7 Common Causes of Blocked Drains

A blocked drain is more than just an inconvenience, it can lead to unpleasant odours, slow drainage, and in severe cases, costly water damage to your property.

As a Master Plumber serving Golden Grove and the surrounding suburbs, I've cleared hundreds of blockages over the past 10 years. The good news is that many of these blockages are preventable with a little awareness and regular maintenance.

Let's dive into the 7 most common culprits behind blocked drains—and how you can keep your pipes clear.

1. Hair (The #1 Culprit in Bathrooms)

Why It Causes Blockages: Hair strands bind with soap scum and other debris, creating dense clumps that cling to pipe walls and trap more material over time.

Prevention Tips:

• Install hair catchers or drain strainers in showers and bathtubs
• Clean strainers weekly
• Run hot water down the drain after showers to flush loosened hair

2. Grease, Oil, and Fat (The Kitchen Nightmare)

Why It Causes Blockages: When you pour cooking oil or grease down the sink, it may be liquid now, but it solidifies as it cools inside your pipes. Over time, this creates a thick, waxy buildup that traps food particles and causes stubborn blockages.

Prevention Tips:

• Never pour grease or oil down the drain—instead, pour into a container and dispose in the bin
• Wipe greasy pans with paper towel before washing
• Run hot water for 30 seconds after using the sink to help keep oils moving

3. Food Scraps

Why It Causes Blockages: Even with a garbage disposal, food scraps can accumulate and combine with grease to form stubborn clogs. Rice, pasta, coffee grounds, and eggshells are particularly problematic.

Prevention Tips:

• Scrape plates into the bin before rinsing
• Use a sink strainer to catch food particles
• Avoid putting fibrous foods (celery, corn husks) down the disposal

4. Tree Roots

Why It Causes Blockages: Tree roots naturally seek out moisture and nutrients. Old or cracked pipes provide the perfect entry point. Roots can infiltrate through tiny gaps and grow inside the pipe, eventually causing complete blockages or even pipe collapse.

Prevention Tips:

• Have your pipes inspected if you have large trees near underground plumbing
• Consider root barriers when planting new trees
• Schedule regular drain camera inspections if you've had root issues before

5. Soap Scum

Why It Causes Blockages: Traditional soap bars contain fats and oils that combine with minerals in your water to create a hard, white residue called soap scum. Over time, this buildup narrows your pipes.

Prevention Tips:

• Switch to liquid soap or synthetic detergent
• Clean drains monthly with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar
• Flush with hot water regularly

6. Foreign Objects

Why It Causes Blockages: Children's toys, sanitary products, baby wipes, cotton buds, and even "flushable" wipes can cause immediate blockages. Many of these items don't break down in water and get caught in pipe joints or bends.

Prevention Tips:

• Keep a bin in the bathroom for non-flushable items
• Educate children about what can and can't go down the drain
• Remember: Only toilet paper should be flushed—even "flushable" wipes cause problems

7. Old or Damaged Pipes

Why It Causes Blockages: Over time, clay, cast iron, or PVC pipes can crack, collapse, or develop rough interiors that catch debris. Older homes in Golden Grove often have ageing pipework that's more susceptible to blockages.

Prevention Tips:

• If your home is older, consider a CCTV drain inspection
• Watch for signs like slow drainage, wet patches in the yard, or recurring blockages
• Proactive pipe relining or replacement can save money in the long run

When to Call a Professional Plumber

While some minor blockages can be cleared with a plunger, it's time to call a licensed plumber if:

• Multiple drains are blocked (indicates a main sewer line issue)
• You hear gurgling noises from other fixtures when running water
• Water backs up or sewage odours appear
• Plunging doesn't work or the blockage returns quickly

Need a Blocked Drain Specialist in Golden Grove?

As your local Master Plumber, I offer:

• ✅ Same-day service for urgent blockages
• ✅ CCTV drain cameras to diagnose hidden issues
• ✅ High-pressure jetting to clear stubborn clogs
• ✅ Honest, reliable advice—no unnecessary work

Don't let a blocked drain disrupt your day. Call Grove Plumbing & Gas today for fast, professional service.