Common Causes Of Blocked Drains And How To Fix Them

July 5, 2022

Blocked drains in your home can be a significant inconvenience. If you have a blocked drain, it’s important to know what’s causing the problem and how to fix it, and an experienced plumber can assist in restoring your pipes to proper working order. Here are some common causes of blocked drains and the steps you can take to fix the problem.

Tree Roots

Tree roots are a common cause of blocked drains. Cracked or weak pipes can be easily penetrated by tree roots. A plumber will use a drain camera to clearly identify the problem and repair it using a jet rodding machine. If your drain needs repair, your pipe may need to be excavated and re-laid. The best prevention for this issue is removing the problematic tree, but sometimes this just isn’t possible and you may need annual servicing.

Fats and Food

Fats and food quickly build up in pipes, especially during colder months. Fats can solidify and combine with wipes and solids to become a larger mass. To prevent your drains from blocking due to the accumulation of fats and foods, make sure you always allow your fats and oils to solidify before throwing them and your food scraps in the bin. If you suspect food and fats are blocking your drain, you can try pouring boiling water and detergent down to dislodge the fat, or use a mixture of bi-carb soda and vinegar.

Wipes

Wipes, such as baby wipes, should never be flushed down the toilet. If you do use wipes or paper towels, it’s crucial you bin them and don’t flush them. These products absorb water, and can quickly block your toilet or drain.

Hair

A build-up of hair, shampoo and conditioner can easily cause shower blockages. A drain cleaner incorporating sulfuric acid, or a sani-snake, will dissolve your drain blockage. Prevention is key, and you can avoid blockages by throwing any strands of hair in the bin, or by incorporating a shower hair strainer.

Blocked Drain? Contact Us

In a drainage emergency, you want a fast and professional repair. Our locally-owned, expert team delivers a range of plumbing and gas repairs and maintenance services to our valued clients. Our knowledgeable and licensed gasfitters and plumbers will resolve your issues promptly and expertly while ensuring you won’t pay a huge fee. Contact our friendly team on 0408 614 531 to learn more or to arrange a quote.

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Why Choose Our Gas Fitters in Tamworth

By ACS Plumbing • September 24, 2025

When you need a gas fitter in Tamworth, you want someone who does the job right, keeps you safe and gives value. That’s exactly what we offer. Our gas fitters are fully licensed, highly experienced in LPG and natural gas work, and committed to current safety standards. We treat each job—big or small—with the same care. Whether installing a gas stove, plumbing a new line, repairing a leak or servicing a heater, you can count on us to deliver reliable, legal work. Here’s what sets us apart: Licensed & insured gas fitters who know local regulations and compliance. Safety first: we perform thorough inspections, flue checks, leak detection and combustion checks. Honest, transparent pricing with no hidden surprises. Fast, responsive service— including emergency repairs when you can’t wait. Quality materials, workmanship, and parts and methods built to last. Clear communication: we explain what’s needed, why, and how we’ll do it so you’re always in the loop. FAQs What types of services do gas fitters provide? Gas fitters in Tamworth handle a wide range of services. They install new gas appliances—like cooktops, heaters, hot water systems or BBQs—connect them safely to gas supplies (natural or LPG), adjust the setups so they work efficiently, and ensure all needed ventilation and flue works are correct. They also repair faults and leaks, perform maintenance and inspections, upgrade or reroute gas lines, conduct safety checks (for example, pressure tests or checking combustion), and ensure everything meets current legal and safety standards. How often should I have my gas appliances serviced? Ideally, gas appliances should be serviced at least once a year by a licensed gas fitter. Annual service helps catch wear and potential hazards (like leaks or poor combustion) before they become serious. For rented properties or certain types of appliances, there may be legal or regulatory requirements about safety checks or compliance certificates (often every 1-2 years). Also, call a service immediately rather than waiting for the next scheduled check anytime you notice warning signs—odd smells, soot, yellow rather than blue flame, strange noises. For more information, contact our team today!