Skip to content 
Top 8 Causes of Blocked Drains (and How to Fix Them)
1. Hair Build-Up
Hair is one of the most common culprits behind blocked drains, especially in the bathroom. When hair goes down the drain, it can combine with soap scum, grease, and other debris, creating clogs that worsen over time.
Prevention Tip: Use drain covers or screens in your showers and sinks to catch hair before it goes down the drain. Regularly clean the drain covers to ensure optimal water flow. If hair does slip through, use a plunger or a plumber snake to dislodge it before it builds up too much.
2. Grease and Cooking Oils
Grease, fat, and oil from cooking are notorious for clogging kitchen sinks. When poured down the drain, these substances cool and harden, forming a sticky residue that clings to the sides of pipes and catches other debris.
Prevention Tip: Never pour grease or oil down the drain. Instead, put it in the fridge to cool and harden and then dispose of it in the garbage. Alternatively, pour cooking grease into a container, such as a disposable jar, and dispose of it properly.
3. Food Scraps
Even with a garbage disposal, food scraps can easily clog drains. Coffee grounds, rice, pasta, and fibrous vegetables (like celery) are particularly problematic, as they can expand in water or get tangled up in the disposal blades.
Prevention Tip: Scrape food scraps into the trash or compost instead of rinsing them down the sink. Use a drain strainer to catch stray pieces, and clean it after each use.Even with a garbage disposal, food scraps can easily clog drains. Coffee grounds, rice, pasta, and fibrous vegetables (like celery) are particularly problematic, as they can expand in water or get tangled up in the disposal blades.
4. Soap Scum
Soap residue may seem harmless but can build up over time, especially in bathrooms. As soap scum accumulates, it can trap hair and other debris, leading to blockages.
Prevention Tip: Consider switching to body wash or liquid soap, as it leaves less residue than bar soap. Regularly cleaning your bathroom drains with a mixture of hot water and vinegar can also help break down soap scum before it builds up.
5. Foreign Objects and Toys
Small objects, from kids’ toys to bathroom accessories, often find their way into drains and cause blockages. Even items that seem flushable, like wipes and cotton swabs, can clog drains over time.
Prevention Tip: Keep small items away from sinks, toilets, and shower drains, especially if you have children. Remind everyone in the household that only toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet. For families with young kids, consider investing in drain covers to prevent toys and other objects from going down the pipes.
6. Tree Roots
Tree roots are a less obvious but severe cause of blocked drains. Roots naturally seek moisture and can infiltrate underground pipes, causing significant blockages or damaging the pipes.
Prevention Tip: If you have large trees near your home, consider scheduling regular inspections to check for root intrusion. Aussie Services offers advanced drain inspections with CCTV cameras, helping you identify and address root issues before they lead to costly repairs.
7. Mineral Build-Up
Hard water contains minerals like calcium and magnesium that can accumulate in pipes over time, leading to blockages. The build-up of these minerals is especially common in areas with hard water.
Prevention Tip: Consider installing a water softener to reduce mineral content. Regularly flushing your pipes with hot water and vinegar can also help break down some mineral deposits. Mineral build-up is more common with older steel pipes than copper or PVC pipes.
8. Toiletries and Hygiene Products
Items like baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, cotton balls, and dental floss are often mistaken for flushable items but do not break down in water. These products can block your plumbing system quickly and lead to stubborn clogs.
Prevention Tip: Remind everyone in your household that only toilet paper is safe to flush. Place a garbage bin next to the toilet to make it easy to dispose of hygiene products.
DIY Solutions for Minor Blockages
Minor blockages can often be handled without professional help. Many simple solutions exist right in your home. With a bit of effort, you can resolve small blockages effectively.
Consider these DIY techniques:
- Use baking soda and vinegar
- Employ a plunger
- Use a plumber’s snake
These tools are both affordable and easy to use. Exploring these options can restore proper drainage quickly.
How Aussie Services Can Help with Blocked Drains
Even with the best preventative measures, blockages can still happen. Aussie Services provides professional blocked drain cleaning and repair services throughout Sydney, using state-of-the-art equipment to clear any clogs and keep your drains flowing freely. We can help with everything from minor blockages to complex root intrusions, ensuring your home’s plumbing system is in top condition.
If you’re dealing with a blocked drain or want to schedule a preventative inspection, contact Aussie Services today. We’re here to keep your home’s plumbing running smoothly and save you from unexpected plumbing emergencies.
Ready to clear your drains or prevent future clogs? Get in touch with Aussie Services today and experience the difference professional plumbing can make.