Blocked drains are one of the most common plumbing problems reported by Randburg homeowners. While some blockages can be cleared with a plunger, many require professional hydro-jetting equipment to fully resolve. Here’s everything you need to know.
The Most Common Causes of Blocked Drains
Kitchen Drains
Grease and fat are the number-one cause of kitchen drain blockages. When hot cooking oil is poured down the drain, it cools and solidifies in your pipes, creating a sticky surface that traps food particles over time. Coffee grounds, rice, and pasta also contribute to build-up.
Bathroom Drains
Hair, soap scum, and toiletry residue accumulate in bathroom sink and shower drains. Over time, a thick mat of hair and soap creates a serious blockage that a plunger alone can’t always clear.
Toilet Blockages
Flushing wet wipes (even those labelled “flushable”), sanitary products, cotton wool, and excessive toilet paper are the leading causes of toilet blockages. These items don’t break down in water and quickly cause significant blockages in the sewer line.
Main Sewer Line Blockages
Tree root intrusion is a serious and often overlooked cause of sewer blockages in established Randburg suburbs. Roots are drawn to moisture and can infiltrate pipes through tiny cracks, gradually expanding until the pipe is completely blocked or collapses.
Simple Prevention Tips
- Fit drain screens in your kitchen sink, shower, and bath to catch hair and food particles.
- Never pour cooking grease down the drain — let it solidify and dispose of it in the bin.
- Only flush toilet paper — nothing else.
- Pour boiling water down kitchen drains weekly to melt grease build-up.
- Have your drains professionally cleaned every 2–3 years.
When a Plunger Isn’t Enough
If a blockage keeps returning after plunging, or if multiple drains in your home are slow at the same time, you likely have a blockage in the main sewer line. This requires professional equipment — specifically hydro-jetting, which uses high-pressure water to cut through blockages and clean the inside of the pipe.
Randburg Plumbing’s Drain Clearing Service
Our team uses professional CCTV drain inspection cameras to locate the exact position and cause of a blockage before we clear it. This prevents unnecessary excavation and ensures the problem is fully resolved. We cover all Randburg suburbs — from Ferndale to Northcliff, Blairgowrie to Linden.
Call us on 073 707 8085 for fast drain clearing — same-day service available.