Prevent Blocked Drains Now: Know the Common Causes

Name: Blocked Drain Sydney
Brand: Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains
Rating: 5 (3 reviews)

Posted by Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains on 2 Dec 2025

Blocked drains can be a frustrating problem and cause many inconveniences. Blocked drains can cause unpleasant odors, slow drainage of water, and even sewage backups. Understanding the common causes of blocked drains will help you prevent them in the first place.

Blocked drains can be caused by many reasons and, if left untreated, can cause costly damage to your home or business. Here are five common causes of blocked drains and how to prevent them:

1. Foreign objects

Blocked drains can be caused by foreign objects like hair, food particles, soap residue and paper products. These materials stick together inside pipes forming a blockage that prevents water flow.

To prevent these blockages from occurring:

Dispose of cooking oil in the trash and not down the drain
Do not pour coffee grounds or leftover food into the sink
To prevent hair accumulation, install drain covers in bathtubs, sinks, and shower stalls
Toilet paper should be used sparingly when flushing

2. Tree roots

Tree roots can often be found growing toward cracked pipes and pipe joints, where they can infiltrate the pipe and eventually block it completely.

To prevent tree root intrusion:

Professionals can install pipes properly so that they are level.
Avoid planting trees next to sewer lines

3. Grease buildup

Grease buildup is one of the most common causes of residential cookbook problems leading to blockages. Hot grease is often poured down the kitchen sink. It’s liquid form allows it to escape from dishes, but it congeals quickly once it cools and gets deep within your pipes, causing blockages.

You can dispose of grease-laden oils and other greasy substances in your kitchen sink by emptying the trash into a garbage bin, rather than pouring it into your kitchen drainage system.

4. Structural damage

Cracked or collapsed pipes due to age, weather or changes in the soil can cause blocked drains. The following are signs of pipe damage:

Slowly draining water
Multiple blocked fixtures
Mold growth
Foundation cracks

To prevent structural damages:

Regular inspections of your sewer lines with CCTV inspections are recommended so that professional repair companies can detect and correct any problems.

5. Incorrect pipe installation

Bad pipe design or incorrect installation can cause blocked drains. It is possible for large debris to build up in unreliable areas, causing blockages.

Hire professionals to install pipes correctly and make sure they meet all standards.

Conclusion

Blocked drains can lead to significant problems if ignored for long periods of time. To prevent blockages, take preventive measures such as hiring professionals to conduct regular maintenance checks and following plumbing code requirements when building. You can also place catch baskets in drain outlets or sinks to capture any debris that reaches the drainage system. Take care of your pipes today to ensure that they remain clear tomorrow and in years ahead.

Key takeaways

Here are some essential things you should remember after reading this article:

Foreign objects like hair, soap residue, paper products and food particles are common causes of Blocked Drains.
Tree roots can grow towards water sources like cracked pipes, causing complete obstruction within the pipe.
Grease buildup deep inside your pipes causes stubborn clogs leading ultimately leads to Blocked Drains.
Structural damages due to cracked or collapsed pipes due to age, weather or ground shifts impairing smooth flow of water.
Incorrect Pipe installations may leave very tight bends susceptible for large debris causing accumulative blockages. from the wastes that are going through the drainage system.
Hire only qualified-professionals plumbers for regular check ups instead of waiting for emergencies.
Follow standard local plumbing codes during construction.
To capture debris that does not reach the drainage system, place catch baskets on screens traps.