We’ve all experienced it: water backing up from a drain or toilet. It’s a clear sign that you need to call your plumber!
From children’s toys, sanitary items, to soap build-up and even wet wipes (even those that say “flushable”) – a range of objects can block drains and pipes over time.
Food Waste
Food waste from kitchens can clog drains. Greasy food particles clump together and form tough, greasy clogs that can be difficult to dislodge.
Avoid washing greasy foods down the sink and use drain covers to catch any food that may fall into the pipes. Also, install a sink strainer to help reduce the amount of food scraps that goes down the drain.
'Flushable' wipes are another big threat to home drain lines. These are not safe for sewer systems and can get caught on something in the pipes. They also absorb water, causing the blockage to worsen.
Grease/Fat
Fats, oils and grease (FOG) are a primary cause of blocked drains. This is due to them washing down kitchen sinks after cooking and ending up in the household plumbing and sewerage system.
If you experience a blocked drain due to this, try pouring a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain. If this doesn’t work, call a plumber.
Make sure to prioritize positioning a waste basket near toilets so that things like baby/face wipes, cotton pads and sanitary items can be placed in it and not flushed down the toilet. This will significantly reduce the risk of blockages in your toilets.
Hair
People lose a lot of hair every day. Combined with soap residue, hair products and dirt, that hair can cause major blockages in your drains.
To prevent this, brush your hair before getting in the shower and cover your drain with a shower cap. It’s also worth regularly using a hair dissolver (available at hardware stores) or trying the classic method of pouring a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar into your drain, waiting a few minutes for it to react and then flushing with boiling water.
Remember that toys, baby wipes and other items should never be flushed down the toilet or deposited down your sink, as these can also cause blockages over time.
Tree Roots
Although tree roots are vital for the health of a tree, they can be very problematic if they enter the plumbing system. When they find a crack in the pipe, they are naturally drawn to the warm, extremely fertile sewage waste inside.
As they worm their way into the pipes, they will continue to grow and eventually clog up the entire line. This can also lead to significant structural damage if the crack becomes larger over time. To prevent this from happening, position a waste bin close to your toilet so that only the 3 P’s are flushed (pee, poo and toilet paper). You can also place sanitary items, cotton pads and face wipes in the waste bin instead of down the toilet.
Broken Pipes
Every sink, toilet and tub in your house leads to a main line that takes all the waste and water to your sewer or septic system. If this pipe gets clogged with debris, it can affect all the drains throughout your home and cause problems like backed up water or sewer smells.
The good news is that most of these causes are preventable by taking some simple steps. For instance, keep a trash bin near the toilet to dispose of nappies and baby wipes properly rather than flushing them. Also, never pour grease waste or fatty substances down the kitchen sink as these will solidify and stick to the inside of your pipes.
Poorly Installed Pipes
Your home’s drain lines are designed to carry waste away from sinks, toilets and bathtubs. These drains all connect to your main sewer line that takes waste to your septic or sewer system. When this line gets clogged it can cause drains in your home to stop working. A blocked drain in Melbourne can be a headache and may need professional attention.
You can help prevent a blockage by using a drain strainer, and not flushing baby wipes or other items that don’t belong in the toilet. Regular plumbing inspections can also ensure your drain pipes are healthy. If you notice any signs of a blockage contact a plumber immediately to prevent a costly repair bill. A plumber will be able to use specialized equipment to clear your blocked drains and recommend preventative maintenance.