Blocked drains are a common household problem that can cause major inconvenience and damage. Often, they’re caused by things that should never be washed down the drains such as baby wipes, food scraps and grease.

Grease and fats can form a thick coating that stops water flowing through the pipes. It’s also very difficult to break down once it solidifies, leading to severe clogs.

Food Waste

Food waste can clog kitchen sinks and drain lines, even when a garbage disposal unit is in use. The best way to avoid this is by scraping all food scraps into the trash can instead of rinsing them down the drain.

It is also important to never pour grease down a drain or in the sink. Grease solidifies when it cools, creating a hard-to-remove blockage in pipes. It is better to capture any cooking oil and fats in a container and dispose of them accordingly, rather than pouring them down the drain.

Other objects can also block drains, such as toothpicks, bits of plastic, and other non-degradable materials that get into the plumbing system through cracks or breaks. These can build up and cause a severe clog that requires professional drain cleaning. Keeping these objects out of your drains is easiest by using drain covers, screens and other preventative measures.

Hair

The hair that falls off your body during showering and shaving can clog your bathroom drain. Hair can also mix with soap scum and other debris to form a sticky mass that blocks any water flow. To avoid a blocked shower drain, you should use a hair catcher or bathroom strainer. If this isn’t practical, try using a shower drain cleaner that tackles the problem effectively.

Minerals like calcium and limescale are another common cause of clogged drains. These hard deposits can block the flow of water and make your drains smell bad. You can dissolve these deposits with hot water and white vinegar. You can also use a product like Mr Muscle Foam Cleaner to break down the build-ups and prevent them from returning.

It’s important to understand what causes a blocked drain so that you can take steps to avoid them. Blocked drains can make life miserable and lead to more serious plumbing problems if left untreated.

Sanitary Products

If you have young children, make sure they know that only water and toilet paper should go down the drain. Otherwise, they may throw in toys, food waste and other things that aren’t supposed to be there, and these will block your drains.

Grease, fat and soap residue all form a sticky, hard substance that can build up in your pipes over time. This is another common cause of blocked drains, particularly in kitchen sinks.

It’s also a problem for your sewer system and the environment. These substances don’t break down and can cause huge blockages, with unpleasant results. Wet wipes, including so-called “flushable” ones, are another big issue. They should always be thrown in the garbage and not flushed, and wet wipes can even clog toilets. Gurgling sounds in your drains usually indicate a blockage that’s cutting off air flow. This can lead to low water pressure and backups in showers, tubs and sinks.

Garden Debris

A lot of natural debris such as dirt, plants and leaves can find their way into water drains and clog them. This is often worse during wet weather, so it’s essential to keep outdoor drains clear by regularly sweeping and clearing gutters.

It’s also worth remembering that anything that goes down your drains flows directly into the environment, including rivers and seas. This includes sanitary items like cotton pads and wet wipes which should never be flushed, as well as children’s toys, car keys, mobile phones and other electronic waste.

If you’re experiencing slow flowing drains, gurgling sounds or foul odors, these are all signs that you have a blocked drain. Don’t ignore them as they could lead to more serious plumbing problems in the future. Contact a professional plumber for advice on how to resolve the problem like blocked drains in Canberra. They’ll recommend a course of action and get your drains back to normal.