Top 5 Causes of Blocked Drains and How to Address Them

Blocked drains are a common issue. Understanding the top 5 causes and how to address them can help prevent blockages and keep your plumbing in top shape.

When we talk about the most common plumbing issues, blocked drains are often at the top of the list. Because we rely on drains every day, clogging and blockages are an unfortunate reality, and sometimes rear their head when you least suspect. 

This is why it’s so important to understand the various different underlying causes. This way, you’ll know what to look for, when to get assistance, and, most importantly, how to prevent blockages from occurring in the first place!
At MCN Plumbing, we’re proud to be a trusted source for all types of blocked drains in Melbourne. Today, our goal is to provide some insights into the top five causes of blockages.

1. Flushing Inappropriate Items

First off, we have one of the most common causes of blocked drains in Melbourne– flushing the wrong items down toilets and sinks. Despite what some packaging might say, not everything is actually flushable. 

Everyday items like baby wipes, cotton balls, hygiene products, and even dental floss all have the potential to cause severe blockages in your plumbing system. Why? To start, these materials don’t break down easily in water. This then leads to build-up over time and eventually, a clog.

Prevention Tips

1. Use a waste bin: Place one in every bathroom for non-flushable items.
2. Educate your household: Make sure everyone knows what can and can’t be flushed.
3. Verify products: Only flush items that are genuinely labelled as flushable.

2. Pouring Grease and Oil Down the Drain

Pouring grease and oil down the kitchen sink is another leading cause of blocked drains. Many people don’t realise just how harmful these substances can be to your plumbing system. Let’s explain why.

Both grease and oil tend to solidify when they cool down, meaning that they then stick to the inside of pipes and eventually create a blockage. Over time, this build-up can also trap food particles and other debris, further exacerbating the problem.

The best way to prevent this is to never pour grease or oil directly down the drain. Instead, collect it in a container, such as an old coffee jar, and dispose of it in the rubbish once it’s full. You could also use a paper towel to absorb oil and then dispose of it. Another alternative is to use a grease trap to catch any remaining fat before it can enter your plumbing system. 

Prevention Tips

1. Collect grease and oil: Store it in a container and dispose of it in the trash.
2. Use a grease trap: Install one in your kitchen to catch leftover grease.
3. Avoid the drain: Always think twice before pouring anything but water down your sink.

3. Hair Build-up

Hair build-up is another frequent cause of blocked drains, especially in showers and bathroom sinks. The reason behind this is as follows; because hair is so thin, it easily falls into the drain, where it can become entangled with soap scum and, over time, form a stubborn blockage. This is particularly problematic in households with multiple people, especially anyone with long hair or hair loss issues. In these situations, clogs tend to develop quite quickly, especially if left unaddressed.

Preventing hair-related blockages involves a few simple steps. Regularly cleaning your bathroom drains is essential; use a drain snake or plunger to remove any hair that has accumulated. Additionally, installing a drain cover can catch most of the hair before it enters the pipes, significantly reducing the likelihood of blockages.

Prevention Tips

1. Regularly clean drains: Use a drain snake or plunger to clear hair build-up.
2. Install drain covers: These can catch hair before it enters your plumbing.
3. Be proactive: Check and clean drains frequently, especially in high-use bathrooms.

Dealing with stubborn blocked drains in Melbourne? We service the entire city. Whether you’re in Coburg, Seaford, or Armadale, MCN is never too far away! Call us now for reliable 24/7 emergency plumbing.

4. Tree Roots

Although this is something you have less control over, tree roots are often a major culprit behind blocked drains, particularly in older Melbourne homes with clay or cast iron pipes. Roots naturally seek out water sources and can infiltrate your plumbing system through tiny cracks or joints in the pipes. Over time, these roots grow and expand, causing significant blockages and even damaging the pipes themselves.

If you notice any signs of root invasion, whether it is slow drainage or unusual gurgling sounds, it’s time to call a professional plumber. Using modern techniques like jet blasting and CCTV inspections, a licensed plumber can properly assess the situation and clear the blockage before it causes any more damage.

Prevention Tips

1. Monitor your yard: Keep an eye on trees and shrubs near your plumbing system.
2. Call a professional: If you suspect roots are causing a blockage, don’t hesitate to get expert help.
3. Replace old pipes: Consider upgrading to PVC pipes, which are more resistant to root damage.

5. Soap Scum and Mineral Build-up

Fifth on the list, we have soap scum and mineral deposits. Over time, soap residue and minerals from hard water can and will accumulate inside your pipes. This narrows the passage and eventually leads to a blockage. This is especially common in homes with hard water, where the mineral content is higher.

Regular maintenance is the key to combating soap scum and mineral build-up. So, make sure to clean your drains periodically using a mixture of vinegar and baking soda, which can help dissolve these deposits. Additionally, consider installing a water softener if hard water is a persistent issue in your home, as this can significantly reduce mineral build-up in your pipes.

Prevention Tips

1. Regular drain cleaning: Use a vinegar and baking soda mixture to dissolve build-up.
2. Install a water softener: This can help reduce mineral deposits in homes with hard water.
3. Avoid harsh chemicals: Use natural solutions to maintain your plumbing system’s health.

When to Call a Plumber

Even with the best preventative measures, some drain issues will always need professional intervention. If you encounter persistent problems that you can’t resolve with DIY methods, it’s time to bring in an expert. Remember, only licensed plumbers have the tools and expertise to tackle severe blockages and prevent further damage.

Here are some signs that indicate it’s time to call a plumber:

1. Persistent Slow Drainage: If you experience consistently slow drainage in sinks, showers, or toilets despite trying to clear it yourself.
2. Foul Smells: Noticeable and persistent unpleasant odours coming from your drains.
3. Water Backup: Water backing up into sinks, showers, or toilets, indicating a serious blockage.
4. Ineffective DIY Solutions: If your attempts with plungers, drain snakes, or home remedies fail to resolve the issue.
5. Suspected Tree Roots: If you suspect that tree roots are causing the blockage, professional tools and expertise are required.
6. Frequent Blockages: Recurring blockages that indicate an underlying problem requiring a professional assessment.

What Untreated Blocked Drains Can Lead To

A blocked drain may seem like a minor convenience, but if left untreated, it can result in further issues that impact both your home and your health. Over time, minor clogs can develop into major problems if not addressed promptly. Understanding these potential consequences can highlight the importance of timely intervention.

Here’s what can happen if blocked drains are left untreated:

1. Slow Drainage: Water drains slowly from sinks, showers, or toilets, which can become more severe over time.
2. Water Backup and Flooding: Backup of water into your home, potentially causing damage to your floors, walls, and belongings.
3. Harmful Bacteria Growth: An accumulation of waste and stagnant water promotes the growth of harmful bacteria and mould.
4. Unpleasant Odours: Persistent foul smells throughout your home from decomposing waste and stagnant water.
5. Health Risks: Exposure to unsanitary conditions, which can lead to health issues for you and your family.
6. Sewage Backup: Severe blockages causing sewage to back up into your home, leading to what can be a costly and difficult clean up.

Our Full Range of Blocked Drain Services in Melbourne

At MCN Plumbing, we provide fast, clean, and non-invasive solutions to clear blocked drains in Melbourne. We’re available across the city and provide all of the following services: 

• CCTV Diagnostics: Utilising advanced drain camera technology, our team can determine the exact location and cause of your drain blockage.

• Hydro Jet Cleaning: This comprehensive cleaning process removes blockages in your drains and also clears other build-ups to prevent further obstructions in the future.

• Tree Root Removal: Invasive tree roots can wreak havoc on your pipes. MCN Plumbing can remove tree roots from your pipes, clear the obstruction, and repair any damage caused.

• Drain Repairs and Pipe Relining: When your pipes and drains are damaged by a blockage, MCN Plumbing can provide all the repairs you need.