Blocked drains can lead to water overflow, extensive flooding, and damage to homes or businesses, with potential for structural damage and mould growth.
Pipes clogged with debris, grease, or tree roots can block stormwater drains, creating a risk of flooding.
Heavy rainfall in Mortdale, Sydney, can overwhelm stormwater drains, especially when blocked, leading to water intrusion in living areas. Floodwaters can carve a route into home living spaces via paths such as a blocked storm water drain, congested sewer lines, ruptured pipes, or backups from sinks, toilets, and drains.
Regular maintenance by a professional plumbing service is essential to prevent flooding and avert significant damage. Be vigilant for signs like gurgling sounds, unpleasant smells, or slow drainage, which are indications of clogs that could cause major damage if overlooked. Regular professional inspections and clearing of your home’s drainage system can prevent minor issues from escalating. Property owners should learn about blocked drains, keep gutters clear, maintain clean sink traps, and use available online resources for guidance.
Handling blockages promptly can prevent them from escalating into serious problems like flooding or water damage.
Immediate action is required if flooding is suspected to be caused by blocked stormwater. Contact us for prompt and comprehensive drain cleaning services to address blocked pipes and prevent property damage.
Our experienced technicians can remove blockages, fix plumbing problems, and improve drainage to protect your home from potential flooding.
What causes drains to become blocked?
There are several common causes of blocked drains in Mortdale:
Leaves and debris
Leaves and twigs falling from trees can accumulate on drain covers and inside pipes, blocking the flow of water. As they decompose, they form a thick sludge that prevents water drains from flowing freely through your pipes. Leaf litter, not cleared in time, can cause major issues in autumn.
Tree roots
Invasive tree roots can spread into pipes and joints seeking water and nutrients. Given a long time, the roots grow large enough to obstruct drainage pipes. Certain fast-growing tree species like willows, figs and liquidambars are particularly problematic.
Oils and grease
Cooking oils and grease flushed down kitchen sinks can solidify and coat pipe interiors, becoming a primary cause of clogs. The viscous layer ensnares food remnants and additional detritus traversing through the plumbing system, eventually culminating in a plug which causes clogged pathways.
Dirt and silt
Over time, sediment washed from driveways, patios and sidewalks during rainstorms can settle in drains and cause blockages. Accumulating silt and dirt over time can cause your drainage system to flood, constricting water flow and leading to blockages.
Wipes and hair
Items like wipes, hygiene products, and hair can easily catch in pipes, forming dense clusters that obstruct flow and lead to clogs. These items should be promptly discarded in waste bins rather than waterways where they can quickly cause blockages, as their improper disposal is the very origin from which issues can spring.
Should you discern any signals of potential blockage like gurgling or sluggish water flow, call us at Mortdale Plumbing without hesitation to have your drain expertly cleared before flooding of magnitude can transpire.
Kitchen sinks
Kitchen sinks are prone to grease buildup and food particles getting trapped, resulting in drainage issues within your plumbing infrastructure. Regularly pouring grease into a jar instead of the sink can protect your drainage network from blockages.
Bathroom sinks
Hair and soap residue can easily amass within bathroom sink drains as time marches on, and this negligence can culminate in a clogged conduit. Employing a drain guard and purifying pipelines with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, irrespective of the clogs’ extent, can efficaciously remove blockage.
Toilets
Items mistakenly sent down toilet such as wet wipes, so-called 'flushable’ wipes, feminine products, children’s toys, and surplus toilet paper can clog the sewage system. Refrain from sending anything besides waste and toilet paper going down the toilet.
Shower and bathtub drains
Showers and tubs are prime locations for hair and soap scum to collect. Using a drain catcher and plunger can help clear simple clogs.
Laundry drains
Lint and debris from washing machines can often accumulate in laundry drain pipes, leading to blockages. Regularly cleaning the lint filter and deploying monthly treatments for these systems can prevent blockages.
Outside drains
Leaves, dirt, and debris can clog outdoor drainage grates and gutter downspouts. Routine cleaning and maintenance is key to ensure your property’s drains can cause major problems if neglected.
Catching a blockage early is crucial to avoid major flooding and water damage. If you notice any signs of a clog, contact our Mortdale plumbing team right away to get your drains back in working order.
Signs that indicate a blocked drain
There are several clear signs that may indicate you have a blocked drain on your Mortdale property:
Slow draining fixtures
If the water in your toilet, sinks, tubs, or showers is draining slowly, this often signals a partial blockage. When drains that previously emptied briskly now take substantial time, it implies accumulated debris is hampering water flow, a predicament that our plumbers are adeptly prepared to manage.
Gurgling sounds
Resonant gurgling sounds emanating from within pipes might signify a blockage, partial or entire, ensconced inside your drain system. This occurs when air bubbles and water are forced through a tightly constricted space in the pipe, typically due to blocked pathways.
Bad odours
Foul sewage smells wafting up from drains or sinks typically indicate a blockage deeper down the line. When water can’t drain away properly, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and pools up, becoming stagnant, creating unpleasant odours.
Water pooling around drains
A gathering of excess water around floor drains, shower inlets, or commodes might suggest debris accumulation or potentially broken pipes impeding suitable drainage. Standing water by itself or slow drainage after the use of water are red flags.
Multiple plumbing fixtures affected
Slow drainage or continued clogging extending beyond one most common fixture could hint at a broader obstruction within your sewer line, A scenario poised to unleash the harmful effects blocked drains exert on your entire plumbing system. All connected appliances will show symptoms.
Don’t ignore these warning signs. Reach out to our team of drain experts at Mortdale Plumbing if you suspect a clog. We can diagnose the issue and clear your blocked drains before major flooding occurs.
Consequences of ignored drain blockages
Ignoring blocked drains can lead to very serious consequences. If a blockage is left unchecked, it could lead to a severe water leak that will worsen over time and can eventually result in extensive flooding and water damage throughout the property.
Flooding
Blocked drains will initially emerge in areas they can cause major flooding, proximate to the obstruction, such as sinks and tubs. If left unattended, however, the pressure will persist in escalating until burst pipes cause major flooding in basements, walls, and floors.
This impedes water flow, causing backups and overflow. As debris build up, drain pipes become more and more constricted.
Structural damage
When left unchecked, blocked drains pipes can cause a water heater overflow or leaks that can warp hardwood floors, cause drywall and plaster to deteriorate, erode foundations, and lead to toxic mould growth around your house. The water pressure itself can also blow out sections of weakened pipe, damaging underground infrastructure.
Sewage contamination
Blocked sewer lines and main drains can cause sewage to surge back into living spaces, leading to harmful effects on health and sanitation. Raw sewage invading living quarters exposes individuals to biological contaminants which pose significant health issues.
Sinkholes
Chronic leakage from broken underground pipes due to sustained water pressure can hollow out soil beneath foundations. The gradual erosion and vanishing of foundational solidity can culminate in the subsidence of roadways, driveways, or garden areas, a scenario that often causes blocked subterranean passages.
Property damage costs
extensive works such as discerning who responsible for replacing warped hardwood flooring, water-damaged drywall, worn concrete, and excavating sinkholes can run tens of thousands of dollars, especially for larger homes. Proactive drain maintenance is a fraction of the cost.
Avoid plumbing disasters and extensive repairs by having Mortdale Plumbing inspect your drains and immediately clear any blockages found. Preventive drain maintenance saves homeowners significant expense and heartache down the line.
Clean gutters and downspouts
Ensuring gutters are cleared of leaves and debris before rainy seasons is something you can do to prevent clogs. Downspouts should direct surface water at least 1 metre away from the foundation.
Use drain screens and strainers
Install sinks, shower, and bath drain screens to catch hair and debris before it enters the pipes. Clean strainers regularly.
Limit grease in drains
Scrape grease into the bin rather than washing it down your sink to avoid buildup. Use paper towels to wipe greasy plates first.
Be mindful of what goes down drains
In order ensure that drains function correctly, avoid flushing wipes, paper towels, hair, and other items that can snag or accumulate. Dispose of these items in the trash.
Perform regular sewer inspections
Have main sewer lines professionally inspected annually using CCTV and cleared of roots or obstructions as needed.
Use enzyme drain cleaners
Monthly use of enzyme cleaners can ensure your drains stay clear of grease and soap buildup.
Seal pipe cracks and leaks
Inspect exposed pipes for cracks or leaks that allow roots and sediment to enter. Have any found issues repaired.
Being proactive and working to keep your drains clear can prevent costly backups and flooding. Contact our Mortdale plumbing team if you have any concerns about your drains.
Plunger
Use a plunger over the drain, plunging up and down rapidly with steady pressure to dislodge clogs, ideal for sinks, showers, and bathtubs.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, then half a cup of vinegar, and cover tightly for 5 minutes. The reaction can help break up blockages. Follow with hot water rinse.
Boiling Water
Pour boiling water down the drain to dissolve grease clogs. Do not use on plastic pipes. Let drains cool before rinsing with cold water.
Drain Snake
Manual or electric drain augers, also known as plumbers’ snakes, can remove clogs deeper within pipes. Take care not to scratch pipes when inserting the cable. Turn the handle to work through the clog.
If water overflows or if there’s a suspected main sewer line blockage, urgently call our professional Mortdale plumbing team to prevent property damage. We have the specialist equipment to clear tough clogs.
Professional drain cleaning services
At Mortdale Plumbing, our experienced plumbers provide extensive drain cleaning services to tackle any blockage. Our skilled technicians use state-of-the-art equipment and proven methods to clear clogged drains and keep them flowing freely.
High-pressure water jetting
One of our most effective tools for drain cleaning is high-powered water jetting. Water jetting works on all pipe types and effectively cleans the full length of the drain line.
This blasts a concentrated stream of pressurised water through the pipe to break up and dislodge years of built-up debris, grease, soap scum and more.
Industrial strength drain augers
If the blockage resides deeper within the main sewer conduit, we might deploy an industrial-strength auger to clear out stubborn clogs, a procedure typical for your local plumbing specialist. This metal cable is fed down the line and uses a rotating motion to cut through tough clogs. Augering works great on tree roots, hardened grease, and compacted waste material.
Video pipe inspection
Our plumbers also perform video pipe inspections on the cleared drains using micro-cameras. Our plumbers utilise this technology to visually identify any underlying issues like cracks, intruding roots or broken joints so they can be repaired.
Preventative maintenance involves professional drain cleaning annually. This keeps pipes clear and flowing and can prevent emergency blockages. We also offer maintenance contracts for commercial properties.
Don’t wait for major flooding and damage to occur, regardless of where your drains are located. Contact our team at Mortdale Plumbing today to have your drains inspected and cleared.
Calling in professional help for a blocked drain is highly recommended in several situations:
Water is backing up or overflowing
If you have standing water around drains or water is overflowing from sinks, toilets, or tubs, indicating a severe blockage, thereby risking flood damage. Call a plumber immediately to prevent flood damage.
DIY methods were unsuccessful
If trying a plunger, drain snake, baking soda and vinegar, or boiling water hasn’t resolved the clog, it’s time to call a pro. They have the tools and expertise to clear tough blockages.
Multiple fixtures are affected
If slow drainage or blockages extend beyond just one fixture, this signals a larger issue in the main line. Call a plumber right away before the problem worsens.
Sewer odours are present
Bad smells coming from drains often indicate sewage backing up due to a deeper clog, a problem that requires attention no matter the inconvenience. Call a plumber promptly to locate and clear the blockage.
You need professional maintenance
Plumbers use high-pressure water jetting and industrial augers to maintain pipes and prevent clogs. Schedule yearly service to stay ahead of problems.
For emergency blocked drain services in the Mortdale area, contact the experts at Mortdale Plumbing on 1300 349 338. Our technicians are available 24/7.
Water is backing up or overflowing