10 Common Causes of Blocked Drains and How to Fix Them

Blocked drains are a common plumbing issue that can disrupt your daily life, causing everything from minor inconveniences to significant water damage. Whether it’s a slow drain in your bathroom or a completely clogged kitchen sink, understanding the causes and solutions can help you act fast.

At Parker Plumbing, we’ve compiled an updated guide to help you identify common drain blockages and what you can do about them.

The inside of a PVC pipe that has had tree roots growing inside of it

1. Tree Roots Penetrating a Cracked Pipe

  • Problem: Tree roots are naturally attracted to moisture, and even the smallest crack in a pipe can draw them in. Once inside, roots can cause blockages by impeding water flow and eventually breaking the pipe.
  • Fix: A jet rodding machine is often the best solution. This high-pressure hose blasts water through the pipe, clearing roots and debris. In some cases, you may need professional assistance to fully remove root intrusions and repair the pipe.
  • Prevention Tip: If you have trees close to your home, regular inspections can catch early signs of root infiltration before they cause major damage.

Hair from a blocked drain

2. Hair Blockages in Bathroom Drains

  • Problem: Hair is one of the most common causes of bathroom drain blockages. It combines with soap residue to form a solid mass that restricts water flow.
  • Fix: Remove visible hair using a drain snake or tweezers. For deeper blockages, pour a DIY solution made of baking soda, salt, and vinegar down the drain to break up any remaining debris. If this doesn’t work, a plumber can use a small auger to clear the pipes.
  • Prevention Tip: Install a drain screen or hair catcher to stop hair from entering your pipes.

3. Food Scraps in the Kitchen Sink

  • Problem: Food waste, especially rice, pasta, and vegetable peels, can clog the kitchen sink’s U-bend, leading to slow drainage.
  • Fix: Pour a commercial drain unblocker or a homemade mix of baking soda and vinegar down the sink. Check the external drain where it empties for any trapped debris.
  • Prevention Tip: Use a sink strainer and scrape food scraps into the bin or compost before rinsing dishes.

4. The Build-Up of Oils and Fats

  • Problem: Fats and oils poured down the sink solidify as they cool, creating “fatbergs” that block pipes. This is a common issue in winter or colder climates.
  • Fix: Pour hot water mixed with dish detergent down the drain to dissolve the fats. For stubborn blockages, a professional hydro-jetting service may be necessary.
  • Prevention Tip: Always dispose of cooking fats and oils by soaking them up with kitchen roll and throwing them in the bin.

5. Wet Wipes and Non-Flushables

  • Problem: Despite being marketed as flushable, many wet wipes do not break down like toilet paper and can cause significant blockages.
  • Fix: Remove the blockage using a plumber’s auger or call a professional to use a high-pressure jet system to clear the pipes.
  • Prevention Tip: Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper. Dispose of wipes, cotton buds, and sanitary products in the bin.

fallen leaves that have clogged a roof gutter

6. Leaves Collecting in Outdoor Drains

  • Problem: During autumn, leaves and other debris can collect in outdoor drains, leading to blockages that cause water to pool around your property.
  • Fix: Use a garden rake or gloved hands to clear the leaves and debris. Consider installing a drain cover to prevent leaves from entering in the first place.
  • Prevention Tip: Regularly clean outdoor drains, especially after storms or heavy leaf fall.

7. A build-up of coffee grounds

  • Problem: Similar to fat, coffee grounds can solidify in your drains, narrowing pipes and eventually causing blockages.
  • Fix: Use a drain unblocker to clear any current blockages. Always dispose of coffee grounds in the bin or compost, not down the sink.
  • Prevention Tip: Make it a habit to discard coffee grounds properly rather than rinsing them down the drain.

8. Poor Installation of Pipes

  • Problem: In some cases, blocked drains result from poor installation. Narrow or improperly aligned pipes can lead to frequent blockages, costing you more in repairs over time.
  • Fix: Unfortunately, poor installation usually requires a professional plumber to reinstall or realign the pipes properly.
  • Prevention Tip: Always hire a licensed plumber for installations to ensure your pipes are correctly fitted and to Australian standards.

9. Children’s Toys and Foreign Objects

  • Problem: Small children are known for flushing toys and other objects down the toilet, causing blockages in the U-bend or further down the drain system.
  • Fix: If the object is stuck near the surface, you may be able to remove it with a plunger or drain snake. For deeper blockages, contact a plumber to disassemble the pipe.
  • Prevention Tip: Keep toilet lids closed and consider using child locks to prevent little hands from flushing inappropriate objects.

an open pipe being inspection for blockage or damage

10. External Pipe Damage

  • Problem: Damage to sewer lines and external pipes from construction, tree roots, or even wear and tear can cause serious blockages and leaks.
  • Fix: Contact a professional plumber or your local council for major repairs, especially if the issue affects public sewer lines.
  • Prevention Tip: Regular inspections of your plumbing system, especially after major construction or landscaping, can help identify any vulnerabilities.

 

Regular Maintenance is Key

Blocked drains are not only inconvenient but can also lead to bigger plumbing issues if left unchecked. Regular inspections and proper waste disposal habits can prevent many of the common causes of blockages. However, if you do encounter a blockage that you can’t handle, it’s always best to call in an Ipswich plumber.

At Parker Plumbing, we’ve been helping homeowners in Ipswich and West Brisbane deal with blocked drains for over 13 years. Whether it’s a minor clog or a major plumbing issue, our blocked drain plumbers are here to help. Call us today for fast, reliable service.

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