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Causes of Blocked Drains: Understanding and Preventing Clogs

October 26, 2023

Blocked drains are a common household nuisance that can lead to plumbing issues and inconveniences. Understanding what causes drains to become blocked is essential for preventing these problems. From hair and grease to food particles and foreign objects, a variety of culprits can clog your drains. In this article, we’ll delve into the causes of blocked drains and provide tips on how to prevent them.

  • Hair: One of the most common causes of blocked drains is hair. When you shower or wash your hair over the bathroom sink, loose strands often end up going down the drain. Over time, these strands can accumulate, creating a web-like blockage that restricts water flow. To prevent this, consider using a drain strainer or hair-catching device in your bathroom drains. Regularly cleaning these strainers can help prevent hair from entering your plumbing system.
  • Grease: Grease and cooking oil are notorious for causing blockages in kitchen sinks. When hot grease is poured down the drain, it may flow easily at first, but as it cools, it solidifies and adheres to the inside of the pipes. This accumulation can gradually block the flow of water and lead to clogs. To avoid this, never pour grease or cooking oil down the drain. Instead, allow it to cool, collect it in a container, and dispose of it properly.
  • Food Particles: In the kitchen, food particles and debris can accumulate in the drain and pipes. Even with a garbage disposal, some small food scraps can escape the blades and settle in the pipes. Over time, this buildup can restrict water flow and lead to blockages. To prevent this, use a drain strainer in your kitchen sink to catch food particles before they enter the plumbing system. Regularly empty and clean the strainer to maintain good water flow.
  • Foreign Objects: Accidental or intentional introduction of foreign objects into drains is another common cause of blockages. Children’s toys, jewelry, toiletry items, and even excessive toilet paper can obstruct the pipes. It’s crucial to be mindful of what you allow near your drains and educate your family about the importance of not flushing or dropping items into the plumbing system.
  • Soap Scum: Soap may seem harmless, but it can contribute to drain blockages as well. When soap combines with minerals in the water, it forms a residue known as soap scum. Over time, soap scum can accumulate and reduce the diameter of the drain pipes, slowing down water flow. Regular cleaning of your drains can help prevent this buildup.

Preventing Blocked Drains:

Preventing blocked drains is often simpler and more cost-effective than dealing with the consequences. Here are some tips to help you maintain clear and free-flowing drains:

  • Use drain strainers in both your kitchen and bathroom sinks to catch debris before it enters the pipes.
  • Avoid pouring grease or cooking oil down the kitchen sink. Instead, collect it in a container and dispose of it properly.
  • Be cautious about what you allow near your drains. Keep an eye out for small objects, and educate family members about responsible drain usage.
  • Regularly clean your drains with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. This natural solution can help break down debris and prevent buildup.
  • Schedule periodic professional drain cleaning to remove stubborn clogs and ensure your plumbing system is in good condition.

In conclusion, understanding the causes of blocked drains and taking preventive measures can save you from the inconvenience and expense of dealing with plumbing issues. By adopting good habits and maintaining your drains, you can enjoy a smoothly functioning plumbing system for years to come.

Testimonials

Hear what our customers have to say about their experiences with Pinnacle Plumbing Group. 

  • Joel

    5 stars
    Fixed the bathroom drain, the plumber is a top bloke. Great service!
  • Daria Khan

    5 stars
    Great experience from booking to actual service. Job was done quick and efficient. Big thank you to Damon and Blake. Polite, friendly and professio...
  • J Scholz

    5 stars
    Very helpful and professional service. An additional concern was found and fixed as well.
  • Karry Sheng

    5 stars
    Damon is professional and had my heating valve fixed. Appreciate it!
  • Cath Beynon

    5 stars
    Damon was fantastic, very quick and super respectful. Thank you
  • Michael Luu

    5 stars
    Efficient and professional
  • Emily Saxton

    5 stars
    Wonderful advice and customer service from Brent, an absolute hero. Give this man a raise
  • Kahmanpreet Sekhon

    5 stars
    Good service done by blake today at urgent basis. Blake replaced hot water system today. Reliable and efficient lad. Thanks blake.
  • andrew wilson

    5 stars
    We had an excellent experience with Pinnacle Plumbing. We had a fairly urgent situation and they were straight onto it and figured out the problem ...
  • Lindsay Ford

    5 stars
    Prompt attention to problem.Very happy with result.
  • Dan Walker

    5 stars
    Nick and the team really know there stuff! Very professional Company that I have had the pleasure of working with. Highly recommend!
  • Todd Bruton

    5 stars
    Quick, professional and highly skilled tradesman. Cannot speak highly enough of Nick and the team
  • Michael Higgins

    5 stars
    I've worked closely with the owner Nick this year and have found him and the company to be very professional. Highly recommended!
  • Jenni Meaney

    5 stars
    Pinnacle resolved a roof plumbing issued efficiently and effectively. They were good to deal with on the phone and provided a clear quote. Plumber ...
  • Mark Bugden

    5 stars
    Tom did a fantastic job and he is absolutely fabulous work and extremely polite and helpful time efficient, does a good though clean work 😀 👍
  • Siddharth Plumber contractor

    5 stars
    I am from India. I am a paid plumber. I have a certified plumbing trade. I have cleared only 12th education. I have 8 years experience certificate ...
  • Breanna G

    5 stars
    Thanks Mark and Blake! Exceptional service and very technically sound. Sorted a conplex problem very easily, Highly recommended.
  • Barbara Weinberg

    5 stars
    Can’t rate this company any higher or I would!! Toilet flushing issue on a Saturday morning was fixed within a 2 hour maintenance request! The gent...
  • Chris Andrews

    5 stars
    Nick came the same day to clean some blocked drains I had. Same day call out as well as left the job super clean
  • Simon Zelinka

    5 stars
    Had Pinnacle plumbing group attend for a sewer blockage. On time efficient, and cleaned there mess up. Repaired drains would highly recommend this...
  • Emerald Evelyn

    5 stars
    Nick and the team are beyond helpful. Quick to respond, quote and repair. Highly recommend.
  • Tawanda Whata

    5 stars
    Thanks Ben for organising a quick response. Had a blocked drain but thanks to Pinnacle Plumbing, we didn’t get to feel the pain for much longer. Th...
  • David Boyle

    5 stars
    The guys came and fixed my blocked drains. Did a great job. Would recommend.
  • Jo Schafer

    5 stars
    Pinnacle Plumbing were great to deal with when I had a blocked pipe at home. They were efficient and easy to communicate with. I highly recommend t...
  • James Sheehan

    5 stars
    Pinnacle Plumbing Group came straight away and fixed my plumbing issue which could have been distarrous if left any longer they were efficient frie...
  • Kate G

    5 stars
    Pinnacle Plumbing fixed my urgent blocked drain pipe, Brent was here in an hour and fixed it. Super professional with excellent communication, serv...
  • Jimmy S

    5 stars
    Had a backed up toilet that would not go down, Tom came out from Pinnacle within the hour, unblocked the pipe and while he was there swapped out a ...
  • Wade Milverton

    5 stars
    Big thanks to nick and his team from pinnacle plumbing group for an outstanding job on our sewer. We have had problems for many years and struggled...
  • Alex Hogg

    5 stars
    Would definitely recommend these guys. Had two blocked drains and am sick of tradies giving me the run around. Great communication and show up when...
  • Dennis Zilberman

    5 stars
    Great job done, by great bunch of guys… highly recommend
  • Ben I

    5 stars
    I recently needed to find a plumber to fix an issue with my blocked drains. Pinnacle responded almost immediately to my request and turned up on si...
  • Simon Younis

    5 stars
    Great service had a badly blocked drain. When I called they asked what the problem was and said they would send someone out they then gave me an ET...
  • Robin Wupper

    5 stars
    Well done Pinnacle Plumbing on a timely and professional service resolving my blocked drain. Highly recommend
  • jure velic

    5 stars
    Nick and his team from Pinnacle unblocked my drains at my house,they were efficient fast and very reliable and reasonably priced. I'd recommend the...
  • BMX Life

    5 stars
    After being quoted way too much by a competitor (and had I followed through, they weren't solving it) I contacted Pinnacle Plumbing Group for a lea...
  • Ash Rahman

    5 stars
    Nick and the rest of the team has been very prompt to action on all the maintenance request being sent. Really love their service, their report is...
  • Adam Johnstone

    5 stars
    Brent really got us out of a spot-of-bother with a blocked toilet. He cleared the blockage and sent a camera down so we could get a proper diagnosi...
  • Virginia Dods

    5 stars
    This plumbing service was great at communication, understanding immediately what the issue seemed to be. They asked if it was an emergency - no, we...
  • Colin Smith

    5 stars
    All staff were friendly, helpful and professional. Great service and I will definitely use them again in the future.
  • Jessica Mom

    5 stars
    Nick and his team are the best! Super quick, professional and the staff are awesome and friendly 11/10!
  • Anthony Wall

    5 stars
    We have used Pinnacle Plumbing Group for more than 10 years for many jobs, large and small - clearing drains, leaking roof repairs, new hot water s...
  • Yanisa Yodsaeng

    5 stars
    Andrew is very professional, on time, and reliable. I had a leak but didn't know the cause. He managed to find out that it was from the balcony and...
  • Nick

    5 stars
    Great experience with this business. Needed a tempering valve replaced at my apartment. Nick R was really responsive on emails, and costing was pr...
  • Parham Faraid

    5 stars
    Excellent work. Nice and effective.
  • Andrew Noble

    5 stars
    No nonsense friendly service from Andrew and Nick. Unblocked our dunny quickly and gave some great advice. Would definitely recommend.
  • Marg Campbell

    5 stars
    Fantastic service from Pinnacle Plumbing when we had to have the gas pipe running from the meter under our house replaced. I called Harry on the T...
  • Chin Ho

    5 stars
    Good service! Very responsive! Highly recommend for reliable and professional plumbing work!
  • Sarah Bardwell

    5 stars
    Nick and the team are great. They're very professional, responsible, and do a great job. We've used Pinnacle a number of times for both business an...