Blocked drains are a common issue faced by homeowners across Sydney. From foul odours to slow water drainage, they can be a source of frustration and inconvenience. Understanding the causes behind these blockages can help you take preventive measures to keep your plumbing system functioning efficiently. Here, we explore the top seven causes of blocked drains in Sydney and provide practical tips to prevent them.
1. Grease and Fat Build-up
When washing up, it’s easy to pour leftover cooking oil, grease, or fat down the sink. Over time, these substances cool, solidify, and stick to the inner walls of your pipes, creating a blockage.
Prevention Tip: Dispose of grease and fat in a sealed container and place it in the bin instead of pouring it down the drain. Consider using a drain strainer to catch food particles.
2. Tree Root Intrusion
Sydney’s leafy suburbs are prone to tree root intrusion. Tree roots naturally seek out moisture and can penetrate even the smallest cracks in underground pipes, causing severe blockages and pipe damage.
Prevention Tip: Schedule regular CCTV inspections to identify potential tree root issues early. If planting trees near your property, choose species with non-invasive roots.
3. Hair Build-up
Hair is one of the most common causes for bathroom drain blockages. It tangles and binds with soap residue, forming clumps that obstruct water flow.
Prevention Tip: Use a drain cover in your shower or bath to catch hair before it enters the drain. Regularly clean the cover to ensure water can flow freely.
4. Foreign Objects
Items such as baby wipes, sanitary products, cotton buds, and children’s toys can easily clog pipes when flushed or dropped down the drain.
Prevention Tip: Educate your household on what should and shouldn’t go down the drain. Keep bins in the bathroom and kitchen to encourage proper disposal of waste.
5. Soap Residue
Soap scum builds up over time, particularly in areas with hard water, forming a stubborn residue that narrows pipes and restricts water flow.
Prevention Tip: Use liquid soaps instead of bar soaps, as they produce less residue. Regularly clean your drains with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to dissolve any build-up.
6. Heavy Rain and Stormwater
Sydney’s unpredictable weather can result in heavy rain, which washes debris like leaves, dirt, and mud into outdoor drains. This accumulation often leads to blockages.
Prevention Tip: Clean your gutters and outdoor drains regularly, especially before and after storms. Install gutter guards to minimise the amount of debris entering your drainage system.
7. Pipe Misalignment or Damage
Over time, ground movement or poor installation can cause pipes to shift, crack, or collapse, leading to drainage issues.
Prevention Tip: Have your plumbing system inspected by a professional if you suspect pipe misalignment or damage. Early detection can prevent costly repairs down the line.
Professional Help for Blocked Drains in Sydney
While some preventative measures can minimise the risk of blockages, they may not eliminate the problem entirely. For recurring blockages, it’s best to seek professional help. At Blocked Drains Sydney, our team of experienced plumbers uses advanced tools like hydro jet blasting and CCTV cameras to diagnose and resolve drainage issues efficiently.
Don’t let blocked drains disrupt your daily life. Contact us today to schedule an inspection or learn more about our services. Together, we can ensure your drains remain free-flowing and hassle-free.