How to Prevent Blocked Drains: Tips for Homeowners in Brisbane & Logan

JPR Plumbing • 19 September 2024

How to Prevent Blocked Drains: Tips for Homeowners in Brisbane

Blocked drains are a common issue faced by many Brisbane homeowners, but with a little knowledge and preventive care, you can save yourself from the inconvenience and expense of a major plumbing emergency. At JPR Plumbing, we’ve seen firsthand how blocked drains can quickly escalate into larger problems, such as water damage or the need for costly repairs.

In this guide, we’ll explain the most common causes of blocked drains, provide practical tips for preventing them, and let you know when it’s time to call a professional plumber.

What Causes Blocked Drains?

Before we dive into prevention, it’s important to understand what typically causes blockages. Here are the most common culprits:

Hair: Hair tends to accumulate in bathroom drains, particularly in showers and sinks. Over time, it can combine with soap and grease to form clogs.

Food Scraps: In the kitchen, leftover food particles can wash down the sink and get trapped in the pipes, causing drain blockages.

Grease and Fat: Cooking oils and fats solidify when they cool down, sticking to the inside of your pipes and creating hard blockages over time.

Toilet Paper and Hygiene Products: While toilet paper is designed to break down in water, excessive amounts can still cause clogs, as can sanitary products, wipes, and cotton buds, which shouldn’t be flushed at all.

Tree Roots: Invasive tree roots can grow into underground pipes, causing blockages in your underground pipes and even cracking or breaking pipes. This is especially common in older homes with mature trees.

Tips for Preventing Blocked Drains

Prevention is always better than a cure. By following a few simple tips, you can reduce the likelihood of a blocked drain and keep your plumbing system flowing smoothly.

1. Use Drain Guards

Installing drain guards (also known as drain strainers) is an easy and affordable way to prevent debris from entering your pipes. These guards catch hair, food scraps, and other particles before they can cause blockages. Use them in your shower, sinks, and bathtub.

2. Dispose of Grease and Fat Properly

Never pour cooking oils or grease down the sink. Instead, collect them in a container and dispose of them in the rubbish. Once they cool, oils and fats solidify and can easily clog your kitchen pipes.

3. Flush Drains with Hot Water

For kitchen drains in particular, it’s a good idea to flush them with hot water regularly. The heat helps to break down any grease or fat that might be lingering in the pipes, keeping things clear. Do this after washing greasy dishes to avoid build-up.

4. Be Mindful of What You Flush

Your toilet is designed to handle human waste and toilet paper—nothing else. Avoid flushing items like baby wipes, sanitary pads, and cotton balls, as they can cause major blockages. Even “flushable” wipes can clog pipes over time, so it’s best to throw them in the bin.

5. Clear Hair from Bathroom Drains

Hair is a leading cause of blocked drains in bathrooms. Use a drain guard to catch hair in your shower and bathtub, and remove it regularly. If you notice water draining slowly, act quickly before a full blockage develops.

6. Monitor Tree Roots Around Your Property

Tree roots are a natural but significant cause of blocked drains. They can infiltrate underground pipes, seeking out moisture and causing blockages or even structural damage. If you have large trees near your home, it’s important to keep an eye on your drainage system.

At JPR Plumbing, we offer solutions to repair root-damaged pipes.

7. Schedule Regular Drain Cleaning

Even with preventive care, some blockages can occur over time. Scheduling regular drain cleaning with a professional Brisbane plumber can help remove any build-up before it causes a major issue. At JPR Plumbing, we use high-pressure jetting and specialised equipment to keep your drains clear and flowing smoothly.

Signs You Have a Blocked Drain

If you notice any of the following signs, it may be time to contact a professional Brisbane plumber for drain cleaning:

Slow Draining Water: If water is taking longer than usual to drain from your sinks, showers, or bathtubs, this is often an early sign of a blockage.

Unpleasant Odours: Foul smells coming from your drains can indicate a build-up of trapped waste.

Gurgling Sounds: Strange gurgling noises when water drains away are often a sign that air is trapped in the pipes due to a blockage.

Overflowing Water: If water is backing up from one drain when you use another, it’s a clear sign of a blockage somewhere in the system.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to address the issue quickly before it turns into a bigger problem.

When to Call an Emergency Plumber in Brisbane

Blocked drains can quickly turn from a minor inconvenience into a plumbing emergency. If water is overflowing, pipes are leaking, or you’re experiencing multiple drain issues at once, you need to call a plumber immediately. At JPR Plumbing, we offer emergency plumber services across Brisbane, available 24/7 to handle urgent issues before they cause more damage.

We’ll diagnose the problem quickly and provide efficient solutions, including drain clearing, pipe repairs, or CCTV inspections to identify the root cause.

How JPR Plumbing Can Help with Blocked Drains

At JPR Plumbing, we specialise in drain cleaning and blocked drain repairs for both residential and commercial properties. Our experienced team uses the latest equipment and techniques to clear even the toughest blockages quickly and efficiently. Whether you need preventive maintenance or emergency services, we’ve got you covered.

Our services include:

High-pressure drain jetting

CCTV drain inspections

Comprehensive drainage system maintenance

We serve all areas of Brisbane, including Brisbane Southside, Logan, and beyond.

FAQs About Blocked Drains

Q: How often should I clean my drains?

A: It’s a good idea to clean your drains at least once every few months. If you experience frequent blockages, you may want to schedule professional cleaning every 6-12 months.

Q: Can I use chemical drain cleaners?

A: While chemical drain cleaners may provide temporary relief, they can damage your pipes over time. It’s best to use natural methods like hot water or baking soda and vinegar, or call a professional plumber for a long-term solution.

Q: Are blocked drains covered by insurance?

A: It depends on your policy. Some insurance policies cover damage caused by blocked drains, but routine maintenance or clearing blockages may not be included.

Q: How can I tell if tree roots are causing a blockage?

A: If you experience frequent blockages or slow drains, especially in outdoor pipes, tree roots could be the cause. A CCTV inspection by a plumber can confirm this.

Conclusion

Blocked drains can be a frustrating and costly issue for homeowners, but with proper care and maintenance, they can often be avoided. By following the preventive tips outlined in this guide, you can keep your plumbing system running smoothly and avoid the hassle of unexpected blockages. However, if you do encounter a blockage, don’t hesitate to call JPR Plumbing for professional, reliable drain cleaning services in Brisbane.

Whether you need preventive maintenance or an emergency plumber in Brisbane, our team is here to help. Contact us today to book an appointment or learn more about our services.