Are your drains slow and smelly? Blocked drains can lead to bigger issues – read our tips on how to keep them clear!

Blocked drains can become a major hassle if not promptly attended to and will begin to affect your everyday life. You will start to notice water draining slower than usual as well as a lower water level in the toilet bowl and gurgling noises coming from the pipes. You may even notice unpleasant odours coming from the drain.

These issues are just a few of the smaller effects that can take place but, to avoid these issues from occurring and escalating, one of your most trusted blocked drain plumbing companies will take you through everything you need to know about blocked drains.

Professional plumber inspecting a drain after an emergency call

The Clean Plumber has been operating since 1990, providing a wide range of plumbing services for customers Sydney-wide. 

What happens once a drain blockage occurs?

It’s crucial to highlight that a blockage happening with your pipeline can lead to a back up of water. Once enough water clogs up the drainage system, a higher water pressure will start to form as well as small leaks materialising. This can ultimately lead to your drain pipe completely rupturing. 

In this instance a pipe ruptures, it’s essential that a blocked drain plumber comes out to fix it. Otherwise you’re at risk of substantial damage to not only your piping system, but to your home and even your health.

Tools used by a cheap plumber to unblock a kitchen drain

Top 5 worst types of damage a clogged drain can cause

The following results will build upon the smaller impacts, i.e. the decrease in speed that water drains, felt from a blocked drain. It cannot be overstated that it is best to avoid each of these damages as they will have a significant impact on your life.

  1. Bacteria and Pest Infestations

    A blocked drain can become a breeding ground for bacteria if left unattended for long enough. It can even lead to allergies and serious health issues. Additionally, a drain that’s clogged with food, grease and hair is the perfect environment for little insects to thrive in. These items serve as organic pest feed and since they love humid conditions, they will begin to settle and spread diseases.

  2. Mould

    A clogged drain is the ideal environment for mould to grow in since it thrives in wet, damp and humid conditions. If you find mould starting to grow, immediately call upon the expertise of a blocked drain plumber to unblock the drain and prevent the situation from worsening. If the situation is left to fester, not only will your home start to deteriorate but it will also cause a number of health issues, from coughing and sneezing to skin rashes and bodily irritations.

  3. Toxic Gases

    Your sewerage pipes contain a toxic mix of human waste and chemical cleaners, among other items. When your drains are in good working condition, it will function as it’s supposed to and keep you safe from poisonous gases, however when there’s a drain blockage these gases will begin to emit in and around your home. To avoid placing your health in serious jeopardy, get in touch with us on 02 8859 0801.

  4. Structural Damage

    If you ignore all the signs that you have a broken pipe, structural damage may be caused. When water has no space for draining, it will start to leak. Detecting a leak within the plumbing system can prove difficult but if you do notice any kind of leak, it shouldn’t be ignored. 

  5. Water Overflowing

    When miscellaneous items are sent down the sink it will more than likely lead to a clog in the drains. As a result, water may start to overflow and flood since there is no space for it to pass through. This will happen overtime and there’s nothing worse than dealing with a toilet, sink or bathtub that is overflowing.

Water overflowing in sink can be due to a blocked drain

It’s essential to avoid each of these catastrophic circumstances but should there be any signs of a blocked drain, immediately contact your local drain blockage removal specialists. 

Preventing a blocked drain

A clogged drain can come as a result of any number of reasons whether that be due to someone’s actions or external forces. It’s important to note that the only thing that should be passing through your drainage system is water. 

Other objects or items such as toiletries, strands of hair and fat or grease from cooking should never under any circumstance go through the drain. Instead, they should be disposed of correctly whether these items are placed in the bin. For fat and grease from food, let it harden in a container and then put the container in the bin. 

Despite there being measures you can take to avoid a blocked drain, there are multiple other external factors that can cause a clogged drain, including:

    • Fallen debris
    • Old pipes
    • Torrential rain
    • Tree roots

Some of these factors are easier to keep track of, but these can all be managed by having your plumbing system regularly serviced (we recommend having it serviced at least once or twice per year) by a professional plumber.

Blocked drain plumber resolving a plumbing issue

In its least impactful state, a blocked drain may cause minor disruptions throughout the day but it’s imperative that you recognise it before it starts to take a toll on every aspect of your life. Ensure that you save yourself the time, the money and your general wellbeing. 

If you have discovered that there is a drain blockage within your home or you’re interested in a general maintenance check, be sure to get in touch with your local blocked drain plumbing experts.