A sudden blockage is annoying; a recurring one points to a deeper cause. Understanding causes helps with prevention, and with knowing when clearing is enough and when the line needs inspection or repair.
Common causes
The most common household causes:
- Grease and oil build-up in kitchen drains
- Hair and soap residue in bathrooms
- Wipes and non-dissolving items in toilets
- Deposits building up in lines over time
- Poor slope, a break or a sag in the line
When does pressure jetting help?
It usually helps with deposits and grease coating the line walls, where hand tools only open a narrow path. But the line's condition needs assessing first; broken or deteriorated lines may need repair rather than jetting.
What you can do now
Reduce water use, don't pour oil down the sink and use hair strainers. Avoid strong chemicals; they can harm skin and eyes and rarely clear deep blockages.
This is general information, not a diagnosis of your home. To identify the cause, contact us to arrange an assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the blockage return days after clearing?
The line may be broken, poorly sloped, or deposits weren't fully removed. The line then needs inspecting to find the cause.