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Blocked drains are more than a minor inconvenience—if left unresolved, they can escalate into larger issues. Not only can they cause short-term issues like bad smells, leaks or even a blocked toilet, if not properly addressed they can result in long-term damage to your home or business's pipes such as more stubborn blockages, sewage backup and costly repairs.
Understanding the causes of drain blockages is the first step in maintaining the health of your drainage system, meaning you can wave goodbye to the smells once and for all. Let's get into it.
There are several indicators of a blocked drain; if you notice any, it's advisable to call a plumber.
A hard one to miss is a horrible stench coming from your drains, shower, or toilet. It is a major signal that something is wrong with your plumbing system. Smells occur as debris breaks down in the pipes, releasing an unpleasant odour. It's usually one of the first signs of a problem, so acting quickly can help prevent larger issues from developing.
Pooling water in your sinks or shower is another key signal that your drains aren't working quite as they should. Likely caused by a clog or buildup of soap scum or food debris, call a plumber to look before the blockage gets worse. If it's localised to one fixture, e.g. the bathroom sink, it's likely the issue lies in that drain alone. If it's a pattern throughout the entire home, you'll have a bigger problem on your hands.
We've spoken about funky smells, but abnormal sounds can also indicate an issue with your drains. Trapped air in the pipes can cause gurgling noises which can indicate blockages. If you notice these noises when you're draining water from your skin, bath or shower, get a plumber to investigate what's going on.
It should go without saying that overflowing drains indicate a deeper problem. Water should only drain one way and that's not up! Some of the main causes could be foreign objects flushed down the toilet or food and grease build up in the kitchen sink. A professional plumber can help you identify the root cause and get the water flowing how it should.
Grease and fat can build up in your home's pipes for a range of reasons including food and soap residue. When this hardens and sticks to the walls of your pipes, causing blockages and wider issues can arise. Always put food scraps in the bin and not down the sink and schedule regular inspections with a professional to stop build-up over time.
Baby wipes, sanitary products and children's toys are some of the most common foreign objects that make their way into our home's drains. It's no surprise that these items wreak havoc in drainpipes as unlike water or biodegradable waste, these objects don't break down easily.
Remember the golden rule: if it isn't toilet paper or human waste, do not flush!
When trees grow, they spread their roots which can, on occasion, infiltrate into your underground pipes. Pipes also offer a source of nutrients and moisture to these tree roots, so once they've discovered them, they just keep growing. This can sometimes cause issues such as the bending, cracking or splitting of pipes.
Additionally, during the rainy season, debris can get washed into outdoor drains, causing additional troubles to the underground plumbing systems in your home.
A cracked pipe can lead to debris, dirt, and even tree roots being able to infiltrate your plumbing system. These breaks can also trap waste that would usually pass through freely. Over time, this can result in slow drainage, waste backup or other plumbing issues.
If you suspect a broken pipe, it’s time to call a professional plumber. They have all the necessary skills and experience to identify the root cause of the problem and can recommend the best course of action. Ignoring the problem may lead to more severe issues further down the line.
Introducing habits such as cleaning drain covers and flushing your drains with hot water can help maintain the long-term health of your pipes. In the kitchen, make it a habit to scrape food scraps into the bin before washing dishes, and in the bathroom, remove hair from the drain cover after every use.
When you need to do a deeper clean, a DIY solution of a vinegar and baking soda mix can work wonders. Pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar, and leave it to fizz the dirt away for around 15–20 minutes before rinsing with hot water.
One of the best things you can do for your pipes is actually really simple. Avoid pouring grease or food residue down the drain. Just throw it in the bin instead. We know it can be tempting to flush it away, but the few seconds it saves you at the time will quickly catch up with you in other ways. An overflowing drain will take up more of your time than scraping your scraps into the bin will!
Pipe maintenance involves enlisting the skills, knowledge and tools of a professional plumber to conduct a thorough inspection and cleaning of your whole drain system including pipe walls, kitchen or bathroom drains, and any other problem areas. A good inspection will involve the use of drain cameras which can identify problems missed by the human eye.
Not only can a plumber identify existing problems, but they can spot the early signs of issues that may develop in the near or distant future. Ongoing maintenance is better than fixing a severe blockage or leak, and should happen regularly, not just in an emergency.
Hair, soap scum, and grease are the most common culprits in residential drain blockages. Cooking oil and food particles are the biggest nuisances in the kitchen offenders. They're particularly problematic as they solidify once cooled, causing buildup on the inner lining of the pipes and creating a sticky trap for other debris to attach to.
There are several preventative measures you can take to help avoid blocked drains. In the kitchen, never pour oil down the sink and invest in a strainer to catch any food waste before it can get into your drains.
Regularly run hot water down the drain to help prevent sediment and grease build-up.
Similarly, over in the bathroom, installing hair catchers on sinks and in the shower can help stop it from infiltrating your pipes. Avoid flushing excessive toilet roll or other foreign objects down the toilet.
Food and grease buildup is the top culprit of clogged drains. Pouring even just a small amount down the sink every day can lead to excessive and problematic build-up over time.
Ongoing maintenance of your drains is the best way to stop the clogging. Don't flush any items down the drain except toilet paper and clean your drains regularly. This involves washing drain stoppers or drainers and pouring hot water down the drain regularly to help flush away any debris or buildup.
Even the best cared for plumbing system can suffer from blocked drains, smells and other issues. That's why finding a trusted plumbing company is essential to ensure the long-term maintenance of your pipes.
Plumberoo's 24/7 service is available in all of Sydney's eastern suburbs and with a response time of less than two hours, our friendly team will have your blocked drains back to normal quicker than you can say 'foul smell'. Contact us today for expert drain cleaning services.
