A drain issue seldom begins as a huge plumbing disaster. In many households, the initial symptom is a simple one to shrug down: It takes longer for the water in the shower to go down or for the kitchen sink to drain or a strange odor from a waste pipe. By being aware of the typical causes of drain clogs, Australian homeowners can better avoid unnecessary issues and be able to identify when professional intervention may be necessary. It is particularly valuable for homeowners, as the systems of residential properties may vary in terms of layout, age and landscape conditions, potentially leaving them with blocked drains Geelong.

1.   Hair and Soap Buildup

One of the most common reasons for bathroom drainage issues is hair. lose hair can get stuck in the pipes when the person is showering or bathing.

This soap residue will then mix with the hair and other substance and form an even bigger blockage. This leads to a slower draining shower/bathtub over time.

A simple drain strainer will help to keep less hair from getting into the pipe. House owners also need to regularly clean out any hair and debris that is visible from an accessible drain cover.

If drainage is slow even after simple maintenance, there is a possibility that the blockage may be further into the pipe line and require the attention of a professional.

2.   Grease, Fat and Cooking Oil

One of the most susceptible areas for grease blockage is the kitchen sink.

Cooking fats and oils can be flowing when hot, but can become solid when cold and plug into pipes. Food particles may then get stuck in the residue, thereby limiting the flow of wastewater.

Therefore, cooking oil or fatty foods that are a lot of grease can be said to have caused an obstruction further downstream in the drainage system.

It is better practice to catch unwanted cooking fats and oils and then getting rid of them in an appropriate manner, than to purposefully wash them into the plumbing system.

3.   Food Waste and Kitchen Trash

Food particles may also cause kitchen drain clogs when they form a mixture with grease and other substances already in the drain.

A small amount of food waste could get into a sink during washing – but a sink is not meant to be a food disposal system.

A proper sink strainer may help to keep large chunks of food out of the pipe. Food scraps should be removed by the proper household waste or composting system (if available) instead.

Fibrous food waste and other debris are also best avoided in household drains; this includes coffee grounds.

4.   The presence of soap scum and mineral deposits.

Over time, soap residue may build up in bathroom drainage systems. Mineral deposits can also cause restrictions within the pipe work depending on the conditions of the water and pipe.

These problems can occur over time, without immediately causing a blockage. At first, a drain may become slightly slower and then it will get noticeably restricted.

If water is constantly draining slowly, the homeowner should get the attention of the problem, not write it off. Continuing on with the restrictions can cause more trash to accumulate and increase the challenge of proper clean up.

5.   Wipes and Other Foreign Objects

Household trash and waste should not be put down toilets or house plumbing.

Wipes, sanitary items, too much paper and other items can cause toilet and sewer blockages. Even so called “flushable” products should be disposed of as per manufacturer's directions and local wastewater guidelines.

An object can get stuck in pipework and can also collect other items as it passes through the pipework.

The easiest way to prevent the problem is by not putting materials in the toilet or house pipes that shouldn't be there.

6.   Walking on the roof of a home.

Tree roots can complicate the drainage issue as the source of the obstruction can be hidden beneath the earth's surface.

Roots find moisture readily, and can take advantage of any existing weaknesses around pipe joints, cracks or damaged areas. Roots in pipes can block water flow and cause other things to get stuck in the pipework.

An important clue is recurrent blockages. When a drainage line has problems regularly after being cleared, tree root intrusion or pipework failure could be a possibility.

It isn't always necessary to dig up the drain to resolve an issue, but a professional CCTV drain inspection can help determine the condition and location of an underground problem.

The leaves, soil and outdoor debris are also removed.

7.   Leaves, dirt, soil and garden debris may block outdoor drainage points.

This may be more apparent during periods of heavy rainfall, when a significant amount of water must pass through stormwater drainage. Water may not flow properly away if the accessible drain is blocked or covered by debris.

Caring homeowners can assist by periodically checking accessible outdoor drainage points and keeping them clear, especially following major weather events.

If an outdoor drain keeps backing up despite being obviously clean, however, it could be further restriction within the drainage system that needs to be professionally investigated.

8.   Fractured, Worn or Broken Pipes

In some cases, it is not the material which is causing the blockage.

Drain pipes may get damaged with the passage of time. Cracks, faulty joints, out-of-place sections, deformities or broken-down sections may disrupt the flow of wastewater and cause debris to collect in the system.

This is especially important if blockages keep coming back after professional cleanings.

Under these conditions, removal of the obstacle will temporarily restore flow but may not solve the structural issue. A professional inspection may be useful for determining if the pipe needs to be repaired or replaced.

In Victoria, drainage is defined plumbing and drainage work shall be performed in accordance with the applicable plumbing requirements. The Victorian Building and Plumbing Commission defines drainage as work related to the below ground sanitary and storm water drainage system.

What are the methods used to unclog professional drains?

The correct technique will depend on the obstruction, location and severity of the obstruction.

Mechanical Drain Cleaning

Some physical clogs may be broken or removed using professional drain cleaning equipment. Equipment and technique should be suitable for the drainage system and the probable clog.

High-Pressure Water Jetting

Plumbing experts can use high-pressure water jetting to remove some of the material that has been trapped on the inside of drainage pipes.

Can be a good solution in situations where grease, sediment or other deposits are limiting pipe flow; however, it will depend on the condition of the pipework.

Root Removal

Specialist equipment can be used to remove the immediate obstruction if the tree roots have become lodged in a drainage pipe.

The removal of the roots does not necessarily correct the cause of the root penetration. If there are cracks or bad joints in the pipe, additional testing might be required.

The need for pipe replacement/repair.

If the damage to the structure is severe, cleaning may not be a good long-term solution.

Based on the situation, a professional might suggest repair, rehabilitation or leave it.

When to Hire a Professional Plumber?

There are situations where professional help may be warranted, such as when:

•                    Water is backing up from a drain.

•                    Several drains are affected at once.

•                    A blockage persists and does not go away.

•                    There is a persistent sewage smell.

•                    Suspected that tree roots may be present.

•                    Underground pipe damage can possibly be a part of this.

•                    A toilet repeatedly overflows.

•                    Normal household drainage is seriously impacted.

•                    Basic maintenance has not resolved the issue.

For drainage work, the Victorian plumbing requirements apply and it is recommended that homeowners seek a suitably licensed or registered practitioner when undertaking regulated work, rather than trying to undertake complex plumbing repairs themselves.

What is the price of drain cleaning?

Single blockage prices are not reliable as the amount of work to be done may vary significantly.

The following factors may impact the cost:

•                    The location of the blockage.

•                    The severity of the obstruction.

•                    Accessibility

•                    Equipment required

•                    Deciding whether to conduct a CCTV inspection or not.

•                    Tree-root involvement

•                    Pipe repair requirements

The quote should thus be representative of the problem and labor required, not an unrealistic price.

Frequently Asked Questions

•                    What is the most likely reason for blocking up a drain?

The reason is based on the place. Bathroom drains tend to become clogged with hair and soap, and kitchen sinks are often clogged with grease and food. Root intrusion, leakage of pipes and buildup of debris can be causes of underground drainage issues.

•                    Why do my drains keep clogging?

When blockages occur repeatedly, they can be due to incomplete clearance of the obstruction, the gradual accumulation of grease and debris, tree root encroachment or a pipe fault or any other cause that may be associated with the drainage system.

•                    Do tree roots clog drains?

Yes. Tree roots can filter into the weak points of pipework that is located underground and block the flow of wastewater by entering through cracks, damaged joints or other weaknesses.

•                    Why does it happen that several drains are blocked together?

If more than one fixture is affected, the restriction may not be under one sink, shower or toilet, but further along in the drainage system. A professional assessment may be required to find the problem.

•                    Is grease a problem in the kitchen drain?

Yes. Grease, fat and cooking oil may build up in pipes and mix with food waste to block water flow.

•                    What can I do to avoid blockages in the drains?

Install drain strainers, prevent grease and other unwanted materials from entering the drains, dispose of food waste properly, clean areas of drains that are easily accessible and address slow drains before they become a bigger issue.

•                    When do I need to have a plumber?

Professional assistance is warranted if the blockage is persistent, if multiple drains are clogged, if the wastewater backs up, if the sewage has an unpleasant odor, if tree roots are a suspected cause of the clog, or if damage to underground pipes is suspected.

Conclusion

Maintain the Water Flowing in Your Home's Drainage System!

The cause of most household drain clogs is easily identified, whether it's hair, soap residue in bathroom drains or grease, fat and food particles in kitchen sinks. In addition, leaf and soil blockage can occur in outdoor drainage systems, and frequent issues below ground could be due to tree roots or pipe leaks.

The key is to not just remove the symptom, but to find out the cause of the problem. If there is a minor buildup, the appropriate maintenance may be able to help, and if it's a recurring issue, then, the professional examination may be required to find an underlying problem.

When you have blocked drains Geelong, early action can help you determine if it's just a blockage or a drainage issue that needs to be looked into. Having an appropriately licensed or registered professional complete regulated plumbing work is also a way of ensuring that plumbing work is completed in accordance with Victoria's plumbing requirements.

When homeowners are mindful of early warning indicators, properly dispose of waste and make an effort to solve issues, instead of making them repeat emergencies, a well-maintained drainage system is easier to manage.