Blocked drains might seem like a small problem at first, but they can quickly turn into a messy, expensive issue. Whether it’s a slow sink, a backed-up toilet, or water pooling in the yard, ignoring these signs can lead to water damage, bad smells, and even health risks. If you’re dealing with blocked drains in Melbourne, don’t stress, there are fast, simple solutions to get things flowing again.
Let’s take a look at what causes blocked drains, how to spot the early warning signs, and what to do if it happens at your home.
What Causes Drains to Block?
There are many reasons why drains get blocked, especially in busy homes or older Melbourne suburbs. Here are a few of the most common causes:
- Hair and Soap Build-Up: Hair from showers and soap residue can stick to the inside of pipes, slowly building up over time.
- Grease and Food Scraps: In kitchens, fats, oils, and food scraps can harden inside the drain, causing clogs.
- Tree Roots: In older homes, tree roots can grow into underground pipes, especially if there are small cracks or leaks.
- Foreign Objects: Wet wipes, sanitary products, toys, or too much toilet paper can all cause blockages.
- Broken Pipes: Damaged or collapsed pipes can block water from flowing freely.
Understanding the cause is the first step toward fixing it properly.
Signs You Might Have a Blocked Drain
Not sure if your drains are blocked? Here are some early signs to watch out for:
- Water Draining Slowly: If your sink or shower is taking longer than usual to empty, it could be a sign of a blockage forming.
- Bad Smells: A strong, unpleasant smell coming from the drains often means there’s trapped food, grease, or waste inside the pipes.
- Gurgling Sounds: Strange noises when water goes down the drain can be caused by air bubbles stuck behind a blockage.
- Water Backing Up: If water is coming back up from the sink, shower or toilet, it’s a clear sign that something is wrong.
- Overflow or Pooling Water: Outside, blocked stormwater drains may cause water to pool around your yard or driveway during rain.
DIY Fixes You Can Try First
Before calling a plumber, there are a few safe things you can try at home:
- Boiling Water: Pouring hot water down the drain can sometimes melt grease or soap build-up.
- Plunger: A simple plunger can work well on blocked sinks or toilets.
- Drain Cleaner (Natural): Mix baking soda and vinegar, pour it down the drain, wait a few minutes, then flush with hot water.
- Drain Snake: A small drain snake or drain auger can be useful for removing hair and small clogs.
If these don’t work, or if the blockage keeps coming back, it’s time to call a professional.
Why You Need a Licensed Drainage Plumber
Trying to fix a stubborn blockage on your own can sometimes make things worse. A licensed plumber has the right tools and training to clear your drains safely and quickly. Here’s how they help:
- CCTV Drain Cameras: These help plumbers look inside your pipes to find exactly where and what the problem is.
- High-Pressure Water Jetting: This method blasts water through the pipes to clean them out and remove even tough blockages.
- Pipe Repairs: If your pipes are broken or damaged, a plumber can replace or repair them without digging up your whole yard.
Most importantly, a local plumber knows the common drainage issues in the area and can offer the right long-term solution for blocked drains Melbourne.
How to Avoid Future Drain Blockages
Prevention is better than cure. Here are a few simple tips to keep your drains clear:
- Don’t pour oil or grease down the sink, put it in the bin instead.
- Use drain covers to catch hair and food scraps.
- Flush only toilet paper, no wipes or hygiene products.
- Clean your drains regularly with hot water or natural cleaners.
- Get a plumber to check your drains every few years, especially if your home is older.
Taking care of your pipes helps avoid big headaches (and bills) later on.
Final Thoughts
Blocked drains aren’t just annoying, they can lead to serious problems if left alone. Whether it’s caused by hair, grease, or tree roots, it’s best to deal with the issue early and properly. Start with small fixes at home, but don’t wait too long to call in an expert if the problem doesn’t go away.
If you’re searching for a reliable expert to fix blocked drains in Melbourne, the team at MGR Plumbing is here to help. They use the latest tools and have years of local experience to get your drains cleared fast, so your home can get back to normal in no time.
