Got Blocked Drains in Melbourne? Here’s What’s Really Going On Down There

Blocked drains in Melbourne can be a real pain. Whether it’s your kitchen sink, bathroom, or outdoor drain, a blockage stops water from flowing properly. It can cause bad smells, slow draining, or even water overflow. But what exactly causes blocked drains? And how can you fix them before things get worse? Let’s take a simple look at what’s happening down there and what you can do about it.

What Causes Blocked Drains?

Drains get blocked because something is stopping the water from flowing freely. Here are some of the most common causes:

• Food and Grease: When you wash your dishes, leftover food scraps and grease can go down the drain. Over time, grease cools and sticks to the pipes, catching bits of food and other debris. This builds up and blocks the drain.

• Hair: Hair is a big cause of blocked drains in Melbourne, especially in bathrooms. Hair can clump together and mix with soap scum, forming a sticky mass that stops water flow.

• Soap Scum and Dirt: Soap and dirt don’t always wash away cleanly. They can stick to the pipe walls and create layers that reduce the space for water to flow.

• Foreign Objects: Sometimes things like cotton buds, sanitary products, or even small toys accidentally get flushed or dropped down the drain. These objects can block pipes or get stuck in bends.

• Tree Roots: If your pipes run under trees, roots may grow into small cracks searching for water. Roots can break pipes and block the flow of water.

Signs Your Drains Are Blocked

It’s good to know the signs of a blocked drain so you can act early. Here are some clues:

• Water drains very slowly, or not at all.

• Water backs up and comes out of other drains.

• Foul smells coming from sinks, toilets, or outside drains.

• Gurgling or bubbling sounds from drains.

• Wet or soggy patches in your yard (if the outdoor drains are blocked).

If you notice any of these, you probably have a blockage that needs attention.

Why You Should Fix Blocked Drains Quickly

Blocked drains don’t just cause inconvenience. If left untreated, they can cause:

• Water damage to your home.

• Bad smells that make your house unpleasant.

• Health risks from mould and bacteria.

• Costly repairs if pipes burst or roots damage them.

• Fixing blocked drains quickly helps avoid these problems.

How to Unblock Drains at Home (Simple Tips)

If your drains are only a little blocked, you can try some simple steps first:

• Boiling Water: Pour boiling water down the drain to melt grease and wash away dirt.

• Dish Soap and Hot Water: Mix dish soap with hot water and pour it down the drain. Soap helps break down grease.

• Use a Plunger: A plunger can help push out small blockages in sinks and toilets.

• Remove Visible Hair: If you can see hair in the drain cover or trap, remove it carefully.

• Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners: These can damage your pipes and aren’t good for the environment.

If these steps don’t work, it’s best to call a professional plumber.

How Professionals Fix Blocked Drains in Melbourne

Professional plumbers understand blocked drains can be tricky. They use special tools and skills to find and fix the problem fast.

• Drain Cameras: They send tiny cameras down your pipes to see exactly where the blockage is.

• High-Pressure Water Jetting: This uses strong water jets to clear away grease, roots, and debris.

• Drain Snaking: A flexible tool is pushed down the pipe to break up or pull out blockages.

• Pipe Repairs: If pipes are damaged by roots or wear, they can repair or replace them.

They help keep your drains clear and working well, so you don’t have to worry.

Preventing Blocked Drains in the Future

The best way to deal with blocked drains is to stop them from happening in the first place. Here are some easy tips:

• Don’t pour grease or oil down the sink.

• Use a drain strainer to catch hair and food scraps.

• Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper down the toilet.

• Regularly clean your drains with boiling water and dish soap.

• Get your drains checked yearly by a professional plumber.

Taking these small steps can save you a lot of trouble and money later.

Conclusion

If you have tried to fix a blocked drain but it’s still not working, or if you want peace of mind, MGR Plumbing is here to help. They are experts in dealing with blocked drains Melbourne wide. We use safe, modern methods to clear your drains quickly and cleanly.

Don’t wait for a small blockage to become a big problem. Call MGR Plumbing for friendly, professional service that keeps your home running smoothly.