A blocked kitchen sink is a common household issue in Australia, causing slow drainage, bad odours, and potential water damage. Kitchen sinks often become clogged due to the buildup of food scraps, grease, soap scum, and other debris in the pipes. Fortunately, most blockages can be cleared with simple DIY methods before calling a plumber.

Common Causes of a Blocked Kitchen Sink

1. Food Scraps & Organic Matter – Bits of food, coffee grounds, and vegetable peels can accumulate and clog pipes.

2. Grease & Oil Build-Up – Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) harden inside the pipes, creating stubborn blockages.

3. Soap Scum & Dishwashing Residue – Over time, soap and detergent can leave a sticky residue that traps food particles.

4. Foreign Objects – Small utensils, bottle caps, or sponges accidentally falling into the drain can cause obstructions.

5. Blocked P-Trap (U-Bend Pipe) – The curved pipe under the sink can collect debris, leading to slow drainage or standing water.

✔ Water backing up into other sinks or drains.

✔ Foul odours that won’t go away.

✔ Gurgling noises from pipes.

✔ Slow drainage despite multiple cleaning attempts.

Preventing Future Kitchen Sink Blockages

✔ Dispose of Food Scraps Properly – Use a sink strainer and avoid washing solid waste down the drain.

✔ Never Pour Grease or Oil Down the Sink – Instead, collect in a container and dispose of it in the bin.

✔ Regular Plumbing Maintenance – Have a professional plumber inspect your drains if recurring issues arise.

A blocked basin is a common plumbing issue in Australian homes, leading to slow drainage, standing water, bad odours, and potential water damage. Basins often become clogged due to the buildup of hair, soap scum, toothpaste residue, and foreign objects in the drain. Fortunately, most blockages can be cleared using simple DIY methods before calling a plumber.

Common Causes of a Blocked Basin

1. Hair Buildup – Hair strands accumulate in the drain, mixing with soap and forming clogs.

2. Soap Scum & Toothpaste Residue – Over time, soap and toothpaste harden and stick to the pipe walls, narrowing the drain.

3. Foreign Objects – Small items like cotton buds, dental floss, jewellery, or bottle caps can accidentally fall into the basin and cause blockages.

4. Blocked P-Trap (U-Bend Pipe) – The curved pipe under the sink collects debris, leading to slow drainage.

5. Limescale & Mineral Build-Up – Hard water can cause calcium deposits, restricting water flow.

A blocked sewer or stormwater drain is a serious plumbing issue in Australian homes, leading to slow drainage, foul odours, flooding, and potential property damage. While sewer drains handle wastewater from sinks, toilets, and showers, stormwater drains manage rainwater runoff. Blockages in either system can cause significant inconvenience and may require urgent professional attention.

Blocked Sewer Drain

Common Causes of a Blocked Sewer

1. Tree Root Intrusion – Roots can enter cracked pipes, causing severe blockages.

2. Flushing Non-Biodegradable Items – Wet wipes, sanitary products, paper towels, and nappies can clog pipes.

3. Grease & Fat Build-Up – Cooking oils and fats harden inside pipes, restricting water flow.

4. Collapsed or Damaged Pipes – Old clay or PVC pipes may crack or shift, leading to blockages.

5. Foreign Objects – Children’s toys, toiletries, or other debris accidentally flushed down the toilet.

Signs of a Blocked Sewer Drain

✔ Slow draining sinks, toilets, or showers

✔ Gurgling sounds from drains or toilets

✔ Foul odours coming from sinks, toilets, or outdoor drains

✔ Sewage backup in toilets or overflow from inspection points

✔ Pooling wastewater in the yard or garden

Blocked Stormwater Drain

Common Causes of a Blocked Stormwater Drain

1. Leaf & Debris Build-Up – Leaves, dirt, and twigs clog stormwater grates and underground pipes.

2. Collapsed or Misaligned Pipes – Ground movement can cause stormwater pipes to shift or break.

3. Tree Roots – Roots invade pipes, blocking rainwater flow.

4. Silt & Mud Deposits – Heavy rainfall can wash sediment into drains, causing blockages.

5. Foreign Objects – Rubbish, plastic bags, and garden waste can obstruct drains.

Signs of a Blocked Stormwater Drain

✔ Water pooling in driveways, gardens, or footpaths

✔ Slow drainage from downpipes and gutters

✔ Gurgling or bubbling sounds from outdoor drains

✔ Overflowing stormwater pits during rain