Common Causes of Blocked Drains

A blocked drain is a household plumbing problem that can cause a variety of issues. If left untreated, a blocked drain can lead to water damage, mould growth and bad odours. It can also be a health hazard, as it can provide the perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria.

Several things can cause a drain to become blocked, such as hair, grease, food scraps and toilet paper. A build-up of any of these things can create a blockage that will prevent water from flowing freely through the drain. In some cases, tree roots can also penetrate pipes and cause blockages.

If you think you may have a blocked drain, there are a few signs to look out for. These include water pooling around the affected area, slow draining sinks and toilets, and bad odours coming from the drain. If you notice any of these signs, it's important to act quickly and get the problem sorted before it causes any further damage.

There are many ways to unblock a drain, depending on the severity of the blockage. To help prevent clogs, you should regularly clean your drains using a plunger or a drain snake. You should also be careful about what you flush down the toilet and put down the sink, as these can both contribute to drain blockages. However, for more serious blockages, it's best to call in a professional. They will have the tools and knowledge necessary to safely and effectively clear the blockage.

Tree Roots

One of the most common causes of blocked drains is tree roots. As trees grow, their roots can spread out and penetrate pipes in search of water. Once they've made their way into the pipes, they can quickly cause a blockage that prevents water from flowing freely. Tree roots can also cause damage to the pipes themselves, which can lead to leaks.

If you think tree roots may be causing your drain issues, there are a few things you can do. First, try flushing the affected area with a high-pressure hose. This may dislodge the roots and clear the blockage. If this doesn't work, you'll need to call the professionals at Across Plumbing who use specialised equipment to remove the roots and clear the blockage.

Cooking Grease & Food

Another common cause of blocked drains is cooking grease and food scraps. When these things are washed down the sink, they can stick to the sides of the pipes and build up over time. This can create a blockage that prevents water from flowing freely. Additionally, as the grease and food decays, it can produce bad odours.

To help prevent this type of blockage, you should avoid pouring cooking grease down the drain. Instead, let it solidify and then throw it in the trash. You should also scrape plates clean before washing them, as this will remove any food scraps that could otherwise end up going down the drain. If you do have a blockage caused by grease or food scraps, you'll need to call our team to get it removed.

Hair

Hair is another common cause of blocked drains. When hair sheds, it can end up going down the drain and becoming caught on the sides of the pipes. Over time, this can build up and create a blockage. Additionally, hair can also collect soap scum and other debris, which can further contribute to the blockage.

To help prevent hair from clogging your drains, you should regularly clean them with a plunger or a drain snake. You should also be careful about what products you use in your hair, as some can cause build-up that will eventually lead to a blockage. If you do have a blockage caused by hair, call Across Plumbing today. Our experienced plumbers will quickly clear the blockage and restore your drain to working order.

Wipes & Toiletry Products

Wipes and toiletry products are another common cause of blocked drains. Even though they may say "flushable" on the packaging, many of these products don't break down in the water the way toilet paper does. This can cause them to clump together and form a blockage. Additionally, wipes and other hygiene products can also contain synthetic materials that don't break down easily, which can further contribute to the blockage.

To help prevent this type of blockage, you should only flush toilet paper down the toilet. You should also avoid using wipes, even if they are labelled as "flushable." If you do have a blockage caused by wipes or other hygiene products, you'll need to call in a professional to clean it properly.

Broken Pipes

Broken pipes are another common cause of blocked drains. When a pipe breaks, it can cause debris and sediment to build up in the line and eventually create a blockage. Additionally, broken pipes can also cause leaks, which can lead to water damage and mould growth.

If you think your drain issues may be caused by a broken pipe, you'll need to call in a professional. They will be able to inspect the pipes and make the necessary repairs.

Foreign Objects

Foreign objects are another common cause of blocked drains. When things like toys, jewellery, and small pieces of clothing go down the drain, they can become caught on the sides of the pipes. This can create a blockage that prevents water from flowing freely. Additionally, foreign objects can also damage the pipes themselves, which can lead to leaks.

To help prevent this type of blockage, you should be careful about what goes down your drain. You should also regularly inspect your drains for any foreign objects that may have become lodged in them. If you do have a blockage caused by a foreign object, one of Across Plumbing's experienced plumbers can sort it out quickly and efficiently, without causing any damage to your plumbing. Simply give us a call and we'll dispatch one of our plumbers to your home right away. 

Plants & Dirt

Plants and dirt are another common cause of blocked drains. When plants grow, their roots can spread out and damage the pipes. This can eventually lead to a blockage. Additionally, dirt and other debris can also build up in the pipes and create a blockage.

We know that blocked drains can be a major headache, and we're here to help. Whether your drain is clogged with dirt, plants, or something else, our team can quickly inspect the problem and provide a solution. We use the latest technology to clear blockages quickly and efficiently, and we'll make sure that your drains are free-flowing before we leave. So if you're having problems with your drains, give Across Plumbing a call today. We're here to help.