What Causes Blocked Drains, and How Can I Unclog Them?
Blocked drains are a common and often frustrating plumbing issue for both households and commercial properties. From sinks that take forever to empty to toilets that won’t flush properly, even minor clogs can throw your routine into chaos.
At A Grade Plumbing & Gas, we’ve helped countless clients across Brisbane, Ipswich, Caboolture, and the Gold Coast with expert drain cleaning services. In this blog, we’ll explore the most common causes of blocked drains and offer some helpful tips on how to fix them, and when it’s time to call a professional drainage plumber in Brisbane.
Common Causes of Blocked Drains
Blocked drains don’t just happen out of nowhere. Most blockages build up over time due to daily habits and environmental factors. Here are some of the main culprits we see:
- Hair and Soap Scum
Bathroom drains, especially in showers and sinks, are notorious for becoming clogged with hair. Combined with soap residue, this forms a sticky mess that slows water flow and eventually causes a full blockage.
- Fat, Oil and Grease
In the kitchen, pouring fats and oils down the sink might seem harmless, but they solidify in your pipes, attracting food particles and creating stubborn clogs. This is a major reason why we get called out for drain cleaning.
- Foreign Objects
From kids flushing toys to excess toilet paper or sanitary items being discarded, foreign objects can cause immediate blockages. Even “flushable” wipes aren’t always as sewer-friendly as they claim to be.
- Tree Roots
If you’ve got older pipes, tree roots may be to blame. They seek out moisture and can break into your underground plumbing, causing slow drains, gurgling toilets, and recurring blockages. This often requires specialised equipment and the expertise of a drainage plumber in Brisbane.
- Collapsed or Damaged Pipes
In some cases, the blockage isn’t caused by anything you’ve done. Ageing or poorly installed pipes can crack, collapse, or sag, leading to improper drainage. This is more common in older Brisbane properties.
DIY Ways to Unclog a Drain
While some blockages need professional attention, there are a few things you can try at home before reaching for the phone.
- Plunger Power
For minor blockages in toilets or sinks, a plunger can often do the trick. Make sure you create a tight seal and use firm, consistent plunges to dislodge the blockage.
- Flush with Hot (Not Boiling) Water
Pouring hot water slowly down the drain can help loosen greasy build-up. Just avoid using boiling water, especially if you have PVC pipes, as extreme heat may warp or weaken them.
- Drain Augers
Available at most hardware stores, a drain auger is a handy tool that helps you manually break up or remove blockages in pipes. Gently insert it into the drain and rotate to dislodge debris. Just be cautious not to use too much force, as aggressive twisting can damage older or delicate pipework.
If you’ve tried all of the above and your drain is still blocked, it’s time to call in the pros.
When to Call a Professional Drainage Plumber
Blocked drains can quickly escalate from a nuisance to a plumbing disaster. Here are signs that your drain needs professional attention and it’s best to get in touch with a licensed drainage plumber in Brisbane:
- Recurring clogs that come back after DIY fixes
- Water backing up into sinks, showers, or toilets
- Bad smells coming from your drains
- Slow draining across multiple fixtures
- Gurgling sounds or bubbling in your toilet or pipes
At A Grade Plumbing & Gas, we use the latest tools — including CCTV drain inspections and hydro jetting — to diagnose and fix blockages fast and thoroughly. No guesswork, no mess.
We Do More Than Just Drain Cleaning
While we’re known for our fast and effective drain cleaning services across Brisbane and surrounding regions, we’re also your go-to team for a wide range of plumbing issues.
Got a tap that won’t stop dripping? Our expert plumbers handle leaking tap repairs with ease. Facing a midnight plumbing emergency? Our emergency plumber Brisbane service is available when you need it most.
Whether it’s a stubborn blockage, burst pipe, or dodgy water pressure, we’ve got the tools, experience, and friendly service to get things sorted quickly and professionally.
Why Choose A Grade Plumbing & Gas?
✅ Locally owned and operated in Brisbane
✅ Servicing Caboolture, Ipswich and the Gold Coast
✅ Fully licensed and insured plumbers
✅ Upfront pricing with no hidden surprises
✅ Friendly, professional, and reliable
Blocked drains aren’t just inconvenient — they’re a sign that something needs attention. Don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Let the team at A Grade Plumbing & Gas take care of it so you can get back to normal.
Need help with blocked drains or plumbing issues in Brisbane?
Call A Grade Plumbing & Gas today or request a quote online — we’re here to help with expert drain cleaning, fast service, and a smile.
