If you hear a gurgling sound while the drain is flushing, it’s a sign of a partial blockage. Vents in your home’s piping system promote airflow as water drains, and a blockage prevents this.

Any object large enough to fit down a drain can cause an obstruction, and even “flushable” wipes can clog pipes.

Foreign Objects

Blocked drains are more than just an annoyance, they can create a health risk and lead to expensive repairs. Knowing what typically causes clogged drains can help homeowners adopt preventative measures and minimize the occurrence of these nuisances.

Objects that aren’t designed for the drain can cause blockages over time, including hair strands, food scraps, grease, and soap residue. Many people also flush items such as wet wipes, cotton balls, and sanitary products down the toilet that aren’t suitable for waste disposal.

Having a professional drain cleaning service regularly clean out your pipes and sewer line will reduce the likelihood of foreign objects causing a blockage. These professionals use advanced tools and methods such as hydro jetting and CCTV inspections to effectively clear out blockages while protecting your home from damage. They also offer advice on how to avoid future blockages. A reputable service will also guarantee their work and provide on-the-spot guidance. This is important as a poor quality job can lead to damage that could affect the longevity of your plumbing system.

Grease

Grease is one of the most common causes of blocked drains. Many people don’t realize that the grease from cooking can end up in their drains and sewer systems, where it can stick to the walls and create a thick clog. It is also sticky, which means it will clump together with other items like hair and paper, making them even more difficult to remove.

Many people try to pour hot water down the drain to melt the grease. However, this will only push the grease further down the pipes, where it will cool and solidify.

If you have a grease clog, it’s important to call a plumber right away. A professional can use a special tool to snake or auger through the clog and either pull it out or break it up. They can also help you prevent future clogs by teaching you how to dispose of grease properly. They can also advise you on what to do with items like baby wipes and nappies, which are known to block drains.

Tree Root Intrusion

If you hear gurgling sounds coming from your drains or toilet, it could indicate that the root of a tree is blocking your sewer line. Roots are attracted to the nutrient rich water in your plumbing pipes, and will enter through cracks and joint separations. Over time, they can build up to a dense mass and cause severe blockages.

If left untreated, this can lead to sewage backups and serious health issues. It’s important to take preventative measures and call a plumber with experience in resolving root intrusion problems before it escalates.

When you hire a professional plumber, they can use techniques like mechanical augers and high-pressure hydro jetting to clear any blocked drains and sewer lines caused by roots. They can also advise you on preventive measures, including installing a synthetic sewer line and regular maintenance to manage future root invasion. This can help prevent the need for costly repairs down the road.

Sewage

If sewage starts coming up through toilets, bathtubs or sinks, that’s a sign of a blocked sewer drain. This is a major problem and a health hazard as it contains bacteria, germs and other unpleasant materials. Ensure you only flush toilet paper and human waste to prevent clogs. Avoid flushing anything else, especially so-called “flushable wipes.”

Mineral buildup can also cause clogged drains. Hot and cold water passing through pipes leaves dissolved minerals behind, which settle on metal surfaces and form a thick layer that reduces pipe diameter. Regular maintenance, preventive services and professional inspections can help reduce the likelihood of clogged drains.

The best way to spot a blockage is when the water stops draining or produces a foul odor. Gurgling sounds are another indication of a partial or full blockage. Vents in your home’s DWV system promote airflow as water flows throughout the piping, but a blockage cuts off that flow and causes gurgling. For help with plumbing systems, there are professional plumbers who can unclog your system. Sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/blocked-drains-melbourne/ has a lot of resources that will help.