Top reasons why your drainage keeps blocking

Knowing why your drainage keeps blocking is key to avoiding plumbing problems. In Australia, from Melbourne to the Gold Coast, blocked drains are common. They can mess up your day and damage your property if not fixed.

Signs of blocked drains include slow water flow, bubbling, and strange noises. Our team at OnCall Emergency Plumbers can fix even the toughest clogs. We’ll look at what causes blockages and how to keep your drains clear.

Hair is a big problem, as people lose 50 to 100 strands daily, clogging bathroom pipes. Makeup wipes, sanitary products, and too much toilet paper also cause blockages. In the kitchen, food scraps and grease can solidify and block pipes.

Outdoor drains can get clogged by leaves, soil, and stormwater. Knowing these causes helps keep your drains clear. We suggest being proactive with blocked drain solutions.

Key Takeaways

• Hair accumulation in the shower can lead to drain blockage.
• Dispose of personal hygiene items in the bin, not the toilet.
• Cooking grease and food should be wiped clean to avert kitchen sink clogs.
• Maintain gutters and outdoor drains clear of leaves and debris.
• Engage in regular maintenance and seek professional assistance for blocked drains.
• Avoid pouring fats and oils down the sink.
• OnCall Emergency Plumbers can provide efficient, professional blockage removal services.

Common Drain Blockage Issues in Australian Homes

In Australian homes, common drain blockage issues are a big problem. They happen everywhere, from Sydney’s suburbs to Melbourne’s streets. Knowing what causes them helps us stop them before they start.

Fat, grease, and oil are big culprits in kitchen drains. They harden and block the pipes. In bathrooms, hair accumulation is a big problem, with people losing 60-100 hairs a day. Toilet paper and sanitary items can also cause trouble if not thrown away right.

Nature also plays a part. Tree roots seek out drain pipes, causing big problems in places like New South Wales. Leaves and twigs can block stormwater drains if not cleaned out.

Older homes often have poor plumbing installation and pipe disintegration. This can lead to blockages. Incorrect pipe sizes or slopes can also cause trouble.

Common Blockage	Typical Causes	Prevention Tips
Kitchen drains	Fat, grease, oil accumulation	Install grease traps, avoid pouring oil down the sink
Bathroom drains	Hair, soap buildup	Use hair catchers, opt for hair-free soaps
Toilets	Excessive toilet paper, sanitary items	Dispose of sanitary items in bins, use moderate toilet paper
Outdoor drains	Tree roots, leaves, and twigs	Regular gutter cleaning, install gutter guards
Pipes	Old or poorly installed pipes, hard water mineral build-up	Schedule regular checks, consider pipe replacements or professional descaling

OnCall Emergency Plumbers can help with common drain blockage issues. They offer advice and services for both DIY and professional needs. Keeping your pipes clear is important for a clean and working home.

Preventative Measures to Avoid Blocked Drains

To keep your home safe from blocked drains, it’s important to use good prevention methods. Regular maintenance and smart household habits can help a lot. Also, getting help from professional drain cleaners keeps your plumbing in top shape.

Regular Drainage Maintenance Techniques

Keeping up with maintenance is key to avoiding blocked drains. Here are some tips:

• Use a drain strainer to catch small debris, which is a major contributor to blockages.
• Do routine checks, every 2-3 years, to find and fix problems early.
• Clear gutters and storm drains of leaves and debris to ensure smooth water flow during heavy rain.
• Pour boiling water down drains weekly to dissolve grease build-up, which is a common blockage culprit.

Effective Household Habits

Good disposal habits can help prevent clogs:

• Don’t flush anything but toilet paper to avoid sewer damage.
• Put cooking oil and grease in a can or jar instead of down the drain to prevent greasy build-ups.
• Use garbage disposal units under kitchen sinks to manage food scraps efficiently, accompanied by running cold water to aid in the disposal process.
• Don’t flush ‘flushable’ wipes as they often lead to clogs and damage.

Professional Drain Cleaning Services

Professional drain cleaning services are vital to protect your home from blockages. Regular inspections and cleanings, every few years, can find hidden problems and keep your drainage system working well.

OnCall Emergency Plumbers offers expert drain cleaning and maintenance services 24/7. Their team is ready to tackle any drainage issue. They provide preventive maintenance that’s more cost-effective than emergency repairs. For any ongoing problems, don’t wait and get professional help quickly to avoid making things worse.

Preventive Measure	Frequency	Benefit
Use of drain strainers	Daily	Prevents debris from entering pipes
Boiling water flush	Weekly	Dissolves grease and prevents clogs
Professional drain inspection	Every 2-3 years	Identifies and resolves hidden issues

Conclusion

Keeping our plumbing system in good shape is key. We’ve seen how hair, soap scum, and tree roots can cause problems. Grease, food waste, and even kids’ toys can clog drains too.

But, there are ways to prevent these issues. Simple steps like cleaning drain covers and not flushing the wrong things can help. For tougher problems, OnCall Emergency Plumbers has the right tools.

They use advanced methods like hydro jetting and CCTV inspections. This ensures even hard blockages are fixed. For emergencies, OnCall is ready 24/7 with quality materials.

By being proactive and working with OnCall, we can keep our drains flowing well. This is true for emergencies, regular checks, or long-term solutions.

FAQ

What are the top reasons why my drainage keeps blocking?

Hair, grease, and fats can block drains. So can food waste and foreign objects. Broken pipes and tree roots also cause problems.

Bad plumbing and hard water deposits can block drains too.

What are common drain blockage issues faced by Australian homes?

Grease, hair, and foreign objects often block drains in Australia. Tree roots and leaves can also get in the way.

Environmental factors and bad plumbing can lead to more blockages.

How can I unclog my drain using DIY methods?

Start with boiling water to dissolve grease. For tough clogs, try baking soda and vinegar mixed with hot water.

A plunger can help dislodge blockages. A plumber’s snake is good for deeper clogs.

What preventative measures can I take to avoid blocked drains?

Dispose of waste properly to avoid blockages. Don’t flush anything but toilet paper down the toilet.

Keep grease and oils out of sinks. Use drain guards for hair and debris. Regularly check your pipes and gutters.

Clear away tree roots to prevent damage.

How often should I conduct drainage maintenance?

Do drainage maintenance at least twice a year. More often if you notice slow drainage or gurgling sounds.

Check after heavy storms or in areas with lots of leaf fall.

Can household habits really impact drain health?

Yes, they can. Proper waste disposal and avoiding oil and grease in sinks helps. Use hair catchers and flush only toilet paper.

Be careful with soaps and chemicals to prevent blockages.

Should I consider professional drain cleaning services and how can they help?

Yes, especially for persistent blockages. Professionals have the right tools and know-how.

They can remove blockages, clean thoroughly, and find hidden problems. They offer solutions DIY methods can’t.

Are there any signs indicating that I need professional help with my blocked drain?

Look out for frequent blockages, foul smells, and water backup. If DIY methods don’t work, it’s time for a pro.

Professional plumbers like us can prevent further damage to your plumbing.