Blocked drains are one of the most common (and frustrating) plumbing issues for homeowners in Indooroopilly. Whether it’s a slow-draining sink or stormwater overflowing in the yard, the longer you leave it, the worse and more expensive it tends to get.
As your local Plumber Indooroopilly, Shield Trade has seen every kind of blockage you can imagine, from stubborn fatbergs to tree roots cracking straight through pipes. The good news? Most blocked drains are avoidable, and nearly all of them are fixable with the right approach.
Let’s break it down.
Common Causes of Blocked Drains
Understanding what causes a blockage is the first step to preventing it in future. Here are the main culprits we see day in and day out:
1. Hair and Soap Scum
In bathrooms, hair is the biggest offender. Over time, it binds with soap scum and clogs up the pipes, especially in showers and baths. Left unchecked, it forms a net-like mass that water can’t flow through.
2. Fat, Oil and Grease
In kitchens, pouring oil or grease down the sink might seem harmless, but once it cools, it solidifies and coats the inside of your pipes. These fat build-ups trap food scraps and debris until the water has nowhere to go.
3. Wet Wipes and Sanitary Products
Toilets are only designed to flush toilet paper and human waste, nothing else. Wet wipes, even the “flushable” kind, can block pipes fast. Sanitary pads, nappies and cotton buds should never go down the loo.
4. Tree Roots
Outdoor drains and stormwater pipes are often invaded by tree roots searching for moisture. Once roots get inside a cracked pipe, they grow fast and cause serious structural damage.
5. Garden Debris
Leaves, mulch, silt and dirt often clog external drains, especially after rain. Without regular clearing, stormwater pits and grates back up quickly, leading to pooling, overflow and water damage.
How to Fix a Blocked Drain
Every blockage is different, but here’s how we typically tackle them:
Step 1: Diagnosis
We start with a full assessment of the issue. For stubborn blockages, we use CCTV drain cameras to locate and inspect the blockage without digging anything up. This gives us a clear picture of the problem and the best fix.
Step 2: High-Pressure Jetting
In most cases, we use high-pressure water jetters to blast through blockages. It’s safe for pipes, effective on grease and tree roots, and much more thorough than chemical cleaners.
Step 3: Repairs if Needed
If the blockage is caused by collapsed or broken pipes, we’ll advise on a long-term fix, whether it’s relining, excavation or full pipe replacement.
Step 4: Preventive Advice
Once it’s cleared, we’ll walk you through how to avoid the same problem again. That might include a backflow prevention device, a regular maintenance schedule or simple household habits like a drain strainer in the sink.
Why Locals in Indooroopilly Choose Shield Trade
We’re more than just a plumbing service — we’re local experts committed to honesty, reliability and getting the job done right the first time. Here’s what makes us different:
- Free, Fixed-Price Quotes
Know exactly what you’ll pay before any work starts. No guesswork, no hidden extras. - $0 Call-Out Fees
We’ll come to you at no charge, assess the problem and provide upfront advice with no pressure to proceed. - 25-Year Labour Guarantee
We back our workmanship for the long haul, so you’re covered with complete peace of mind. - Pay it Forward Services
We donate 3% of all sales to help provide plumbing and trade services to those who need them most.
Got a Blocked Drain? Call a Trusted Plumber in Indooroopilly Today
If your sink is slow, your drain’s overflowing, or something just doesn’t smell right, don’t wait until it becomes a plumbing emergency. Get it sorted now.
Book your inspection with a qualified Plumber in Indooroopilly today:
👉www.shieldtrade.com.au/plumber-indooroopilly/
📞 Call us directly on 0434 222 760