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Blocked drains are one of those household headaches no one wants to deal with, but in Melbourne, they’re surprisingly common. From gurgling sinks to slow showers or toilets that won’t flush properly, a blockage can lead to water damage, sewage smells, and even structural issues if ignored too long.
Most blockages around Melbourne are caused by tree roots, aging clay pipes, cooking fats, food scraps, or a build-up of leaves and debris. Each type of blockage needs a different fix.
Below, we’ll walk you through what causes blocked drains, a few safe DIY methods you can try, and when it’s best to call in a professional plumber.
Here are some of the most common culprits behind blocked drains across Melbourne homes:
In older suburbs like Box Hill South and Glen Iris, many homes still have clay pipes underground. Over time, cracks or loose joints in these pipes let moisture escape, which attracts nearby tree roots. Once the roots find their way in, they can grow thick enough to trap debris or even collapse the pipe altogether.
Pouring cooking oil or greasy water down the sink might seem harmless, but as it cools, it solidifies along the pipe walls. Over time, this build-up narrows the pipes until water can barely pass through.
Bathrooms are a magnet for this one. Hair clumps together with toothpaste and soap scum, forming sticky plugs that slow drainage and cause unpleasant smells. Luckily, these are usually easy to clear.
Kids, guests, and those so-called flushable wipes can all cause trouble. Wipes don’t fully dissolve and often combine with other debris to form stubborn blockages deep in your pipes.
Leaves, twigs, and dirt can pile up in stormwater drains, especially after heavy rain. When these drains back up, it can cause pooling on driveways or even water seeping into your home.
Not every blocked drain needs a plumber right away. For smaller blockages, try one of these safe, easy fixes before calling for help.
Create a good seal over the drain and pump the plunger firmly several times. Do this in a few rounds. It’s great for loosening debris stuck close to the surface.
Perfect for kitchen sinks. Pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain, add a squirt of dish soap, then follow up with another kettle of boiling water. (Tip: Avoid this method if you have PVC pipes because the heat can damage them.)
Straighten a coat hanger and leave a small hook at the end. Gently insert it into the drain, twist, and pull out any hair or gunk. It’s especially effective for bathroom drains.
Pour half a cup of bi-carb soda followed by one cup of vinegar into the drain. Wait about 30 minutes, then flush with a few kettles of boiling water. This combo works wonders on greasy or soapy build-ups.
⚠️ A quick warning: Avoid using chemical drain cleaners. They can damage your pipes and give off harmful fumes.
If none of these methods work, it’s time to bring in the pros.
Prices can vary depending on the severity and location of the blockage, but here’s a rough guide:
We offer free, upfront quotes with no hidden fees or surprises. What we quote is what you pay.
For more insight, see our article on plumber costs in Melbourne.
A few simple habits can help keep your drains running smoothly:
At Moz Plumbing, we also offer preventative drain maintenance to help you avoid messy, costly plumbing problems down the track.
Call a licensed Melbourne plumber if you notice:
At Moz Plumbing, we use high-tech CCTV drain cameras to find the exact cause and location of your blockage. Once we know what’s going on, we can use hydro jetting to blast away debris or reline damaged pipes to prevent future issues.
We’re available 24/7 across Melbourne, so you can count on us when a plumbing emergency strikes. For more details on sewer issues, check out our guide on what to do when your sewer line is blocked.
Usually not, unless the blockage was caused by an insured event like storm damage. Always check your policy or speak with your insurer.
Try the boiling water and dish soap method first. If that doesn’t work, the bi-carb and vinegar mix is your next best bet.
Usually a sign of a blocked or damaged main sewer line.
We’re your local Melbourne plumbing experts, ready 24/7 for any drain emergency. With advanced tools and years of experience, we’ll get your drains flowing freely again in no time.
Call us today for a free quote or friendly advice. We’re always happy to help.
Whether you’re in Burwood, Ashwood, Box Hill, Camberwell, Glen Iris, or nearby, we’re just around the corner and ready to help.
