The Top 5 Causes of Blocked Drains and how to Prevent them

Blocked drains can be a nightmare for homeowners in Sydney, Australia. They are not only frustrating and inconvenient but can also lead to expensive repair bills. Understanding the most common causes of blocked drains can help homeowners take proactive measures to prevent them from happening in the first place. In this blog, we will discuss the top five causes of blocked drains in Sydney homes and provide tips on how to prevent them.

1. Flushing Inappropriate Items

One of the most common causes of blocked drains in Sydney homes is flushing inappropriate items down the toilet. Many people mistakenly believe that the toilet is a convenient disposal method for all kinds of waste, but this is not the case. Items such as baby wipes, cotton balls, feminine hygiene products, and even dental floss can all cause blockages in your toilet’s plumbing system.

To prevent blocked drains caused by flushing inappropriate items down the toilet, it is essential to educate all members of your household on what should and should not be flushed. Make sure that you provide a waste bin in your bathroom for all non-toilet-friendly items. Additionally, it’s important to check the packaging of toilet paper and wipes to ensure they are marketed as “flushable.”

2. Pouring Grease and Oil Down the Drain

Another common cause of blocked drains in Sydney homes is pouring grease and oil down the drain. Many homeowners do not realise that grease and oil solidify when they cool down, causing blockages in your home’s plumbing system. This is especially true for those who frequently cook with oil or have deep fryers in their homes.

To prevent blocked drains caused by grease and oil, it’s crucial to avoid pouring them down the drain. Instead, dispose of them in a separate container and discard them in the trash. Alternatively, consider using a grease trap or a strainer to catch any excess grease and oil before it enters your plumbing system.

3. Hair Build-up

Hair build-up is another common cause of blocked shower drains in Sydney homes. Over time, hair can accumulate in your bathroom and shower drains, causing water to drain slowly or not at all. This is especially true for households with multiple people with long hair.

To prevent blocked drains caused by hair build-up, it’s important to remove hair from your drains regularly. You can do this by using a drain snake or a plunger to remove any hair that has accumulated in the drain. More severe blockages will often need a licensed plumber to perform a CCTV drain inspection. Alternatively, consider purchasing a drain cover to catch any loose hairs before they can enter your plumbing system.

4. Tree Roots

Tree roots are a significant cause of blocked drains in Sydney homes. Over time, tree roots can grow into your home’s plumbing system, causing blockages and even pipe damage. Again, using a licensed plumber to perform jet blasting can be an effective way to clear tree roots from your pipes and drains. This is especially true for homes with older pipes made of clay or cast iron, which are more susceptible to damage.

To prevent blocked drains caused by tree roots, it’s important to monitor the trees and shrubs in your yard. If you notice any roots growing close to your home’s plumbing system, it’s essential to have them removed before they cause any damage. Additionally, consider replacing any old or damaged pipes with newer PVC pipes that are more resistant to root damage.

5. Soap Scum and Mineral Build-up

Finally, soap scum and mineral build-up can cause blocked drains in Sydney homes. Over time, soap scum and minerals can accumulate in your home’s plumbing system, causing blockages and even damage to your pipes.

To prevent blocked drains caused by soap scum and mineral build-up, it’s important to clean your drains regularly. You can do this by using a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to dissolve any build-up in your pipes. Additionally, consider using a drain cleaner or water softener to prevent minerals from accumulating in your plumbing system.

In conclusion, blocked drains can be a significant problem for homeowners in Sydney, Australia. Understanding the most common causes of blocked drains, such as flushing inappropriate items, pouring grease and oil down the drain, hair build-up, tree roots, and soap scum and mineral build-up, can help homeowners take proactive measures to prevent them from happening in the first place.

Preventative measures such as educating all members of your household on what should and should not be flushed, disposing of grease and oil in a separate container, removing hair from your drains regularly, monitoring trees and shrubs in your yard, and cleaning your drains regularly can all help prevent blocked drains from occurring.

In addition to these preventative measures, it’s also important to be proactive in seeking professional help when necessary. If you notice any signs of a blocked drain, such as slow drainage or a foul smell, it’s essential to contact a professional plumber as soon as possible. Attempting to fix the problem yourself can often lead to further damage and more expensive repair bills down the line.

By understanding the most common causes of blocked drains in Sydney homes and taking preventative measures to prevent them from occurring, homeowners can save themselves time, money, and frustration. Remember to educate all members of your household on what should and should not be flushed, dispose of grease and oil properly, remove hair from your drains regularly, monitor trees and shrubs in your yard, and clean your drains regularly. And if you notice any signs of a blocked drain, don’t hesitate to contact Optimised Plumbing Services for help.

Related article: How To Unblock A Badly Blocked Toilet