Blocked drains can be a real pain. One day your sink is draining just fine, and the next you’re standing ankle-deep in soapy water wondering what went wrong.
The truth is, most drain blockages don’t just appear overnight. They build up gradually from everyday habits, many of which seem harmless at the time.
If you know what typically causes blocked drains, you can stop a lot of problems before they start.
Below, we’ve outlined the most common causes of blocked drains in residential properties, how to avoid them, and when it’s time to call in a professional blocked drains plumber for help.
Top 6 Common Causes of Blocked Drains in Residential Properties
1. Grease and Fat Buildup
When you rinse grease, oil or cooking fat down the kitchen sink, it doesn’t just disappear. As it cools, it sticks to the inside of your pipes, hardening and forming layers over time. Eventually, that greasy buildup narrows the pipe so much that water can’t pass through properly.
Tip: Let cooking grease cool, then throw it in the bin instead of washing it down the sink.
2. Hair and Soap Residue
Hair might seem harmless, but in the bathroom, it’s a top offender. Combine loose strands with soap scum and you’ve got a sticky mess that clings to pipes and collects more debris as water flows past. That’s why showers and bathroom sinks often drain slower than they should.
Tip: Use a simple drain catcher to trap hair before it gets into your plumbing.
3. Foreign Objects
Toilets are only meant to handle human waste and toilet paper. Flushing things like baby wipes, sanitary pads, tissues or even cotton tips might seem like no big deal, but they don’t break down like toilet paper does. Instead, they bunch together and block the pipe.
Tip: Keep a bin close by for anything that isn’t toilet paper. If in doubt, don’t flush it.
4. Tree Roots
Outside the house, nature can cause its own plumbing problems. Tree roots naturally seek moisture, and even a tiny crack in a pipe can be enough for roots to sneak in. Once they get inside, they grow and tangle, creating serious blockages or even damaging the pipe itself.
Tip: If you’ve got large trees near your home or notice recurring drain issues, a pipe inspection is worth considering.
EVR Plumbing often sees this kind of issue in older homes across the Gold Coast, especially where trees have been growing for decades around outdated clay or earthenware pipes.
5. Collapsed or Damaged Pipes
Not all blockages are caused by what goes down the drain. Sometimes, the problem is with the pipe itself. Old pipes can collapse, shift, or crack due to age, ground movement or corrosion. When that happens, water has nowhere to go and blockages form quickly.
Tip: Pay attention to frequent clogs or wet patches in your yard. These can be signs of pipe damage underground.
If you suspect damage below ground, EVR Plumbing recommends a professional camera inspection to confirm the source of the issue before excavation or pipe replacement begins.
6. Hygiene Products and Toiletries
Even the little things add up. Dental floss, cotton pads, makeup wipes and paper towels can all block your drains if they’re flushed or rinsed down the sink. “Flushable” wipes might sound safe, but many of them don’t break down fast enough and can clog pipes over time.
Tip: Stick to flushing toilet paper only. Everything else should go in the rubbish.
Early Warning Signs of a Blocked Drain
The sooner you spot a drain problem, the easier it is to fix. Here are a few early warning signs to look out for:
- Water draining slower than usual
- Gurgling or bubbling sounds from sinks or toilets
- Unpleasant smells near drains
- Water pooling in the shower or sink
- Toilets struggling to flush or needing multiple flushes
Catching these signs early can help you prevent a small issue from turning into a big, messy one.
What Can Happen If You Ignore a Blocked Drain
A slow drain might not seem like a big deal, but ignoring it can lead to bigger problems. Here’s what can happen if you leave a blockage untreated:
- Water can overflow and cause flooding inside or outside
- Moisture can seep into walls or floors, leading to structural damage
- Pipes can burst or collapse, which is expensive to repair
- Mould and mildew can grow due to excess moisture
- You might end up needing emergency plumbing work at short notice
Blocked drains are something most homeowners will deal with eventually. But with good habits, regular maintenance, and expert guidance from professionals like EVR Plumbing, they don’t have to turn into costly disasters.
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