Blocked Drains in Ivanhoe: What Causes Them and What Should You Do?
A blocked drain can start as a minor inconvenience and quickly turn into a major plumbing problem. Slow-draining sinks, gurgling toilets, unpleasant smells and water pooling around your property can all be signs that something isn't right with your drainage system.
At Ivanhoe Plumbing and Gas, we help homeowners and businesses throughout Ivanhoe and Melbourne's north-east diagnose and resolve blocked drains, sewer blockages and stormwater drainage problems.
Our local service area includes Ivanhoe, Ivanhoe East, Eaglemont, Heidelberg, Rosanna, Viewbank, Macleod, Bundoora, Preston, Fairfield, Kew and surrounding suburbs.
What Causes Blocked Drains?
There isn't always one obvious cause of a blocked drain. Some of the most common problems we encounter include:
1. Tree Roots
Tree roots are one of the biggest problems affecting underground drainage pipes.
Roots naturally seek out water and can enter drainage pipes through small cracks, joints or damaged sections of pipe. Over time, the roots can grow inside the pipe and restrict the flow of wastewater.
If you experience a blockage that keeps coming back, tree root intrusion could be the underlying cause.
2. Grease and Fat
Kitchen sinks can become blocked when cooking fats, oils and grease are washed down the drain.
Although they may be liquid when they enter the sink, they can cool and build up inside the pipe, eventually restricting water flow.
Tip: Never pour cooking oil or grease down your kitchen sink. Allow it to cool and dispose of it in the rubbish instead.
3. Hair and Soap Build-Up
Bathroom drains commonly become restricted by a combination of hair, soap residue and other debris.
A slow shower drain can be an early warning sign before the pipe becomes completely blocked.
4. Foreign Objects
Items accidentally flushed or washed down drains can cause serious blockages.
This can include wipes, excessive toilet paper, sanitary products, children's toys and other objects that aren't designed to pass through household drainage systems.
5. Damaged or Collapsed Pipes
Sometimes the blockage isn't simply something sitting inside the pipe.
Older or damaged drainage pipes can crack, shift, collapse or become disconnected, creating ongoing blockages and drainage problems.
In these situations, simply clearing the blockage may only provide a temporary solution.
Signs You May Have a Blocked Drain
It's worth dealing with drainage problems early rather than waiting until the pipe completely blocks.
Look out for:
Water draining slowly from sinks or showers
Gurgling toilets
Water backing up when another fixture is used
Unpleasant sewage smells
Toilets that repeatedly block
Water pooling around outdoor drains
Overflowing stormwater pits
Repeated drainage problems
Sewage smells or wastewater around your property
If multiple fixtures are affected at the same time, there may be a problem further down the drainage system rather than an isolated blockage.
How Do Plumbers Find a Blocked Drain?
The right solution depends on what's actually causing the blockage.
At Ivanhoe Plumbing and Gas, we can assess the drainage system and determine whether the issue is a straightforward blockage or whether there is an underlying problem with the pipework.
Depending on the situation, this may involve:
Drain clearing – Removing the blockage and restoring normal flow.
High-pressure drain cleaning – Using specialised equipment to clean accumulated debris from inside the pipe.
CCTV drain inspections – Inspecting the inside of the drainage pipe to identify problems such as tree roots, cracks, damaged sections or other obstructions.
Drain repairs – Where the pipe itself is damaged, further repairs or replacement may be required.
The important thing is to identify why the drain is blocked, particularly if the same problem keeps happening.
Can You Prevent Blocked Drains?
While some drainage problems are unavoidable, there are several things homeowners can do to reduce the likelihood of blockages.
Around the kitchen:
Don't pour fats or oils down the sink.
Use a sink strainer to catch food scraps.
Avoid washing large amounts of food waste down the drain.
In the bathroom:
Use hair catchers over shower drains.
Don't flush wipes or sanitary products.
Avoid putting foreign objects down toilets.
Outdoors:
Keep leaves and garden debris away from stormwater drains.
Monitor areas where water regularly pools.
Pay attention to recurring drainage problems.
If you have an older property, regular plumbing and drainage inspections can also help identify issues before they become major repairs.
When Should You Call a Plumber?
If you've tried basic measures and the drain remains blocked, or if the problem keeps returning, it's worth getting a professional plumber to investigate.
Don't keep pouring chemical drain cleaners down the pipe to try to solve a recurring blockage. If there's a damaged pipe, tree root intrusion or another underlying problem, the blockage may continue regardless.
A professional inspection can help determine whether you're dealing with a simple obstruction or something more serious.
Local Blocked Drain Plumber in Ivanhoe
Ivanhoe Plumbing and Gas is a local family-owned plumbing business based in Ivanhoe, servicing homes and businesses throughout Melbourne's north-east. Our services include blocked drains, sewer and stormwater drainage, hot water, gas plumbing, renovations, emergency plumbing and general plumbing maintenance.
If you've got a blocked drain in Ivanhoe, Heidelberg, Eaglemont, Rosanna, Bundoora, Macleod, Kew or a surrounding suburb, contact Ivanhoe Plumbing and Gas to arrange an assessment.
Need a plumber?
Call 0493 347 590 or get in touch with Ivanhoe Plumbing and Gas for a quote.
Ivanhoe Plumbing and Gas — Local plumbers. Quality workmanship. Honest service.
