Blocked drains are one of those home headaches that always seem to come out when they are least welcome. Either your blocked-up sink, your stinky bathroom smell, or water around your outside drain, all of these have the potential to become a massive plumbing catastrophe if ignored.
If you have a blocked drain, half the battle is understanding why. Knowing what’s causing the blockage gives you the ability to take the appropriate action to repair it or stop it from re-occurring in the future. Below are five of the most common reasons for clogged drains in Australian houses, and some helpful tips on how to handle them.
1. Grease and Fat Build-Up
Prevention of drain blockage in the kitchen is among the most effective reasons why greases, oils, and fats are likely to clog drains. During pouring down the sink, when they are in liquid states, these products may seem harmless, but when they cool down, they solidify and stick within your pipes. The grease layer thickens with time and catches food particles and other substances until water cannot move through.
Never pour greasy liquids, butter, or cooking oils down your drain. Wipe the greasy pans with paper towels first before washing them and discarding the grease in the bin. For small clogging, running a combination of hot water and dishwashing liquid down the pipe may be sufficient to break up the clog. Professional blocked drain repair would have to safely and completely remove hardened fat deposits in severe cases.
2. Hair and Soap Scum
Bathroom sink basins usually fall prey to hair and soap scum. Hair, when mixed with the left behind particulate of soap, shampoo, and conditioner, creates a sticky clump that sticks to the sides of your pipes. This kind of clog results in slow draining and foul smells.
Solution: Catch hair in a drain catcher before it enters the drain. Clean the catcher from time to time and do not wash lots of hair down the plughole. In case the drain is blocked, try to clear the blockage by using a plunger or a plumber snake. Where DIY methods don’t work, have a professional plumber clear the blockage without breaking your pipes.
3. Foreign Objects
It will amaze you how often normal household items find themselves in drains where they do not belong. The most common offenders are baby wipes, sanitary products, nappies, paper towels, and even toys. None of them are likely to degrade and can find themselves creating huge plugs in household plumbing and sewer lines.
The easiest answer to this problem is easy, just flush human waste and loo paper down the toilet. Bin everything else. If already a foreign object has blocked a pipe, professional plumbers have the equipment and CCTV drain inspection cameras to find and recover it effectively.
4. Tree Roots
Tree roots are a silent but sinister root cause of clogged drains, particularly for older homes in Australia. Tree roots naturally move towards water and nutrients, and if your pipes under the ground have a small crack, they will somehow get in. They grow and spread over time, causing the pipes to burst, leak, or even collapse.
Regular monthly drain checks are the most effective means of detecting early root penetration before it becomes an expensive repair. If roots have already caused a blockage, professional block drain repair is required. Plumbers use modern equipment including high-pressure jetting and root-cutting equipment to clear the roots and return the flow to normal. In extreme cases, pipe replacement or relining is required to avoid future problems.
5. Misaligned or Broken Pipes
Pipes may move or break because of natural ground settlement, age, or improper installation. Whenever this occurs, water flow is interrupted, and material can readily settle in the damaged section, causing periodic clogs.
Solution: A professional assessment is necessary to know if pipe misalignment or structural damage is the cause. Through CCTV cameras, plumbers are able to find the source and suggest the ideal repair technique. Most of the time, trenchless pipe relining provides a long-term solution with minimal excavation.
Clogged Drains: Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Them
Clogged drains may be a minor inconvenience at first, but if ignored, they could be much larger issues. Odours, bacteria, and even home or business destruction through leaks or overflows are promoted by stagnant water. It is always best to catch the situation early on in order to spare you time, money, and frustration in the future.
Preventative Measures for Healthy Drains
Some simple good habits can save you much effort and trouble in maintaining healthy and unblocked drains:
- Dispose off food debris and fats correctly.
- Install strainers on drains in sinks and showers.
- Never flush items that don’t belong down the toilet.
- Get plumbing check-ups done at regular intervals to catch problems early.
By practising good plumbing habits, you will avoid clogging and extend the lifespan of your drainage system.
When to Call in a Professional Blocked Drain Repair
Though some clogs are treatable at home, others must be attended by experts. If you experience frequent clogs, sluggish draining, or nasty smells from your drains, it’s time to call a professional plumber. They will identify the cause, offer safe and long-lasting remedies, and get your plumbing system working as it should.
Conclusion
Drain fixing blocked is a question of acting and expertise at the right time. With the newest tools and established methods, skilled plumbers can correct even the most stubborn drain problems with speed and simplicity.
For quality and reliable solutions, Torino’s Plumbing offers assured clogged drain repair throughout Australia. Trust experienced plumbers who are familiar with Australian conditions and applying the most advanced, non-destructive techniques to fix your drains with a minimum of disruption.