Ever wondered what’s really causing those frustrating drain blockages? As Melbourne plumbers who’ve seen it all, we’re here to spill the secrets (and hopefully help you avoid some messy situations!).
Grease and fat blocks your kitchen sink
You know that cooking oil from your Sunday fry-up? When it goes down the sink, it doesn’t just disappear. Instead, it:
- Cools down and solidifies in your pipes
- Creates a sticky trap for other debris
- Builds up over time until water barely trickles through
Pro Tip: Wipe pans with paper towels before washing and bin that oil!
Hair blocks your bathroom dains
We all lose hair - it’s just a fact of life. But when those strands start playing twisty in your drains, you’ve got trouble. Hair clogs are especially common in:
- Shower drains
- Bathroom sinks
- Bathtub outlets
Food waste shouldn’t go down the sink
Even with a garbage disposal unit, some food waste is just asking for trouble. The worst offenders?
- Coffee grounds (they don’t break down like you’d think)
- Rice and pasta (they keep expanding - surprise!)
- Veggie peelings (they love to catch on pipe bends)
Get yourself a compost heap!
The things that shouldn’t be there
Kids + toilets = interesting discoveries for plumbers! We regularly find:
- Toys taking an unexpected swim (we found Ant Man!)
- ”Flushable” wipes (spoiler: they’re not really flushable)
- Various bathroom items that should’ve gone in the bin
Tree roots invade underground
Here’s one that catches many Melbourne homeowners off guard. Those lovely gum trees in your yard? Their roots are moisture-seeking missiles that can:
- Crack through pipes
- Create massive blockages
- Cause expensive damage if left unchecked
How we fix your blocked drains
Our professional arsenal includes:
- CCTV drain cameras (like an MRI for your pipes!)
- High-pressure water jetters
- Professional drain snakes
- Root cutting equipment
- Pipe repair and replacement tools
Why call the pros instead of DIY?
Let’s be honest - while that supermarket drain cleaner might seem like a quick fix, it’s often:
- A temporary solution at best
- Potentially damaging to your pipes
- Not effective for serious blockages
Trust After Hours Plumbing to clear your blocked drains
What makes us different?
- Available 24/7 for emergencies
- Fully licensed and insured
- Upfront pricing - no nasty surprises
- Latest drain clearing technology
- Experienced local Melbourne plumbers
