A slow-draining sink, gurgling shower, or nasty smells from your toilet can all be signs of a blocked drain. These issues often arise suddenly, but the damage has been occurring underground for some time.
Many blockages are preventable if you know what causes them and take simple precautions. This guide explains the common reasons drains get blocked and how you can protect your home or business in the Merimbula and Bega areas.
Warning Signs of a Blocked Drain
Catch a blockage early to avoid costly repairs. Look out for:
- Water draining slower than normal
- Gurgling or bubbling sounds from drains
- Bad smells from sinks, toilets, or floor drains
- Toilet water sitting lower than normal
- Water pooling near floor drains
Common Causes of Blocked Drains
Everyday Items That Cause Blockages
- Hair – Hair from brushing, shaving, or showers can clump with soap scum and grease and become a stubborn blockage. Always catch hair in a bin, not the sink or shower drain.
- Toiletries and Hygiene Products – Cotton buds, dental floss, wet wipes, and bandages don’t break down. Even “flushable” wipes can cause blockages in older pipes. Dispose of these items in a bathroom bin.
- Cooking Fats and Oils – Liquid fats may seem harmless, but they solidify inside pipes and trap debris. Let the fats cool in a container and then throw them away in the bin.
- Food Scraps – Coffee grounds, rice, pasta, and vegetable peelings expand or clump when wet. Scrape plates into the bin before rinsing, even if you have a disposal unit.
- Foreign Objects – Over the years, we’ve removed toys, toothbrushes, bottle caps, and even hand towels from blocked drains. Keep small items out of sinks and toilets.
External Factors Beyond Your Control
Heavy Rain – Prolonged or intense rain can overwhelm stormwater systems and cause water to back up and flood your property.
Fallen Leaves and Debris – Gutters and drains can fill with leaves and twigs, which decompose and block pipes. Regular gutter maintenance and guards reduce this risk.
Tree Roots – Roots seek moisture and can enter even small cracks in underground pipes. Once inside, they grow quickly and can collapse the pipe. Tree root intrusion is a common cause of blockages in older homes in Merimbula.
Aging or Damaged Pipes – Cracks, corrosion, or sagging sections in older pipes trap debris and slow water flow. If left unchecked, these pipes can fail.
How to Prevent Blockages
While some factors are beyond your control, these steps reduce the risk of a blockage forming:
- Only flush toilet paper and human waste
- Use sink strainers for hair and food scraps
- Dispose of fats and oils in the bin
- Clear gutters at least twice a year
- Don’t plant large trees near sewer or stormwater lines
- Schedule routine drain inspections for homes over 30 years old
What to Do If a Blockage Occurs
Don’t wait for a blockage to clear itself. Small problems escalate quickly, especially if tree roots or broken pipes are involved.
With years of experience servicing homes and businesses across the Bega Valley, Keogh Plumbing uses CCTV drain cameras and high-pressure water jetters to locate and clear blockages quickly. We’re available 24/7 for emergency callouts in Merimbula, Bega, and surrounding areas.
Call (02) 6430 7104 or book online to have your drains inspected and restored to normal.