly flushed or washed down sinks—ranging from wipes and cotton buds to small toys and sanitary products.
These items do not break down easily and often get lodged in pipes, resulting in blocked drains. Public awareness of what should and shouldn’t go down the drain is crucial for preventing these types of obstructions.
6. Food Scraps and Leftovers
Kitchen drains are frequently blocked due to food scraps entering the plumbing system. Items like coffee grounds, rice, pasta, and fibrous vegetables can swell or clump together, restricting flow and blocking the pipes.
A simple way to avoid this is to scrape plates into the bin or compost before rinsing them. Installing sink strainers can also catch solid waste before it makes its way into the drainage system.
7. Build-up of Minerals and Limescale
Hardwater areas across Australia are prone to mineral buildup in plumbing. Over time, calcium and magnesium deposits form limescale, narrowing pipes and reducing flow. Though gradual, this process contributes significantly to recurring blocked drains.
Using water softeners or regularly descaling your plumbing with appropriate cleaning solutions can help mitigate this issue. Knowing whether your area is affected by hard water can guide your preventative maintenance efforts.
8. Improper Drainage System Installation
Sometimes, the cause of frequent blockages isn’t due to user habits but poor plumbing work. Incorrect pipe gradients, inadequate ventilation, or the use of incompatible materials can all lead to slow drainage and frequent blockages.
Improper installation may not show signs immediately but often becomes evident through constant plumbing issues. If ongoing problems persist despite careful usage, a professional inspection of the system design may be necessary.
9. Collapsed or Damaged Pipes
Older drainage systems or those made of brittle materials may collapse or crack over time. These structural failures restrict flow entirely or allow soil and debris to enter the pipes, leading to significant blockages.
Visible signs may include persistent drainage problems in a particular area, damp patches, or unusually lush grass above the affected pipe. Identifying and resolving collapsed pipes typically requires CCTV inspections and potential excavation.
10. Heavy Rain and Stormwater Overflow
During heavy rainfalls, stormwater systems can become overwhelmed, especially if drains are already partially blocked. This can cause water to back up into gutters, gardens, or even indoor areas.
Cleaning gutters and stormwater drains before the wet season is essential for managing water flow. Ensuring outdoor drainage is free of leaves and debris significantly lowers the risk of overflow-related blockages.
Pro Tip!
Regular maintenance can greatly reduce the likelihood of recurring drainage issues. Monthly drain flushing with a mix of boiling water and baking soda, combined with installing sink strainers and shower guards, can go a long way. Always be mindful of what goes down the drain—prevention is easier and less expensive than repairs.
Let Burren Plumbing Clear Your Blocked Drains
If your drains are slow, smelly, or fully blocked, it’s time to bring in the professionals. At Burren Plumbing, we provide prompt and effective solutions for all types of blocked drains across Australia. Using advanced tools and extensive experience, we can quickly identify and resolve drainage issues—no matter how complex.
Contact us today to schedule a reliable and efficient drain inspection or cleaning service. Let’s get your plumbing back on track without the stress.
Contact us with confidence. We have over 16 years experience in the plumbing trade, are fully licensed (Lic: 263313C) and have public liability insurance. We treat your home with care and promise to leave it in the same state as when we arrived.
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