How to Prevent Blocked Drains in Your Brisbane Home
Blocked drains are the number one reason Brisbane residents call a plumber. Between tree roots, cooking grease, and heavy subtropical rainfall, your drains take a beating. Here's how to keep them flowing freely.
Why Brisbane Drains Block So Often
Brisbane's warm, wet climate creates the perfect conditions for tree root intrusion. Species like Moreton Bay figs, jacarandas, and poinciana trees actively seek out moisture in sewer lines. Combined with clay soil that shifts during Queensland's storm season, pipes can crack and collect debris faster than in drier climates.
Kitchen Drain Tips
Never pour cooking oil or grease down the sink — it solidifies inside pipes and catches food particles. Use a sink strainer to catch scraps, and run hot water for 30 seconds after washing dishes. Once a month, pour boiling water down the drain to dissolve minor grease buildup.
Bathroom Drain Tips
Hair is the biggest culprit in bathroom blockages. Install a hair catcher over your shower drain and clean it weekly. Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper — even 'flushable' wipes don't break down properly and cause blockages in Brisbane's sewer system.
Outdoor Drain Maintenance
Brisbane's summer storms dump massive amounts of water in short bursts. Keep stormwater drains clear of leaves, mulch, and garden debris. Check your gutter downpipes connect properly to stormwater — disconnected pipes can cause flooding around your foundation.
When to Call a Professional
If you're experiencing slow-draining sinks, gurgling sounds, or water backing up, it's time to call in a plumber with CCTV drain inspection equipment. At VM Plumbing & Gas, we use high-pressure jetting and camera inspections to find and fix blockages fast across Brisbane's southside and beyond.
Regular Maintenance Saves Money
A yearly drain inspection costs a fraction of an emergency call-out. We recommend annual CCTV inspections for homes over 20 years old, especially in suburbs with established trees like Mount Gravatt, Sunnybank, and Holland Park.