Blocked Drain Brisbane – What Causes Blocked Drains

Blocked Drain Brisbane is a problem that can lead to flooding, water damage, waste spillage, major health and safety risks and costly repairs. It is therefore essential to understand what causes a blocked drain so you can be proactive about preventative plumbing maintenance and catch problems before they become a major issue.


The most common cause of a blocked drain is hair. Everyone loses some of their hair while showering or brushing and this can easily work its way down a drain and cause significant blockage.

One of the most important things you can do is install a hair trap on your shower head to collect any loose hair and stop it from entering your drains. You can also reduce the amount of hair that ends up in your drains by regularly cleaning out your shower filter.

Another common cause of blocked drains is a build up of sediment and grease. This can cause a blockage in a single drain or multiple drains throughout the home. In many cases this can be cleared by drain snakes or drain chemicals but severe clogs may require the services of a professional plumber to clear.

Tree roots are a major contributor to blocked stormwater and sewer drains. The best way to prevent this from happening is with regular drain cleaning and the use of root retardant following each drain clean. This helps to prevent the tree roots from growing back into the pipes and causing more damage.

It is also recommended to have a regular ‘clean out’ of your stormwater and sewer drains to remove any leaves or debris that could clog the system. This is especially important after a storm or in the autumn when it is more likely to occur.

Sewerage is a complex issue in Brisbane with an ageing sewer network and limited space for new connections. Many older homes and buildings have clay sewer pipes that are prone to cracking or breaking and this can lead to broken drains and serious issues with wastewater flow and contamination. In some situations, a plumber can replace the old clay pipes with new PVC pipes which are better at resisting tree root penetration.

Having a regular ‘clean out’ of the drains in your bathroom is vital to prevent a build up of hair, dirt and other debris. You should also ensure that you dispose of all food waste in the garbage and don’t wash it down the drains. If you have small children, it is a good idea to place a waste basket near the toilet so that any baby wipes or sanitary items can be placed in there rather than flushed down the drain.

If you have a blocked drain or suspect that your drainage system is failing, it is essential to call a professional plumber as soon as possible. With the help of CCTV drain cameras and electronic locator technology, the drain specialists at dRAINS kLEEN can quickly identify the cause of the problem and take action to resolve it.