Blocked drains

Blocked Drains in Canberra: The Most Common Causes (and Fixes)

Blocked drains are one of the most common plumbing issues faced by Canberra homeowners—and they can escalate quickly if not dealt with properly. Slow-draining sinks, gurgling toilets, foul smells, and water backing up are all early signs that something is clogging your pipes.

One of the most common causes is a build-up of hair, soap scum, and grease in bathroom and kitchen drains. Over time, these materials create a sticky sludge that restricts water flow. In outdoor areas, tree roots are a major culprit. Canberra’s established suburbs have plenty of mature trees, and their roots can infiltrate underground pipes in search of water, leading to major blockages and even pipe damage.

Foreign objects, such as sanitary products, wipes, or excessive toilet paper, can also clog pipes—especially in older homes with narrower or worn-out plumbing. Stormwater drains can become blocked by leaves, dirt, and garden debris, particularly after heavy rain.

The best fix is to call a licensed plumber who can diagnose the issue using CCTV drain cameras and clear the blockage with high-pressure water jetting or mechanical equipment. For persistent or severe cases, pipe relining or repairs may be required. Preventative maintenance, such as regular drain cleaning and avoiding flushing non-degradable items, can help stop blockages before they start.

How to Prevent Blocked Drains With These Simple Maintenance Tips

Blocked drains can be messy, inconvenient, and costly to fix—especially if left too long. Fortunately, with a few simple maintenance habits, you can significantly reduce the risk of clogs forming in your home’s plumbing system.

Start by being mindful of what goes down your drains. In the kitchen, avoid pouring oils, fats, or food scraps down the sink. Grease solidifies in pipes, creating sticky blockages that can catch other debris. Use a sink strainer to catch larger particles and clean it regularly. In the bathroom, install drain covers to catch hair, and avoid flushing wipes, sanitary items, or excessive toilet paper—even if they’re labelled as “flushable.”

Outside, make sure gutters and downpipes are kept clear of leaves and debris, especially in autumn or after storms. Stormwater drains can quickly become blocked by garden waste, causing surface flooding or water damage around your home. Regularly sweep or hose down pathways to prevent organic matter from entering the drains.

Routine drain inspections can also help. A licensed Canberra plumber can use CCTV cameras to spot early signs of buildup or root intrusion before they cause major issues. Scheduling annual or seasonal check-ups is a smart way to keep your plumbing in top condition.

By following these simple tips, you can maintain clear, free-flowing drains and avoid emergency plumbing call-outs.

Why Your DIY Drain Cleaner Isn’t Working—and What to Do Instead

DIY drain cleaners are a popular first response to blocked drains—but they often provide only a temporary fix and can sometimes make the problem worse. If you’ve poured baking soda, vinegar, or even store-bought chemical cleaners down your sink with little to no improvement, you’re not alone.

The problem is that most DIY solutions can’t break through serious blockages. Grease build-up, compacted food waste, hair clumps, and tree root intrusions are too tough for mild chemical reactions or off-the-shelf products to shift. In some cases, repeated use of harsh chemical cleaners can actually corrode your pipes, especially if your home has older plumbing, leading to leaks and costly damage.

Another issue is that DIY drain cleaners don’t remove the underlying cause—they just push part of the clog further down the line. Without properly clearing the entire blockage, the drain is likely to back up again, often worse than before.

The most effective solution is to call a licensed plumber who can assess the problem using CCTV drain inspection and clear it properly using professional equipment like high-pressure water jetting. In cases where there’s damage to the pipe, trenchless pipe relining may be recommended to restore flow without digging.

If you’ve tried a DIY method and your drain is still slow, smelly, or backing up, it’s time to get expert help. Professional drain cleaning ensures a long-term fix, protects your plumbing, and keeps your drains flowing freely.