What You Need to Know About the Causes of Blocked Drains

Blocked drains can lead to frustrating plumbing issues, but knowing the causes can help you prevent them. This article covers common causes of blocked drains, effective prevention tips, and key signs that indicate when it’s time to call in a professional for help.

A sudden plumbing issue is something that none of us enjoy. However, there are simple steps that everyone can take to prevent them at the source–especially in the case of blocked drains. In this article, we’re going to tackle what you need to know about the causes of blocked drains, prevention tips, and when to get professional help.

At MCN Plumbing, we’ve dealt with almost every scenario you can imagine. So, if you’re currently dealing with blocked drains in Melbourne, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Otherwise, keep reading to learn everything you need to know!

How to Spot a Blocked Drain

Unlike burst pipes, blocked drains often give off clear signals before they become a major problem. Being able to spot these signs early will really save you a lot of hassle and prevent small issues from escalating further. Let’s dive into what you should watch out for:

Sinks: If your basin or kitchen sink is draining slowly or not at all, it’s a classic sign of a blockage. This is generally due to a build-up of grease, food scraps, or soap. You might also notice foul smells or hear gurgling noises when you turn on the tap.

Shower: A shower that’s slow to drain could be clogged with hair and soap scum. Over time, these materials can combine to form quite a stubborn blockage. If you find water pooling around your feet, it’s a good indication that something’s either obstructing or blocking the drain.

Toilets: Toilets are often one of the first places to show signs of a blockage. If you experience frequent backups, slow flushing, or if the toilet overflows, it’s likely that something is obstructing the pipes.

Other Signs: Keep an eye out for unpleasant odours coming from your drains, unusual gurgling sounds, or water pooling around drains. These signs all suggest that a blockage might be forming and needs addressing before it gets worse.

The Most Common Causes

Understanding the most common causes of blockages will allow you to take proactive measures and prevent them from occurring in the first place. Here are the most frequent offenders:

Hair: Hair can be a real nuisance for bathroom drains. It can quickly form a tangled mass that traps other debris and leads to a blockage. Installing hair traps in your shower and sink can make a huge difference.

Wipes and Other Bathroom Waste: Sanitary products, baby wipes, and cotton buds should never be flushed down the toilet. Why is this the case? They’re too large to pass through the pipes, meaning that they can and will cause significant blockages. 

Tree Roots: Tree roots are naturally drawn to moisture and pipes. If you have large trees or shrubs near your drainage system, keep an eye out for potential issues. Regular inspections can help you catch root intrusions early. In this situation, plumbers will utilise state-of-the-art CCTV technology to detect the blockage in a noninvasive manner. 

Grease and Food Waste/Scraps: Pouring grease or food scraps down the sink is a recipe for disaster. When grease cools in the pipes, it solidifies and creates a blockage. So, make sure to dispose of grease properly and use grease traps if you’re in a commercial kitchen.

Toys and Other Unusual Objects: Children’s toys and other foreign objects could easily get flushed down the toilet and cause a blockage. Keeping an eye on what gets flushed and ensuring toys are kept out of the bathroom will prevent these issues.

Less Common Causes

Sometimes, blockages arise from less obvious sources. Here are a few less common but still significant causes:

Broken or Damaged Pipes: Physical damage to pipes can trap debris and lead to blockages. Organising pipe inspections will help to identify any issues before they become major problems.

Construction Debris: Recently had renovations or construction work done? If so, debris might end up in your drainage system. To avoid this, make sure that work areas are cleaned up properly to prevent blockages.

Collapsed Pipes: In older properties, pipes have the tendency to collapse due to age or pressure. If you’re dealing with frequent issues, it might be worth having your pipes inspected for potential collapses.

Prevention Tips

Preventing blockages before they occur is key to keeping your drainage system running smoothly. Here are some practical tips to help you avoid future issues:

Install Hair Traps: Hair traps are an easy and inexpensive way to catch hair before it goes down the drain. They’re especially useful in the shower and sink.

Dispose of Waste Properly: Avoid flushing items like wipes, cotton buds, and sanitary products.

Regularly Clean Grease Traps: If you cook with a lot of fat or oil, a grease trap can help. Clean it regularly to prevent build-up and potential blockages.

Keep Trees Away: Plant trees and large shrubs away from your drainage system to prevent root intrusion. Regularly inspect your pipes for any signs of damage.

Educate Your Household: Make sure everyone in the property understands what should and shouldn’t be flushed. A little education on the subject will help to prevent blockages caused by unusual items, excessive waste, or a general lack of awareness.

Use Your Green Bin: Many councils across Melbourne now use green bins as a part of household waste management. This allows you to dispose of tissues, food scraps, coffee grounds, and more, while keeping them well out of the way of your sinks. 

How Can They Be Dealt With?

If and when a blockage occurs, knowing how to address it can save you time and trouble. Here’s how to handle both simple and complex blockages:

Simple Fixes: For minor blockages, you might try using boiling water to dissolve the clog, or a plunger to dislodge it. A drain snake can also be effective for small blockages.

Complex Solutions: Calling in a pro is always the safest bet. They have the knowledge, training, and equipment required to diagnose the issue and find a viable solution. Solutions such as CCTV inspections can help locate the blockage, while mechanical removal might be needed for severe cases.

What Happens If You Ignore Them?

Life gets busy, and it’s often all too easy to let these problems fall by the wayside. Unfortunately, the longer you ignore a blockage, the more serious the problems are down the line. Here’s what could happen if you don’t address issues promptly:

Further Issues: A blockage that’s left unresolved can lead to recurring problems and increased pressure on your plumbing system.

Property Damage: Persistent blockages can cause water damage to your property, leading to costly repairs and potential mould growth.

Burst Pipes: Severe blockages can result in burst pipes, which can cause extensive damage to your home or business.

At MCN Plumbing, we can get your drains cleared from as low as $79. What’s more, if you call us before 10:30am any day, we will guarantee a same-day service!

Why Choose MCN Plumbing for Blocked Drains in Melbourne?

Now that we’ve covered the basics, why should you turn to MCN Plumbing for blocked drains in Melbourne? Here’s what we bring to the table:

Experienced Team: We have more than 30 years of experience, and our plumbers have the skills to handle a wide range of drainage issues. 

Comprehensive Services: From pipe relining to hydro jet cleaning and CCTV diagnostics, we employ targeted techniques to address blockage issues in a comprehensive fashion.

Eco-Friendly Solutions: Our team uses non-corrosive methods and eco-friendly practices, such as using caustic cleaners and white vinegar, all to minimise the environmental impact.

Emergency & Same-Day Service: Our friendly team is available 24/7 for emergency services, and we guarantee same-day service if you contact us before 10:30 am

Transparent Pricing: With MCN Plumbing, you’ll always receive upfront pricing with no hidden costs. We provide a detailed quote before starting any work

Local Expertise: Although we’re based in Epping, we operate Melbourne wide and know the city like the back of our hand. Whether you’ve got blocked drains in Bentleigh, Preston or Ferntree Gully, MCN always has your back!

Guaranteed Work: Our work is guaranteed and handled by fully qualified, licensed, and insured plumbers.