Blocked drains are a common household problem that can be frustrating and possibly expensive to fix if left untreated. They can cause water damage, foul odours, pest infestations and even serious health hazards such as sewerage overflows. The good news is that most blocked pipes can be prevented with some basic TLC. In this blog, Hughes Plumbing Contractors lists the top five causes of clogged drains and how to stop them occurring in the first place.
If you still need a hand clearing a blocked drain after reading this article, please get in contact with our One Call We Do It All Team. We’re available for emergency drain clearing throughout Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast regions 24/7. Simply call 0406 288 142 or email info@hughespc.com.au today!
Blocked Drain Cause #1:
Hair and Soap Scum
Hair and soap scum are the two most common causes of blocked drains in showers and bathrooms that we see throughout SEQ. When you shower or bathe, hair and soap scum quickly accumulates in your drains over time. Without regular cleaning, this can lead to clogs. To prevent this type of blocked drain issue occurring, a drain cover should be used to catch hair before it goes down the pipe. Furthermore, regularly cleaning your drain with a mix of baking soda and vinegar can help to break down any soapy scum or hair that is building up.
Blocked Drain Cause #2:
Fats, Oils and Grease (F.O.G. Clogs)
Cooking fats, oils and grease are major causes of blocked drains in the kitchen. If you’re in the habit of pouring hot grease down your drain, you risk a clogged pipe as it solidifies. To avoid FOG clogs, don’t ever pour oil down your kitchen sink drain. Instead, put it into a small sealed container then let it cool down and put it in your bin.
Blocked Drain Cause #3:
Food Scraps
Food waste is another reason why many kitchen drains become blocked. Small bits of food can get stuck in your pipes and build up over time. This almost certainly leads to foul smelling clogs and possibly insect infestations too! The best way to stop these types of blockages from happening is to make sure to scrape food scraps into the rubbish bin or compost container and ensure none goes down the drain. Also, inexpensive sink plug strainers are excellent at catching any stray bits of food and highly recommended to stop food trying to make its way down into your kitchen pipes.
Blocked Drain Cause #4
Flushing Non-Flushable Items
This has got to be one of the biggest causes of blocked drains that we see in our travels throughout Brisbane, the Sunshine and Gold Coasts. From sunglasses to Bluetooth speakers, we’ve literally seen all sorts of things blocking pipes. That’s why we also tell everyone we meet to only flush the three P’s – Pee, Poo and (toilet) Paper down the toilet. Items such as baby wipes, cotton swabs, and feminine hygiene products are notorious for resulting in preventable blockages. Everything except the three P’s should be disposed of in a small rubbish bin placed beside the toilet.
Blocked Drain Cause #5: Tree Root Intrusion
Roots from trees and shrubs entering your pipes can be a major cause of blocked drains outside of your home or business. When trees grow, their roots are attracted to the moisture and nutrients within your pipes. If there are any small cracks present, roots can make their way inside the drain and eventually grow to cause a complete blockage. The best way to prevent tree root intrusion within your pipes is to make sure to plant trees and shrubs away from your drains. If you’re constantly faced with this dilemma, consider relocating shrubs to stop further potential damage.
DIY Drain Clearing Tricks
There are some other DIY steps you can take to keep your drains flowing smoothly. Regularly cleaning your drains with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can help to break down any minor build-up that may be forming. Also, pouring boiling water down your drains once a week can help to dissolve potential clogs. However, this is not advised if you have plastic PVC piping. If you do happen to get a blocked drain, you can use a plunger to dislodge anything that may be present in your pipes. If these methods don’t keep those pesky clogged pipes at bay, it’s time to call in the professional plumbers at Hughes Plumbing Contractors to help clear your blocked drain.
Contact the Best
SEQ Blocked Drains Plumbers
No matter where you live in Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast or Gold Coast, help isn’t far away. Hughes Plumbing Contractors offer a 24 hour emergency blocked drains service throughout SEQ. Our highly trained plumbers are ready for immediate dispatch to your home or business to clear your drains and get you back to normal as quickly as possible. With over 40+ years of combined experience, our One Call We Do It All Team can help with all types of issues including clogged toilets, sinks and showers as well as blocked sewers and stormwater drains. For all your drain clearing services throughout the SEQ region, please contact us on 0406 288 142 or email info@hughespc.om.au.
