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Prevention is always better than cure. This is especially the case with blocked drains. Often these seem like they occur overnight, one day everything is working properly, and the next, there’s something alien clogging your drain, giving off an unpleasant smell and providing a breeding ground for bacteria. 

It can be hard to figure out what to do after this, but it’s actually helpful to know what the most common reasons for clogged drains are so that you or your plumber will be able to figure out what you need to fix it.


Hair Drain Clogging

Hair build-up may seem like a simple issue to fix, but if it’s not regularly removed from your drain, it can build up into a big blockage that can cost you money to remove. By simply removing hair from drains with gloves on, you can prevent a bigger clog down the line. 

Things such as drain spiders are also immensely helpful in removing hair from drains, but be mindful of the quality of your drain cleaners, devices, and chemicals, as sometimes it can aggravate the issue instead of helping clear up the blockage. Preventing hair from getting into the drain pipes by removing it when you see it is great, but if it becomes unreachable and cannot be removed as a result, it may be a good idea to contact a plumber to look at your blocked drain. 

Dirt and Plants

Blocked Drains

Water drains are especially susceptible to blockages such as shrubbery, dirt, and trees, and even roots that grow underneath the soil searching for water, and heading towards your drain systems. As such, it’s important to keep your outdoor areas clear from fallen leaves and other natural debris. 

Plants and trees should be watered regularly to ensure that their tree roots don’t seek out further water and moisture from existing drains, and keep in mind that specific types of plants such as willow trees, magnolias, palm trees, and gum trees are more likely to cause clogging problems.


blocked drains from grease

Oil and grease being poured down the kitchen sink can be the cause of blocked drains. Because of its fat content, these are a very common source of drain blockages, and are particularly difficult to remove once it has built-up. This is because these fatty liquids tend to stick to the insides of your pipes, and over time and as more and more grease is poured down the drain, it will build up and prevent anything from coming through the drain and cause a plumbing problem. 

Remember to never pour grease down the drain if you can help it, as when it hardens, it will compromise your pipes and your drain. Instead, pour leftover grease into glass jars or reusable containers that you have in the home, and use that to dispose of your grease with the rest of your waste. This ensures that your pipes are kept clean and grease free.