What Are Blocked Drains?
A blocked drain occurs when something prevents water flowing smoothly through the pipes. This can happen in sinks, showers, toilets, external drains, and sewer lines. Blockages may be partial (slow draining) or full (water backs up).
If you are starting to notice water taking longer and longer to go down the drain then you 100% are getting or have a blocked drain. Below you will learn more about how blocked drains occur, where they are most common in the home, and how we can fix the blocked drain for you.
If you have any questions in relation to blocked drains just give our team at VPGS a call.
How Do Blocked Drains Happen?
Common causes include:
- Hair, soap scum & personal care products — These often accumulate in bathroom drains, catching other debris and gradually reducing flow.
- Grease, fats, oils & food waste — In kitchens especially, grease solidifies inside pipes, trapping food scraps and creating clogs.
CPI Service - Foreign & non-flushable items — Wet wipes, sanitary products, paper towels, dental floss etc. These don’t break down like toilet paper and can cause serious blockages.
- Mineral buildup / hard water scale — In areas with hard water, minerals accumulate over time narrowing pipe interiors.
- Tree root intrusion — Roots seek moisture and can grow into cracked or jointed pipes, blocking or damaging them.
- Pipe issues (age, damage, poor slope, misalignment) — Old pipes may corrode, sag, crack or shift, all of which can reduce flow or allow debris inside. Mis-installed or incorrectly pitched pipes can let water (and waste) settle rather than flow away.
Where Blockages Commonly Occur in the Home
Here are places in a typical domestic plumbing system where blocked drains are frequent:
| Location | Common Causes / Issues |
|---|---|
| Kitchen sink & drain pipes | Grease, food scraps, coffee grounds, fat/oil build-ups |
| Bathroom sink, showers, bathtubs | Hair, soap scum, shampoo, loose skin cells, cosmetics |
| Toilets | Non-flushable items; too much toilet paper; sometimes foreign objects |
| Laundry tubs & washing machines | Lint, fibres, detergent build-ups, often foreign items like small clothing bits |
| External drains / stormwater / gutters | Leaves, debris, soil, rain-washed material; sometimes roots |
| Sewer lines / main drains | Roots, pipe damage, accumulated waste, structural problems |
How to Fix Blocked Drains
Depending on severity, here are steps and methods to clear blockages:
DIY / minor block fixes
- Use a plunger for sinks, toilets, etc.
- Mechanical tools like drain snakes / augers to reach deeper clogs.
- Flush with hot water (where safe) to help dissolve grease.
- Use a baking soda + vinegar mix, followed by hot water rinse.
Commercial/chemical cleaners
- Enzyme or bio-degradable cleaners are gentler on pipes.
- Harsh chemical drain cleaners can sometimes damage older or weaker pipes; use carefully.
Professional plumbing intervention
- High-pressure jetting to flush out stubborn blockages or root intrusion.
- CCTV drain inspection to locate exact position and cause of blockage.
- Pipe relining or replacement if pipe is damaged.
- Excavation where necessary (for main sewers or severely corroded pipes or root damage).
What Happens If Blocked Drains Are Not Fixed
Leaving blocked drains untreated can lead to bigger issues:
- Persistent bad odours and unhygienic conditions.
- Water backing up into fixtures (sinks, showers, toilets) causing overflow, damage to flooring, walls.
- Structural damage or decay from water exposure.
- Growth of mould or mildew.
- In worst cases, burst pipes or major sewer issues requiring costly repairs.
Prevention & Best Practices
To avoid blockages in the first place:
- Use sink strainers / drain guards in showers, bathtubs, sinks.
- Don’t pour grease, fats or oil down kitchen drains; let them cool and dispose or use grease traps.
- Only flush toilet paper and human waste; bin all other items.
- Regular maintenance: clean drains every few weeks with natural solutions or mild cleaners.
- Inspect external drains and gutters regularly (clear debris).
- Be cautious about sewer-line neighbours: planting trees far from main drains; avoid large root systems near pipes.
- If you suspect slow drainage or recurring issues, call in a professional early rather than letting the problem escalate.
Don’t let a blocked drain cause damage to your home or business. At Vital Plumbing & Gas Solutions, our experienced plumbers provide fast, reliable, and affordable solutions for all types of blocked drains in Adelaide. From kitchen sinks and bathroom pipes to stormwater and sewer systems, we use the latest tools and techniques to clear blockages quickly and prevent them from coming back.
