What Causes Blocked Drains and How Can You Prevent Them?
Blocked drains are one of the most common plumbing problems faced by homeowners and businesses. A blockage can begin gradually, with water draining a little slower than usual, before eventually becoming a complete blockage.
Understanding what causes blocked drains and recognising the early warning signs can help you address the problem before it becomes a larger plumbing issue.
What Causes Blocked Drains?
There are several common causes of blocked drains, and the cause can vary depending on which part of the plumbing system is affected.
Grease and Food Waste
Kitchen sinks can become blocked when grease, fats, oils and food particles are washed down the drain.
Over time, these materials can build up inside the pipe and restrict the flow of water.
Avoid putting cooking oils and fats down the sink and use a suitable method of disposing of food waste.
Hair and Soap Build-Up
Bathroom drains can collect hair, soap residue and other debris.
Over time, this material can accumulate inside the waste pipe and reduce the flow of water.
Using a drain cover or strainer can help catch hair and other debris before it enters the plumbing system.
Foreign Objects
Items that shouldn't be flushed or washed down a drain can cause serious blockages.
Toilets should generally only be used for toilet paper and waste. Products such as wipes, paper towels and other materials can contribute to blockages even when they are labelled as flushable.
Tree Roots
External drainage pipes can sometimes be affected by tree roots.
Roots can enter through joints, cracks or damaged sections of pipework and gradually restrict the flow of wastewater.
Tree root problems often require professional investigation to determine the location and extent of the issue.
Damaged or Deteriorated Pipes
Older or damaged drainage pipes can develop cracks, collapsed sections or other problems that restrict the movement of wastewater.
In these situations, simply clearing the blockage may not solve the underlying problem.
Signs You May Have a Blocked Drain
A blockage doesn't always start with a completely blocked pipe.
Some early warning signs include:
Water draining slower than normal
Gurgling sounds from drains
Unpleasant smells coming from drains
Water backing up from floor wastes
Toilets struggling to flush properly
Multiple drains becoming slow at the same time
If you're experiencing more than one of these signs, there may be a problem further along the drainage system.
How Can You Help Prevent Blocked Drains?
Regular maintenance and being careful about what goes down your drains can help reduce the risk of blockages.
Simple steps include:
Don't pour fats, oils or grease down the kitchen sink.
Use strainers in kitchen and bathroom drains.
Keep hair and large debris out of shower drains.
Don't flush wipes, paper towels or other unsuitable items.
Be aware of trees and vegetation near underground drainage.
Address slow drains before they become completely blocked.
When Should You Call a Plumber?
If a drain is completely blocked, repeatedly becomes blocked or several drains are affected at the same time, professional investigation may be required.
A plumber can use equipment such as drain cameras and high-pressure water jetting to investigate and clear blockages, depending on the type and location of the problem.
Identifying the cause is particularly important when a blockage keeps returning. Clearing the immediate obstruction without addressing the underlying issue may only provide a temporary solution.
At Balanced Plumbing and Roofing, we provide blocked drain investigation, drain clearing, camera inspections and drainage services across Port Macquarie and the surrounding Mid North Coast.
If you're dealing with a blocked or slow drain, contact Balanced Plumbing and Roofing to discuss the problem.