Modern Australian
Men's Weekly

.

How to Avoid Blocked Drains and Stinky Overflow

  • Written by Samantha Ball




Clogged sinks, toilets, and shower drains are a common and frustrating problem for many homeowners. The signs of a clogged drain are pretty obvious — overflowing water that will not go down, often characterised by a foul odour and dark colour. So, what causes drainage clogs in the first place, and how can you avoid them?

Tree roots

Tree roots spread extensively in all directions from the trunk and can sometimes grow inside underground drainage pipes, causing blockages or even bursting through the pipes. Keep trees and shrubs away from drainage systems. A case of collapsed pipes will require a professional plumber.

Toiletries

Hygiene and personal care products such as makeup, wipes, nappies, and sanitary towels can easily cause a blockage if flushed down the toilet. Dispose of these items properly instead of stuffing them down the drain.

Foreign objects

Household drains are not designed to take solid objects. Unfortunately, kids will often try to flush things like toys, shoes, pens, and spoons that end up stuck in the plumbing. Keep your kids away from the toilet bowl or childproof the bathroom to prevent those innocent accidents.

Cooking oil

Grease, fat, and oil from food wastes are common culprits for blocked kitchen sinks. Fatty materials solidify inside the pipes and attach to the walls, resulting in constricted fluid flow and eventually blockage. So, avoid dumping any amounts of cooking oil or fat down the sink.

Food scraps

Food waste is another common cause of drain blockage. Even with a garbage disposal unit, some food particles such as coffee grounds, bone, and grains could still become a problem. Dispose of waste food material through composting instead of taking chances with the sink.

Mineral build-up

Hard water can cause build-ups of insoluble mineral deposits in plumbing systems, especially in metal pipes. Severely damaged pipes may need replacing.

Soap

Soap scum can become a blockage problem if left to accumulate for a long time in shower and laundry drains. The soapy residual may also trap other material to form an insoluble plug. Try soap-less cleaning products to minimise scum build-ups. Plumbers often use high-pressure jets to unclog soap-related blockages.

Hair

Hair, fur, and any stringy or fibrous material can wreak havoc on your drainage system. Most bathroom clogs are actually caused by hair that gets trapped in a knotted mess inside the pipes. Cover your drain grilles with a fine mesh to prevent hair from going through while you shave or shower.

Natural debris

Leaves, sand, mud, and pebbles sometimes wash up and collect in drainage lines, disrupting the water flow. To prevent this problem, keep your outdoor drainage openings and grilles clean, especially during the rainy season.

Cat litter

Flushing cat litter down the toilet is a terrible idea because it forms little clumps when exposed to water. These clumps can grow large enough to cause a severe blockage. Cat litter goes in the trash — do not try to pour it down any of your drains.

A clogged drain can be an annoying inconvenience, from bathtubs, toilets, and sinks that empty very slowly to those that do not flush at all. You can quickly clear small clogs by plunging or using a toilet snake, but for more severe blockages you will need to call a plumber. Get in touch with Precise Plumbing & Electrical and get experienced professional plumbers at your doorstep.

What Does Breastfeeding Feel Like? A Guide for New Moms

Frequently, numerous new mothers wonder, "What does breastfeeding feel like?" The feeling is different for each individual - a few describe it as a ...

Best Nail Care Routine for Frequent Nail Polish Wearers

For many people, nail polish is more than a beauty statement – it’s part of their everyday routine. Whether you love bold colours, chic neutrals...

Reinventing Research: How E-Libraries Are Changing Education Forever

A New Chapter for Learning For centuries libraries stood as temples of knowledge filled with shelves that smelled of dust and paper. Today the same...

Psychologists Explore Gestalt Vs Schema Therapy for PTSD Treatment

Recent research has revealed that in 2022, 1 in 9 Australians experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For some, this can significantly im...

Beyond Sunscreen: Building a Sun-Smart Culture in Modern Australia

Australia’s sun-soaked lifestyle is a defining part of its national identity. From beaches and sports fields to weekend barbecues and bushwalks, t...

What is Power BI & Why Should Your Business Use It?

In today's data-driven world, businesses are constantly searching for ways to gain a competitive edge. One tool that has emerged as a game-changer i...

From Service to Strength: How Aussie Veterans Are Rebuilding Their Lives with Everyday Support

Life after military service can bring new challenges. From physical limitations to mental health hurdles, many Australian veterans find everyday hou...

The Best Times of Year to Buy a Caravan

If you're shopping for caravans for sale, timing matters almost as much as the layout and features you desire. The calendar shapes price, stock and ...

The Growing Demand for Smart Living Through Home Automation

Technology has reshaped how we communicate, work, and travel—but now, it’s also changing the way we live at home. The rise of home automation i...

Beyond Clicks and Likes: Why Many Small Businesses in Australia Still Aren’t Leveraging Digital Marketing in 2025

Introduction In 2025, online marketing has become the driving force behind business growth for companies of all sizes. Yet, despite its proven effect...

Lighting Shop Perth: Your Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Lighting Solutions

Lighting is a fundamental element in defining the ambiance, functionality, and aesthetic appeal of any space. Whether you are renovating your home, ...

Private Booze Cruisers – The New Must-Have Toy for Cashed Up Millennials

Did you hear that your 30s are the new 20s? We’ve finally rocked up that adult money and now it’s time to play with it. I was going for a walk ...

Grinding & Jaw Soreness: Signs You Might Need Night Guards and How We Protect Enamel

Waking with a tight jaw, tender muscles, or a dull temple headache is more than a bad night’s sleep. Many Australians grind or clench their teeth ...

Circular Interior Design: Furnishing with Salvaged & Reclaimed Materials

Circular interior design is gradually making its way from niche circles into mainstream Australian homes. At its core, this approach revolves around...

Invisible Braces vs Traditional Braces: Which Is Best for Adults?

Straightening teeth as an adult is common in Australia, and the options are better than ever. The two main choices are clear aligners, also called i...

Smoking, Vaping, and Healing: How Nicotine Affects Sockets and What you can do About it

Nicotine and oral surgery are a poor mix. After an wisdom teeth removal in Sydney, your body needs a stable blood clot and steady blood flow to rebu...

Titanium and Bone: How Dental Implants Become Part of the Jaw

Dental implants replace missing teeth by anchoring a metal fixture in the jaw and fitting a crown on top. Their success rests on a biological event ...

Do Wisdom Teeth Really Make You Wiser? Debunking Old Beliefs

Wisdom teeth are among the most discussed teeth in dentistry, not because of their function but because of the myths that surround them. The name it...

LIFE STYLE

What Does Breastfeeding Feel Like? A Guide for New Moms

Frequently, numerous new mothers wonder, "What does breastfeeding feel like?" The feeling is different for each individual - a few describe it as a soft pulling sensation, some as a...

Reinventing Research: How E-Libraries Are Changing Education Forever

A New Chapter for Learning For centuries libraries stood as temples of knowledge filled with shelves that smelled of dust and paper. Today the same spirit of discovery has moved online...

Beyond Sunscreen: Building a Sun-Smart Culture in Modern Australia

Australia’s sun-soaked lifestyle is a defining part of its national identity. From beaches and sports fields to weekend barbecues and bushwalks, the outdoors is woven into everyday life. However, this...

From Service to Strength: How Aussie Veterans Are Rebuilding Their Lives with Everyday Support

Life after military service can bring new challenges. From physical limitations to mental health hurdles, many Australian veterans find everyday household tasks difficult to manage on their own. For those...

The Growing Demand for Smart Living Through Home Automation

Technology has reshaped how we communicate, work, and travel—but now, it’s also changing the way we live at home. The rise of home automation is making everyday tasks more convenient, secure...

Lighting Shop Perth: Your Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Lighting Solutions

Lighting is a fundamental element in defining the ambiance, functionality, and aesthetic appeal of any space. Whether you are renovating your home, outfitting a commercial building, or designing an outdoor...