How Often Should You Get Your Drains Professionally Cleaned?

Blocked or burst pipes cause major water damage in Australian homes. Learn how often to get your drains professionally cleaned to keep your plumbing in top condition.

According to figures from QBE, more than 1 in 3 Australians have experienced water damage in their homes. For these properties, it was also found that in 34% of cases, burst or blocked pipes were the culprit. 

These figures really drive home the importance of maintaining a healthy plumbing system and avoiding drain blockages. So, the natural question from here is how often should you get your drains professionally cleaned? While once a year is generally considered the industry standard, other factors can also play a role and call for more immediate action. We’ll cover all of this below.

Issues Associated with Blocked Drains

As one of the go-to teams for blocked drains in Melbourne, we can’t overstate how risky it is to ignore drainage issues. This goes for homes, businesses, and any property where drainage systems are in regular use.

Here are just some of the issues you’re likely to face if you fail to get your drains cleaned by a professional.  

Water damage

Overflowing sinks and toilets cause serious damage to floors, walls, and cabinetry. Even a minor leak has the potential to cause warping, staining, and other issues that then require expensive repairs.

The longer water damage goes unnoticed, the worse it gets. Thankfully, regular drain cleaning can and will prevent these issues by keeping pipes in proper working order. 

Structural problems

Blockages and leaks have the ability to weaken foundations, particularly if they go unnoticed for long periods. How does this occur? In many cases, water will begin to seep into walls and floors, which then creates further instability over time.

This can result in cracks in walls, shifting floors, and expensive structural repairs. Addressing drainage issues early helps protect your home’s integrity.

Mould and mildew growth

Trapped moisture creates the perfect environment for mould, which can be harmful to your health. Mould spores thrive in damp, dark areas, making blocked drains a major concern.

Once mould starts growing, it spreads quickly and can be difficult to remove. Regular drain maintenance, however, will keep these moisture levels under control and reduce the risk of mould growth moving forward. 

Unhygienic conditions

Stagnant water in pipes can breed bacteria, making your home less sanitary. Blocked drains can lead to foul odours, contamination, and even pest infestations.

Keeping drains clear helps maintain a hygienic living environment and reduces the risk of illnesses caused by bacteria and germs in standing water.

Expensive repairs

What starts as a minor blockage can lead to burst pipes, major repairs, and even full pipe replacements. Ignoring small plumbing issues can result in extensive and costly damage.

Investing in routine drain cleaning saves money in the long run by preventing major plumbing emergencies. It also extends the overall lifespan of your pipes and plumbing system.

Warning Signs of Blocked Drains

Much like any issue, early detection and prevention really makes a major difference to the final outcome. This is why it’s so important to know what to look out for. 

As a homeowner, business owner or tenant, there are various signs to look out for that point towards a blockage in your drains. Here are five of the most common:

Slow-draining water

If water lingers in the sink, shower, or bathtub, a blockage could be forming. Even if the issue seems minor at first, slow drainage often gets worse over time and can indicate a build-up of debris inside the pipes.

Ignoring a slow-acting drain may lead to complete blockages, making daily tasks seriously frustrating and messy. A professional cleaning can remove hidden obstructions before they cause bigger plumbing problems.

Unpleasant odours

No one likes an unpleasant odour; especially if it’s occurring at your home or workplace. A musty or rotten smell near drains often means trapped food, grease, or organic matter is decomposing inside the pipes. This issue is particularly common in kitchen sinks where food particles accumulate and go unnoticed.

Persistent odours are unpleasant and tend to attract pests like drain flies. A thorough drain cleaning will clear out the source of the smell and leave your home fresher.

Gurgling noises

When gurgling sounds emit from your drains, this tends to indicate an issue caused by a blockage or something more extensive. These noises will happen when water struggles to move past an obstruction, creating air bubbles in the process.

If left unchecked, gurgling drains can signal worsening blockages that could eventually lead to a complete clog. Thankfully, a professional inspection can identify and resolve the issue before it escalates any further.

Recurring blockages

Always reaching for the plunger? The issue might be deeper than first thought and need professional attention. It’s worth keeping in mind that even if blockages clear temporarily, they may return again and again because of a larger underlying issue.

Repeat blockages often mean there is a build-up of grease, soap scum, or even tree roots in your pipes. 

Water backing up

Water appearing in the wrong places, like the shower when you flush the toilet, suggests that you’re dealing with a serious drainage issue. This usually means there is a blockage deep in the main sewer line.

Backups will quickly lead to unsanitary conditions and potential water damage. If this has occurred, only a qualified blocked drains plumber can diagnose the issue and restore proper flow to prevent further problems.

Benefits of Professional Drain Inspections

When carried out by a licensed plumber with the requisite experience, a professional drain inspection brings an array of benefits. Let’s cover the most notable now

Early detection of issues

Licensed plumbers have the training, equipment, and real-life experience to spot small problems before they turn into costly disasters. With a well-trained eye, they can identify signs of corrosion, small leaks, or build-ups that might not be obvious to homeowners.

Addressing these minor issues early prevents major disruptions and saves money on extensive repairs. Ultimately, these routine inspections are a proactive way to maintain your plumbing system.

Thorough cleaning

Professional equipment clears out grime, grease, and debris more effectively than DIY methods. Home remedies might provide temporary relief, but they rarely address the root of the problem.

Hydro jetting and other professional cleaning methods clear pipes completely, improving drainage and overall performance.

Preventative maintenance

Regular inspections are a great way to reduce the risk of major blockages and extend the lifespan of your plumbing system. Put simply, small clogs and build-ups are much easier to manage when they’re caught early.

With routine drain cleaning, you avoid emergency plumbing situations and keep your household running smoothly.

Improved water flow

Clean drains mean faster drainage and fewer plumbing disruptions. Blockages slow down water movement, making everyday tasks like washing dishes or showering frustrating.

A professional cleaning removes these obstructions, restoring full water flow and preventing future slowdowns.

Peace of mind

Whether you’re a tenant, owner or property manager, knowing that your plumbing is in good condition allows you to relax without worrying about surprise leaks or overflows. A well-maintained drainage system also means fewer unexpected plumbing issues.

Routine inspections and cleaning give you confidence that your home’s plumbing will function properly when you need it most.

Whether you’re dealing with blocked drains in South Yarra, Reservoir, or Heidelberg, we offer the most reliable service in Melbourne. Call us now or book online!

CCTV Drain Inspections

In some cases, a drain inspection involves the use of specific equipment. CCTV cameras, for example, are an invasive method used by professional plumbers to uncover the root cause of blockages. CCTV diagnostics can be highly effective in the following areas:

Pinpointing the problem

Plumbers are able to identify exactly where and what the blockage is without unnecessary digging or pipe removal. A small camera inserted into the pipes provides a clear view of the issue.

This precise approach saves time and avoids invasive exploratory work, making the repair process much more efficient.

Saving time and money

A faster diagnosis means quicker repairs and less labour, which translates to lower costs. Instead of guessing where the problem might be, plumbers can go straight to the source.

By resolving issues quickly, homeowners avoid prolonged disruptions and costly emergency repairs.

Checking for hidden damage

Cracks, root intrusion, and pipe misalignment are all issues that can be spotted early during a routine drain inspection or cleaning service. Although they might not necessarily present immediate problems, they have the potential to cause serious damage over time.

A CCTV inspection is a noninvasive detection technique that allows plumbers to conduct a full assessment of pipe health. From here, they’ll use this information to recommend solutions before any significant damage occurs.

Verifying repairs

After any drain repairs are complete, a second inspection will confirm everything is fixed and flowing correctly. This final check ensures there are no remaining blockages or weak points.

By using CCTV technology, plumbers provide reassurance that the issue has been fully resolved.

Great for older homes

If you have an older property, a CCTV inspection can help assess the condition of ageing pipes before they cause major problems. Older plumbing systems are more prone to wear and tear.

A professional inspection provides valuable insight into potential weak spots, helping homeowners plan for necessary maintenance or upgrades.

Trust MCN Plumbing for Blocked Drain Inspections in Melbourne

When you need fast, reliable, and effective services for even the most stubborn blocked drains in Melbourne, turn to the team at MCN Plumbing. We offer:

1. $0 Callout Fee – Fast Callouts with No Hidden Fees!
2. Plumbing services within 90 minutes with nothing extra to pay
3. 24/7 Emergency Plumbing: We’ll respond to your plumbing emergencies 24 hours a day and 7 days a week!
4. Same-Day Services: Call before 10:30am any day, and we will GUARANTEE a same-day service
5. All Work Guaranteed: You get guaranteed results when you choose MCN Plumbing

From CCTV diagnostics to pipe relining, hydro jet cleaning, and more, we employ industry-leading techniques to clear every drainage issue in the book. Book now and arrange a professional blocked drain inspection today!