But here’s the thing: drains never block for no reason. There’s always an underlying cause, and unless you get to the root of it, the problem will keep coming back, no matter how many times you reach for the plunger.
Let’s dig into the real reasons Melbourne drains keep blocking and how you can finally break the cycle for good.
What’s Behind Those Persistent Drain Blockages?
Recurring blockages are usually the result of everyday habits, hidden buildup, or deeper structural issues inside your pipes. Here’s what’s really going on in homes across Melbourne…
- Grease and Food Residue in the Kitchen
If your kitchen sink keeps clogging, chances are cooking fats and oils are to blame. As these cool, they harden and stick to the inside of your pipes, creating a sticky layer that traps food scraps and gradually narrows the passage for water. Even a little oil washed down the drain each day can build up into a thick, waxy coating over time.
According to Sydney Water, grease is one of the top causes of household drain blockages in Australia. Once it’s there, it doesn’t just disappear. The only way to truly clear it is with a professional hydro clean. Hot water and good habits help, but they can’t remove those stubborn layers. That’s why so many locals call Ezy-Plumb when their kitchen sink starts to slow down again.
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- Hair and Soap in the Bathroom
Hair naturally traps soap, shampoo residue, and body oils, creating dense clumps that cling to the walls of pipes. Even if you clear the surface hair, older clumps can lurk deeper down, catching more debris as time goes on.
The Australian Plumbing Code highlights bathroom drains as a hotspot for recurring blockages, especially in homes with long-haired residents. Sometimes, even a single strand can start a chain reaction. If your shower is draining slowly, it’s a sign there’s a deeper clog you probably can’t reach yourself. A professional clean is the only way to restore full flow.
- Flushable Wipes
Despite what the packaging says, flushable wipes don’t break down fast enough to travel safely through your pipes. A 2023 CSIRO study found that many wipes took up to 100 days to degrade — far too long for the average sewer line. In older suburbs like Brighton and Balaclava, wipes often get stuck and cause major blockages. Add in paper towels, nappies, cotton buds, or even the odd toy, and you’ve got a recipe for repeat trouble.
Plungers and supermarket drain cleaners might offer temporary relief, but they rarely tackle the real source of the problem. To truly fix it, you need to look beyond what’s going down the drain and consider the condition of your pipes themselves.
Minerals and Pipe Damage – the Hidden Culprits
Sometimes, the problem isn’t what you’re putting down the drain; it’s what’s happening inside or around your pipes.
- Hard Water Scale
Homes in Beaumaris and Highett often get hard water packed with minerals like calcium and magnesium. Over time, these minerals form a crust inside your pipes, especially in hot water lines. This crust can get so thick that it shrinks the pipe’s diameter, slowing drainage to a trickle.
DIY cleaners just can’t cut through this kind of buildup. Only professional descaling or hydro-jet cleaning can restore your pipes to full capacity.
- Tree Roots Invading Old Pipes
In leafy suburbs like Oakleigh, tree roots are a leading cause of stubborn blockages. As old clay or metal pipes crack with age, they leak moisture into the soil — something that serves as an open invitation for thirsty roots. Once inside, roots expand and create a living blockage that keeps coming back until the pipe is properly repaired.
According to expert plumbers, root intrusion is a major cause of sewer blockages nationwide. Often, the same roots are cleared out again and again because the damaged pipe is never fixed. Ezy-Plumb’s CCTV inspections pinpoint exactly where roots are getting in, so they can be cleared and the pipe relined for a permanent solution.
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- Collapsed or Damaged Pipes
If your home was built before 1980 in places like Mordialloc, you might still have original clay or cast-iron pipes. These can weaken over time due to soil movement or root pressure. When a section collapses, water pools inside, trapping debris and causing blockages that no amount of plunging will fix. The only real answer is professional repair or replacement.
Why DIY Fixes Don’t Last
It’s tempting to reach for chemical drain cleaners or a plunger when a blockage strikes. While these might give you a quick fix, they rarely clear the entire obstruction.
Chemical cleaners use harsh acids or alkalis that can damage pipe walls, weaken joints, and even create toxic fumes. The Victorian Plumbing Industry Commission warns that repeated use can harm your plumbing and septic system, and they can’t clear roots or structural damage.
Plungers and drain snakes might open a gap for water to escape, but they don’t clean the pipe walls. If residue remains, the blockage will be back before you know it.
Ezy-Plumb’s hydro jetting technology is different. High-pressure water blasts away grease, roots, scale, and debris, leaving your pipes almost like new. This deep clean is the foundation for long-term prevention.
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How to Keep Your Drains Clear
Blocked drains don’t have to be a recurring headache. With the right approach, you can keep your plumbing running smoothly all year round.
Routine maintenance: Booking an annual or twice-yearly hydro clean with Ezy-Plumb is like servicing your car — it prevents bigger, costlier problems down the track.
CCTV drain inspections: These reveal hidden cracks, root entry points, scale, and stubborn obstructions you’d never spot otherwise. They’re especially useful when buying a home or if one drain keeps blocking for no clear reason.
Trenchless pipe relining: For older or damaged pipes, this modern technique creates a sealed inner lining without digging up your garden or driveway. It stops leaks, root intrusion, and future collapses — no mess, no fuss.
Smart household habits: Simple changes like using sink strainers, catching hair in the shower, and disposing of grease and wipes properly can make a world of difference.
With these habits in place, you’ll know when a problem needs more than routine care — and when it’s time to call in the pros.
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When Should You Call a Professional Plumber?
Some warning signs mean you shouldn’t wait:
- Slow drainage in multiple fixtures
- Gurgling sounds from pipes
- Sewage odours in or around your home
- Pooling water in the yard
- Toilet water levels rising and falling
- Sudden wet patches on the lawn
Why a Professional Fix Matters
Getting to the root of a blockage isn’t just about convenience. It protects your home from water damage, keeps your plumbing in top shape, and saves you from repeat callouts that cost more in the long run. With Ezy-Plumb, you get industry expertise, advanced technology, and a commitment to lasting solutions, not just quick fixes. Every job meets Australian plumbing standards, so you can relax knowing the problem is truly solved.
What to Expect When You Call Ezy-Plumb
Here’s how the process works:
- Assessment: The team asks about your symptoms, location, and drainage history to get a clear picture of the issue.
- Same-day visit: For most bayside suburbs, a plumber can be on site the same day, especially if there are signs of a serious blockage.
- Inspection: Licensed plumbers use professional equipment, including CCTV cameras, to pinpoint the exact cause of the blockage.
- Upfront quote: You’ll get a clear, transparent quote before any work begins.
- Tailored solution: Whether it’s hydro jetting, mechanical equipment, or pipe relining, the team applies the best fix for your situation.
- Prevention advice: After the job, you’ll learn what caused the problem and how to avoid it in the future. All work comes with a warranty and meets strict Australian standards.
Final Thoughts
Blocked drains aren’t just random annoyances, they’re signals that something deeper needs attention. Once you address the real cause, your drains should run freely for years without constant interruptions.
Whether you’re battling greasy kitchen pipes, hair-clogged showers, invasive tree roots, or aging infrastructure, Ezy-Plumb delivers long-term solutions that break the cycle of repeat blockages.
If your drains are slowing, gurgling, or backing up, now’s the perfect time to act. A same-day inspection can uncover the real issue and put an end to the inconvenience once and for all.
For more expert plumbing tips and home maintenance advice, check out the Ezy-Plumb blog and keep your home running smoothly all year long.
FAQs
How much does professional drain cleaning cost in Melbourne?
Ezy-Plumb provides upfront quotes with no hidden fees, so you know the cost before work begins.
Can I prevent tree roots from blocking my drains?
Yes. Regular inspections can detect roots early, and solutions like hydro jetting and pipe relining prevent them from returning.
How often should I have my drains professionally cleaned?
Annual or bi-annual maintenance works for most homes, but properties with older pipes, large trees, or past blockages may need more frequent checks.
Are chemical drain cleaners safe to use?
They offer temporary relief but can damage pipes and the environment. Professional hydro jetting is safer and more effective.
What’s the difference between drain clearing and drain cleaning?
Drain clearing removes the immediate blockage, while drain cleaning thoroughly cleans the pipes to prevent re-blocking.
Will my home insurance cover blocked drains?
Coverage depends on your policy and the cause. Check with your insurer to confirm.
Can blocked drains cause health problems?
Yes. Sewage backups contain harmful bacteria. Always call a professional to handle them safely.
