Your drains are one of those household systems you rarely think about – until they stop working.

Whether it's a slow sink or a backed-up shower, drain blockages are inconvenient and can lead to costly repairs if not addressed quickly.

Luckily, understanding the common causes of blockages can help you prevent them and keep your water flowing freely.

In this blog, we’ll dive into five of the most common reasons your drains get clogged and offer some simple prevention tips!

1. Hair Build-Up

The Problem:

One of the most frequent culprits behind a blocked drain is hair. In bathroom sinks and showers, strands of hair can easily slip down the drain, where they get tangled with soap scum and other debris, forming a dense clog.

How to Prevent It:

Installing a drain cover or hair catcher is a cheap and easy way to trap hair before it becomes a problem. Remember to clean the cover regularly to avoid build-up. You should also avoid washing hair directly over sink drains if possible.

2. Grease and Oil

The Problem:

Kitchen sinks often face blockages due to grease, fat, and oil. When these substances are poured down the drain, they may seem harmless in liquid form, but as they cool, they solidify, clinging to the pipes and creating serious blockages over time.

How to Prevent It:

Never pour grease or oil down the drain. Instead, collect it in a container and dispose of it in the trash once it cools. For extra precaution, regularly flush your kitchen sink with hot water and dish soap to help break up any greasy residue.

3. Food Waste

The Problem:

Food scraps – especially fibrous or starchy items like potato peels, pasta, and coffee grounds – are common causes of blocked drains. Even if you have a garbage disposal, these materials can clump together and create blockages in your pipes.

How to Prevent It:

Only small, non-fibrous food particles should go down the drain. Use a sink strainer to catch any scraps and always dispose of larger food items in your compost or trash bin. Be cautious with starchy foods and never pour them into the sink.

4. Soap Scum

The Problem:

Over time, soap residue can build up and solidify inside your pipes, causing slow drainage or complete blockages. This is especially true in hard water areas, where the minerals combine with soap to create a thick, chalky substance.

How to Prevent It:

Switching to liquid soap or a soap-free cleaner can reduce soap scum build-up. Additionally, regular flushing of your pipes with hot water or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda can help dissolve soap residue before it forms a clog.

5. Foreign Objects

The Problem:

Everything from kids’ toys to sanitary products can end up in drains, causing a total blockage. Toilets, sinks, and shower drains are especially vulnerable to these mishaps, leading to messy overflows and water damage.

How to Prevent It:

Keep a close eye on what goes down the drain. In bathrooms, never flush anything other than toilet paper, and make sure small objects are kept out of reach of children. A drain cover can also help prevent larger items from slipping down accidentally.

When to Call a Professional

While prevention goes a long way, sometimes drain blockages happen despite your best efforts. If you notice slow drainage, gurgling sounds, or persistent odors, it’s time to call in the professionals. Ignoring these signs can lead to bigger issues like pipe damage, water backups, and costly repairs.

At Melbourne Blocked Drains, we specialise in diagnosing and fixing drain blockages quickly and efficiently. Our expert technicians are equipped to handle everything from minor clogs to major blockages, ensuring your drains are back in perfect working order in no time.

Final Thoughts

Blocked drains are a nuisance, but with regular maintenance and a few preventative measures, you can keep them flowing smoothly. By being mindful of what goes down your drains and addressing minor issues early, you can avoid more significant problems down the line.

Have a blocked drain that needs immediate attention? Contact Melbourne Blocked Drains today, and let us clear your pipes with ease!