Water running down a sink. | Featured image for Causes of a Sink Blockage blog for Akins Plumbing.

Causes of a Sink Blockage

Clogged drains and blocked pipes can cause a variety of problems for your home or business and need to be rectified as soon as possible. If you’re unsure about what the cause could be for your blocked drains, the possibilities are quite endless. Symptoms of a sink blockage can go as far as flooding, corrosion, and in extreme cases, sewerage backup.

In this blog, we discuss the most common causes of a blockage and the best possible way to go about getting these problems under control. First and foremost, it’s always recommended that you engage a professional when it comes to drain blockage removal, because if something goes wrong when doing it on your own, it could become costly.

At Akins Plumbing, we have dealt with a number of blocked drains Brisbane homeowners and businesses have contacted us about. Are you in a similar situation and need assistance? Call us now on (07) 3891 7480.

Common Causes of a Sink Blockage

A Buildup of Hair

One of the most common causes of a sink blockage is hair. The reason hair is one of the more common culprits is because it knots together in the drain of the sink, which creates a catchment for other things such as soaps, face washes, scrubs, toothpaste, and so on. Many of the most stubborn clogs we come across in drains involve matted and old hair, not just in sinks, but in showers, bathtubs, and laundries.

Food Waste

Whether you believe it or not, a lot of people rinse food waste down the sink. This should never be done. The best way to get rid of your food waste is by setting up a compost pile, which is also great for coffee bean waste, and loose tea leaves as well (because these things don’t break down). Other substances to avoid putting down the sink includes any fats or oils as they solidify and build up on the sides of the pipes.

Mineral Build Up

Minerals that are dissolved in hard water build up and cause masses that are insoluble, causing easy blockages within your drains. When it comes to hard water, and you’re unsure how to regulate it, the best thing to do is contact a plumbing professional to go over the best and safest way to install a water softener. Mineral buildups can be quite difficult to remove, however, a drain blockage removal specialist will be able to take care of it for you.

Soap Scum

Another cause for buildup when it comes to hard water, and this may be surprising, is soap scum. When specific minerals come into contact with soaps, they create somewhat of a film-like residue which we refer to as ‘soap scum’. This happens over a period of time and contributes to clogged drains in your sink. If you live somewhere where hard water is a common issue, the best thing to do is invest in a water softener and keep an eye out for slow-draining pipes as well.

At Akins Plumbing, we have dealt with a number of callout for blocked drains and pipes, not only when it comes to sinks but also showers, toilets, bathtubs, kitchens, and laundries – there isn’t something we haven’t done. If you ever find yourself in a position where a drain in your home or business is blocked, we encourage you to get in touch with our expert team of plumbers today!

Contact Akins Plumbing for Drain Blockage Removal

Blocked drain and not sure what to do? Contact Akins Plumbing on (07) 3891 7480 today. As a leading plumbing company servicing the Brisbane region, we know exactly what it takes to provide a stellar and quality service. For more information on our services, reach out online or send us an email at admin@akinsplumbing.com.au.

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