Common Causes of Blocked Drains in Adelaide and How to Prevent Them

Blocked drains are a common problem for homeowners in Adelaide, but understanding what causes these blockages can help you prevent them from happening in the first place. From everyday household habits to environmental factors, several issues can lead to clogged drains. In this blog, we’ll explore the most common causes of blocked drains and provide tips on how you can prevent them, along with when to call a professional plumber in Adelaide for assistance.

1. Hair Build-Up

One of the most common causes of blocked drains, particularly in bathroom sinks and showers, is hair. As hair is washed down the drain, it can become tangled and clumped, forming a blockage over time. This is especially common in households with long hair or pets that shed heavily.

How to Prevent It:

• Use a drain guard or hair trap to catch hair before it enters the drain.
• Regularly clean these guards to prevent hair from accumulating in the pipes.
• Avoid brushing your hair over the sink or in the shower to minimise the amount of hair going down the drain.

2. Grease and Fat

Grease, fat, and oil are notorious for causing blocked drains in the kitchen. When you pour grease or oil down the sink, it may seem to flow away easily, but as it cools, it solidifies inside the pipes. Over time, this build-up can restrict water flow and lead to a complete blockage.

How to Prevent It:

• Never pour grease, fat, or oil down the sink. Allow it to cool and solidify before scraping it into the bin.
• Use a grease trap to capture small amounts of grease that may enter the drain while washing dishes.

3. Soap Scum

Soap may seem harmless, but over time, it can combine with minerals in the water to form a hard residue known as soap scum. This scum can build up inside pipes, particularly in bathroom sinks and showers, leading to blockages.

How to Prevent It:

• Use liquid soap instead of bar soap to reduce build-up.
• Regularly clean your drains with boiling water to break down soap residue before it hardens.

4. Tree Roots

Tree roots are a significant cause of blocked drains in Adelaide, especially in older properties. As trees grow, their roots can invade underground pipes in search of water. Once inside the pipes, roots can cause cracks, blockages, and even pipe collapses if not addressed quickly.

How to Prevent It:

• Schedule a regular drain plumber in Adelaide for a inspection to detect root intrusion early.
• Consider installing root barriers around your pipes to prevent roots from entering.
• Use professional services to remove roots and repair any damage.

5. Foreign Objects

Foreign objects like food scraps, sanitary products, wipes, and children’s toys are common causes of blocked drains. Even items labelled as “flushable” can cause blockages if they don’t break down properly in the pipes.

How to Prevent It:

• Only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet.
• Dispose of wipes, sanitary products, and other non-biodegradable items in the bin.
• Use a strainer in the kitchen to catch food particles before they enter the drain.

6. Mineral Build-Up

In areas with hard water, mineral deposits such as calcium and magnesium can accumulate inside pipes over time. These deposits, also known as limescale, reduce the flow of water and can lead to blockages.

How to Prevent It:

• Install a water softener to reduce the amount of minerals in your water.
• Clean your drains regularly with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to break down mineral deposits.

7. Toilet Paper Overuse

Using too much toilet paper at once can cause blockages in your toilet drain. If the paper doesn’t break down quickly enough, it can get stuck in the pipes and lead to a clog.

How to Prevent It:

• Only use the necessary amount of toilet paper, and avoid flushing large amounts at once.
• Teach children to use toilet paper appropriately to avoid accidental blockages.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

An Adelaide plumber from Will’s Plumbing Adelaide preparing for on-site plumbing work

While preventive measures can help reduce the likelihood of blocked drains, some blockages require professional assistance. If you experience recurring blockages, slow drainage, or unpleasant odours from your drains, it’s time to call a licensed plumber in Adelaide.

Blocked drains are a common issue, but understanding their causes and taking preventive measures can keep your plumbing system in good working order. From using drain guards to avoiding grease disposal in the sink, simple habits can make a big difference in preventing blockages.