Why Blocked Drains Are More Common in Spring (and How to Prevent Them)

For many people, spring is a season of fresh starts. The weather warms up, gardens come back to life, and people start planning outdoor projects after months of cold and rain. But there’s one thing homeowners often don’t anticipate with the change of season: blocked drains. While blocked drains happen across Melbourne throughout the entire […]

For many people, spring is a season of fresh starts. The weather warms up, gardens come back to life, and people start planning outdoor projects after months of cold and rain. But there’s one thing homeowners often don’t anticipate with the change of season: blocked drains.

While blocked drains happen across Melbourne throughout the entire year, spring is notorious for bringing its own unique challenges. From an increase in garden debris to heavier household usage, it’s the time when your pipes are more likely to come under stress.

So, why exactly are blocked drains more common in spring? And what can you do to keep your home’s drainage system running smoothly? Let’s take a closer look.

The Seasonal Shift: How and Why Spring Impacts Your Drains

In Victoria, spring consistently brings the most rainfall of any season, and if predictions prove correct, 2025 will be no exception. Basically, you can expect the kind of days that have made Melbourne famous for its unpredictable weather. There’s sudden downpours, bursts of warm days, and a lot more plant growth all in the same week.

Record levels of above-average rainfall predicted from September to November (Source: ABC)

This seasonal shift has a direct impact on your drains, and in many different ways.

When the rain hits, more leaves, twigs, and garden waste tends to wash straight into gutters and external drains. Combine that with extra pollen and debris, and it doesn’t take long before outdoor drainage systems start clogging up. Even if you keep a tidy yard, stronger winds can still push material that ends up in your pipes.

At the same time, spring is also when people start getting out into the garden more. Hoses, sprinklers, and outdoor taps all add to the demand on your plumbing. Indoors, there’s often a bit of “spring cleaning” happening; lots of laundry, extra showers, and heavier water usage in general. Put all of this together, and your drains are suddenly under far more pressure than they were in winter.

Common Causes of Blocked Drains in Spring

Let’s dig a little deeper and start to paint a picture of why these months tend to be tough on drains. Some of the following issues are seasonal, while others are year-round problems that are only exacerbated by the conditions in spring.

Garden Debris and Leaves

This is one of the biggest reasons blocked drains spike in spring. Even if you clear your gutters regularly, neighbouring trees and plants can still contribute to the problem.

Why is this the case? It’s basically because Spring is prime time for blocked outdoor drains. A single heavy rain can wash a surprising amount of material into the system. Trees and plants shed pollen, flowers, and leaves, and these are the exact items that often end up in gutters or stormwater drains. Once inside, they have the potential to clump together and create stubborn blockages.

Tree Root Intrusion

After deciduous trees shed their leaves in winter, they come alive and experience a time of  rapid growth. Tree roots, in particular, become more active and begin their search for extra nutrients. Unfortunately, underground pipes often get in the way and become the target. Roots can creep into even the smallest cracks in your plumbing, where they grow and spread.

Once inside, they trap debris and create serious blockages. The longer they’re left unchecked, the greater the chance that root intrusion will cause major pipe damage. Tree roots in drains are one of the most common issues we see across Melbourne, especially from September to November.

Heavier Household Usage

When the weather improves, people naturally start to entertain more, hosting barbecues, and generally using the kitchen and bathroom more often. That means more fats, oils, and food scraps down the kitchen sink, and more hair and soap scum washing through the shower.

While these things might seem minor, they’re the exact kind of everyday build-ups that create clogged drains over time. Combine this with the seasonal factors outside, and it’s easy to see why blockages peak in spring.

Rain and Stormwater Overload

Spring almost always brings sudden downpours, especially in Melbourne. Melbourne Cup Day or the Grand Final are great examples. We never quite know what kind of weather to expect; it could be anywhere from 27 and sunny to 16 with showers.

If your drains are already partially blocked with leaves or soil, it doesn’t take much extra rain for water to back up. This is why many homeowners notice flooding around their property during spring showers.

Neglected Winter Damage

Finally, spring often exposes problems that were actually caused by the winter weather. Cold conditions, heavy rain, and Melbourne’s ever-present wind all increase the risk for drain-related damage.

These issues can lead to cracks or partial blockages that go unnoticed while usage is lower. Come spring, when water flow increases, those hidden issues suddenly become major blockages.

Struggling with blocked drains in Carnegie? Maybe you need someone to clear out blocked drains in Reservoir? Wherever you’re based, we’re Melbourne’s number one emergency plumbing team. Call us now for fast, same-day assistance!

Warning Signs That Your Drains Are Struggling

Keen to avoid plumbing issues this year? One of the best ways to prevent a blocked drain disaster is to catch the early signs. Be sure to keep an eye out for:

• > Slow draining sinks, showers, or tubs.
• > Gurgling sounds coming from pipes.
• > Bad smells, especially a foul or musty odour.
• > Water pooling around outdoor drains or in the yard.
• > Backed-up water during heavy rain.

These are all indicators that your drains are starting to clog. The earlier you act, the easier (and cheaper) the fix will be.

How to Prevent Blocked Drains in Spring

Fortunately, most of the spring drain issues we’ve mentioned can be prevented with a bit of care and maintenance. Here’s what you can do:

Keep Gutters and Outdoor Drains Clear

Regularly cleaning gutters, downpipes, and outdoor drains is one of the simplest ways to prevent blockages. Don’t wait until they’re overflowing. Instead, check them at least once a month during spring. Installing gutter guards, of course, is another way to reduce the amount of debris that gets through.

Be Mindful of What Goes Down the Sink

Kitchen sinks are one of the biggest contributors to blocked drains. In spring, with more social gatherings and cooking, the problem multiplies. Avoid pouring fats, oils, or grease down the drain. Even small amounts solidify and trap food particles, creating blockages, so always scrape plates into the bin before rinsing.

Install Drain Covers

In the case of your bathroom and laundry, drain covers are a simple but effective way to stop hair, lint, and soap scum from washing straight into the pipes. They’re inexpensive but can really save you from a lot of trouble down the track.

Manage Your Garden

If you’ve got trees or plants near your drains, consider professional root barriers or instead, organise a regular inspection to prevent intrusion. Pruning back branches also reduces the amount of leaves that end up in your gutters and drains.

Schedule Preventive Plumbing Maintenance

Sometimes, blockages form deep inside pipes where you can’t see them. A professional plumber can use drain cameras to inspect your system and clear out any build-up before it becomes a major issue.

Scheduling a preventative check in spring is a smart move, especially if your home has older pipes or lots of trees nearby.

Want to avoid blocked drains in Melbourne? MCN is available across the entire city! Whether you’re trying to find a blocked drains plumber in Campbellfield, Glen Iris or the Mornington Peninsula, we’re never too far away! Call us now for reliable 24/7 emergency plumbing.

What If You Already Have a Blocked Drain?

Even with ongoing care and prevention methods, a blockage is sometimes simply unavoidable. If you’re already dealing with a slow drain or overflow, here’s what you can try:

• > Plunger: Often effective for minor clogs in sinks or toilets.
  
• > Boiling water: Can help dissolve soap scum and grease in kitchen sinks.
  
• > Natural solutions: Baking soda and vinegar can sometimes break down small build-ups.

If the blockage persists, avoid reaching for harsh chemical drain cleaners. These may damage your pipes and often don’t solve the root of the problem. In most cases, calling in a plumber is the safer and more effective option.

The Value of Professional Assistance

Blocked drains might seem like a simple inconvenience, but the longer they’re ignored, the quicker you’ll be left footing the bill for costly repairs. Water backing up into your home may damage floors and walls, while hidden leaks underground can even weaken the very foundation of the property.

At MCN Plumbing, we’ve seen almost every blocked drain imaginable, especially those that tend to happen between September to November. In these times, having a reliable plumber on call is the best way to minimise damage and get genuine peace of mind.

Our Full Range of Blocked Drain Services in Melbourne

Say goodbye to stubborn plumbing issues with our local plumbing team. At MCN Plumbing, we offer fast, clean, and non-invasive solutions to clear all sorts of blocked drains in Melbourne. We’re available across the city and ready to provide the following services:

• > CCTV Diagnostics: Finding the exact location and cause of your drain blockage.
• > Hydro Jet Cleaning: Removing blockages in your drains and any other build-ups.
• > Tree Root Removal: Identify and clear stubborn tree roots from your pipes
• > Drain Repairs and Pipe Relining: All the repairs you need under one roof.