The Top Causes of Blocked Drains and Their Simple Solutions

Name: Blocked Drain Sydney
Brand: Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney
Rating: 5 (3 reviews)

Posted by Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney on 30 Sep 2025

Blocked drains are a common problem that can cause a lot of inconvenience and frustration. They can lead to unpleasant odors, slow draining water, and even sewage backups. Understanding the common causes of blocked drains will help you prevent them in the first place.

Blocked drains are caused by different reasons, and if not adequately addressed, can lead to costly repairs for your home or business. These are the most common reasons for blocked drains, and how you can prevent them.

1. Foreign objects

Blocked drains can be caused by foreign objects like hair, food particles, soap residue and paper products. These materials stick together inside pipes forming a blockage that prevents water flow.

To prevent these blockages from occurring:

Dispose of cooking oil in the trash and not down the drain
Avoid pouring leftover food debris or coffee grounds into the sink
Install drain covers in sinks, bathtubs, and shower stalls to prevent hair from accumulating
Use minimal toilet paper when flushing

2. Tree roots

Tree roots often grow toward water sources such as cracked pipes or pipe joints where they can infiltrate and eventually cause a complete blockage within the pipe.

To prevent tree root intrusion:

Professionals can install pipes properly so that they are level.
Avoid planting trees next to sewer lines

3. Grease buildup

Blockages can be caused by grease buildup. Hot grease is often poured down the kitchen sink. It’s liquid form allows it to escape from dishes, but it congeals quickly once it cools and gets deep within your pipes, causing blockages.

To avoid grease buildup in your kitchen sink dispose off all greasy wast like cook oils via trash bin instead pouring it down into your kitchen drainage system.

4. Structural damage

Cracked or collapsed pipes due to age, weather or changes in the soil can cause blocked drains. Signs of structural damage of pipes include:

Slow draining water
Multiple blocked fixtures
Mold growth
Foundation cracks

To prevent structural damages:

Get your sewer lines inspected regularly with the help of CCTV inspections so that professional repair company could detect any issues and fix it immediately.

5. Incorrect pipe installation

Incorrect pipe installation or poor design can also contribute to blocked drains as it sometimes leaves very tight bends in unscrupulous areas where large debris easily form blockages from accumulated waste.

Hire professionals to install pipes correctly and make sure they meet all standards.

Conclusion

If left unattended, blocked drains can cause serious problems. Be proactive about preventing blockages by taking preventative measures, hiring professionals for regular maintenance checks, following plumbing code requirements during constructions, placing catch baskets on screen traps in sink an drain shower outlets to capture any debris before it reaches the drainage system. To ensure your pipes are clear for years to come, take care of them today.

The key takeaways

Here are some essential things you should remember after reading this article:

Blocked drains are often caused by foreign objects such as hair, soap residues, paper products, and food particles.
Tree roots growth toward water sources such as cracked pipes causing complete blockage within a pipe.
Blockages can be caused by grease buildup in your pipes.
Cracked or collapsed pipes caused by weather, age or ground shifts can cause structural damage that impair smooth water flow.
An incorrect installation of pipes can leave tight bends that are susceptible to large debris, causing accumulation blockages. from wastes going through drainage system.
Hire only qualified-professionals plumbers for regular check ups instead of waiting for emergencies.
Follow standard local plumbing codes during construction.
To capture debris that does not reach the drainage system, place catch baskets on screens traps.