Blocked drains are a frustrating reality for both homeowners and infrastructure managers. From slow-draining sinks to complete system backups, these blockages can cause everything from minor inconvenience to costly damage. But what’s really going on beneath the surface? Let’s take a closer look at the most common culprits behind clogged drains—and how you can avoid them.
Grease and fat are notorious for causing blockages, especially in the kitchen. While it might seem harmless to rinse off a greasy pan, that liquid fat can quickly solidify in your pipes, sticking to the walls and narrowing the passage for water. Over time, that buildup becomes a serious clog.
Quick tip: Pour leftover grease into a jar or container and toss it in the bin once it solidifies.
Hair is one of the main offenders in bathroom drains. Whether it’s from showering, shaving, or brushing, hair can easily collect and form clumps that trap soap scum and other debris, slowing or completely stopping water flow.
Prevention tip: Install a drain cover in your shower or sink to catch hair before it goes down the drain.
Even if you’ve got a waste disposal unit, large food scraps—or the wrong kinds—can wreak havoc on your kitchen plumbing. Pasta, rice, coffee grounds, and fibrous vegetables are particularly problematic.
Avoid trouble: Use a sink strainer and dispose of food scraps in the compost or rubbish bin.
Wet wipes, sanitary products, cotton buds, and even tissues may seem flushable—but they’re not. These items don’t break down easily and often cause major blockages in both household pipes and the broader sewer network.
Golden rule: If it’s not toilet paper, don’t flush it. Keep a bin in the bathroom for everything else.
Outdoors, tree roots are a hidden danger to your underground pipes. Drawn to moisture, they can force their way into even the tiniest cracks, eventually creating serious blockages or even breaking the pipe entirely.
Smart planting: Keep large trees and shrubs well away from your drainage system and schedule routine inspections if you suspect root intrusion.
Sometimes, the issue isn’t what goes down the drain—it’s how the system was built in the first place. Incorrect pipe angles, bad connections, or substandard materials can all lead to poor flow and recurring blockages.
The fix: Always use a licensed, experienced plumber for any installation or repair work to ensure your drainage system is up to standard.
Blocked drains don’t have to be a regular headache. With the right preventative steps—and a bit of care about what goes down your drains—you can avoid most issues. But if you do find yourself dealing with a stubborn blockage, it’s always best to call in the professionals. A licensed plumber can quickly identify the cause, fix the problem, and help prevent it from coming back.
Got a blocked drain? Don’t wait for it to get worse—get in touch with us today for fast, reliable help.