How to Prevent Blocked Drains
Blocked drains can be a major nightmare for any homeowner. From unpleasant smells and slow-draining water to overflowing sinks and costly repairs, a clogged drain is one problem you don’t want to ignore. The good news? With a little attention and care, the majority of drain blockages may be avoided. Confused about how to prevent blocked drains? That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you keep your drains flowing freely.
Why Do Drains Get Blocked?
Understanding the first causes of drain obstructions is helpful before moving on to preventative advice. Common culprits include:
Grease and fat from cooking
Hair and soap scum in bathroom drains
Food scraps and coffee grounds in kitchen sinks
Toilet paper build-up, wipes, or sanitary products
Tree roots entering underground pipes
Foreign objects, like toys or dental floss
Blocked drains in Melbourne don’t usually happen overnight; they build up over time. That’s why regular maintenance and smart habits can save you from a lot of headaches in the long run.
Ways to Prevent Blocked Drains
Wondering how to prevent a blocked drain? Follow these tips and invest in professional plumbing maintenance to avoid this issue:
Be Mindful of What Goes Down the Drain
The number one rule in preventing drain blockages is to ensure that only water and appropriate waste materials go down your drains.
In the kitchen: Avoid pouring oil, fat, or grease down the sink. As they cool, these materials solidify and adhere to pipe walls, creating nasty build-ups. Rather, put used cooking oil in a container and dispose of it in the bin.
In the bathroom: Use a drain catcher to collect hair and soap scum. These may quickly build up in the washbasin and shower drains, slowing down the flow of water.
In the toilet: Never flush baby wipes, sanitary items, cotton pads, or tissues, even if the label says “flushable.”
Use Drain Strainers and Covers
Drain strainers are simple, inexpensive tools that can make a big difference. They sit over your sink, shower, or tub drains and catch debris like food scraps or hair before it enters your pipes. Regular cleaning will significantly lower the likelihood of a blockage developing.
For outdoor drains, consider installing covers or grates to prevent leaves and other debris from getting into the drainage system, especially during autumn.
Regularly Clean Your Drains
One of the easiest ways to prevent major drain blockages is by ensuring your drains are cleaned on a regular basis. Routine cleaning helps remove early build-up of grease, soap, hair, and other debris before it has a chance to cause serious blockages. Depending on the usage of your sinks, showers, and toilets, periodic blocked drain cleaning can prevent odours, slow drainage, and long-term pipe damage.
Dispose of Food Scraps Properly
Even if your kitchen sink has an entire garbage disposal unit, don’t rely on it to handle all waste. Certain items should never go down the drain, including:
Eggshells
Coffee grounds
Pasta, rice, and bread (they expand with water)
Fibrous vegetables like celery or corn husks
Scrape your plates into the bin or compost before washing up.
Be Careful with Garden Waste
Outdoor drains can easily become blocked during the wetter months due to leaves, soil, or mulch washing into them. After gardening, sweep up debris and keep garden beds well edged to prevent soil runoff. If your home has stormwater drains, inspect and clean them regularly, particularly before the rainy season.
Educate the Household
Teaching everyone in your house, even children, what can and cannot go down the drain is one of the simplest methods to prevent plumbing issues. If you want to prevent blocked drains, this simple step can prevent accidental clogs and save you from costly plumbing calls.
Schedule Periodic Plumbing Inspections
Even if everything seems fine, it’s a good idea to have your drains professionally inspected once a year. Licensed plumbers use cameras to detect hidden issues like pipe corrosion, root intrusion, or slow-forming blockages. Catching problems early means less hassle and expense in the future.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
Despite your best efforts, sometimes a drain will still get blocked. Here are some signs it’s time to bring in the professionals from Petrelli Plumbing Services:
Slow-Draining Sinks or Showers
If water pools in your sink or shower and takes a long time to drain, even after cleaning, it could mean a blockage deeper in the pipes.
Gurgling Sounds
Strange and weird noises coming from your drains or toilet often indicate trapped air due to a blockage.
Unpleasant Odors
Foul smells coming from your drains suggest decaying debris stuck in your pipes.
Frequent Clogs
If you’re dealing with repeated blockages, it’s likely there’s a bigger issue, like tree root intrusion or pipe damage.
Overflow or Backup
Water backing up into your sink or toilet is a clear emergency. Turn off the water supply and call us immediately.
Our licensed professional plumbers use advanced tools and techniques to locate and clear stubborn blockages, ensuring your drains run smoothly again. Whether it’s a simple clog or a full-scale pipe replacement, our drain cleaning services can solve your problem.
Final Thoughts
Although blocked drains are a frequent issue in homes, they don't have to be a persistent one. By being mindful of what goes down your drains, cleaning regularly, and taking small preventative steps, you can keep your home’s drain and plumbing system in great shape.
Still, when things go wrong, don’t risk DIY disasters. Petrelli Plumbing Services is here to help with fast, affordable, and reliable blocked drain services across the region. With decades of experience and a trusted reputation, we specialise in resolving all types of drain issues. Whether you need professional drain cleaning, diagnostic inspections, routine maintenance, or an emergency response for a blocked toilet or sink, our licensed and fully equipped blocked drain plumber is ready to assist you. Connect with us today to schedule a drain inspection or emergency repair.
