Plumber Adelaide: Common Causes of Blocked Drains in 2026
If your drains keep blocking, the problem is often deeper than a slow sink or shower. In many Adelaide homes and commercial properties, blocked drains are caused by issues below ground that build up over time and are easy to miss without proper inspection.
As a plumber Adelaide residents rely on for ongoing drainage problems, Allmat Plumbing regularly attends blocked drain call-outs across the city and surrounding suburbs. Older pipework, tree roots, grease accumulation and ageing infrastructure are some of the most common causes we see, particularly in established areas of Adelaide where drainage systems were installed decades ago.
Rather than relying on temporary fixes, experienced plumbers use CCTV drain inspections to identify the exact cause of blocked drains before clearing them using high-pressure water jetting. This approach allows the blockage to be removed safely and helps prevent repeat issues that can lead to costly damage if left unresolved.
Key Takeaways
Blocked drains in Adelaide often start with hidden issues underground, not just in the sink or toilet.
We use CCTV to pinpoint the fault fast, then clear it safely with high-pressure hydrojetting.
Honest, upfront pricing and 24/7 support from a reliable plumbing service Adelaide.
Family-run, led by Marc, with a 5.0 Google rating for punctual, professional work.
Trusted local plumbers Adelaide for homes and businesses across key suburbs.
Comprehensive help: blocked drains, burst pipes, gas fitting, hot water, and toilet repairs.
Common blocked drain causes in Adelaide homes and businesses
In Adelaide, Blocked Drains often follow the same patterns. As a local plumber, we deal with old pipes, kitchen waste, and items flushed by mistake. We work with top plumbing companies to keep places flowing.
From Unley to Prospect, our solutions are based on inspections and customer feedback. We offer tailored advice for homeowners, strata managers, and busy venues with repeat problems.
Tree roots invading old clay and earthenware pipes
Older suburbs like Burnside and Unley still have clay and earthenware pipes. Roots find moisture, enter through cracks, and block flow. Mature trees often cause fractures in these pipes.
Slow drains can turn into full blockages after rain. We see the worst cases under driveways or gardens with heavy watering.
Grease, fat, and food waste build-up from kitchens
In Glenelg, Norwood, and the CBD, food venues and big households face Blocked Drains often. Hot oils cool, mix with soap and food, and coat the pipe. This narrows the pipe over time.
Coffee grounds, rice, and peels get stuck in the grease. Busy times make the problem seem sudden, but it builds up over weeks.
Wet wipes, sanitary items, and foreign objects in toilets
We remove wipes, pads, and cotton buds in rentals and commercial sites. Labels say “flushable”, but many don’t break down in time.
Children’s toys, dental floss, and paper towels also cause blockages. These items get stuck at joins or old repairs, leading to repeat calls.
Broken, collapsed, or misaligned pipework from ground movement
In coastal and hillside areas like Henley Beach, Golden Grove, and Tea Tree Gully, ground movement stresses pipes. Vehicle loading and ageing infrastructure increase the risk. We find damaged sections, offset joints, and crushed pipes.
These faults often cause slow drains that return after clearing. Working with plumbing companies helps us plan durable fixes and reduce disruption.
Areas most affected: Unley, Burnside, Prospect, Glenelg, Norwood, CBD, Henley Beach, Golden Grove, Tea Tree Gully.
Common triggers: root intrusion, cooling grease, non-dissolving waste, and soil movement.
What sets us apart: expert plumbing solutions Adelaide delivered by a reliable plumber Adelaide and supported by our broader network.
We use local knowledge and practical steps to prevent Blocked Drains. Choose a local plumber who knows the area, the soil, and the pressure on old lines.
Plumber Adelaide for fast, local diagnostics and repair
Blocked drains can really slow things down. We're quick to arrive in the Adelaide CBD, Norwood, Prospect, Glenelg, Henley Beach, Unley, Burnside, Semaphore, Golden Grove, and Tea Tree Gully. We're an affordable option in Adelaide, offering fast service and clear advice.
Our team is made up of licensed plumbers Adelaide locals trust. We're here for you when you need an emergency plumber Adelaide. We work fast and keep costs down, making us a top choice.
CCTV drain inspection: pinpointing the blockage fast
We use CCTV Drain Inspection Adelaide to find problems quickly. This method shows us exactly where the issue is without digging up your property.
You'll get a detailed video and a plan for fixing it before we start. This gives you peace of mind about the cost and time involved.
Hydrojet drain cleaning: safe, powerful clearing with no harsh chemicals
Our Hydrojet Drain Cleaning Adelaide uses high-pressure water to clear out blockages. It's safe and effective, without harming your pipes.
This method works on all types of pipes, from old clay to modern PVC. It's perfect after we've used CCTV to find the problem.
Upfront, transparent pricing and 24/7 emergency plumber response
We're here 24/7 for any plumbing emergency in Adelaide. You'll always know the cost upfront, and we'll keep you updated every step of the way.
Our family-run business has earned top ratings for being on time, helpful, and fair. We're known for our high-quality work.
Licensed plumbers Adelaide for Gas Fitting, Hot Water Systems Adelaide, and burst pipes
Safety is our top priority. Our licensed plumbers handle Gas Fitting and leak detection carefully. We also fix and install Hot Water Systems Adelaide, including same-day replacements.
If a pipe bursts, we act fast to repair it. This prevents further damage. For reliable help from an emergency plumber in Adelaide, we're here for you.
Service | Best Use Case | Key Benefit | Why It Matters in Adelaide |
CCTV Drain Inspection Adelaide | Locating blockages, breaks, and intrusions | Exact pinpointing with video proof | Prevents unnecessary excavation on older clay lines |
Hydrojet Drain Cleaning Adelaide | Clearing grease, wipes, roots, and sediment | Powerful, chemical-free cleaning | Protects pipe integrity in heritage and modern builds |
Burst pipes, overflows, sudden blockages | Rapid response, day or night | Reduces downtime for homes and businesses | |
Gas Fitting | Installations, safety checks, leak detection | Licensed and compliant work | Meets Australian Standards for safe operation |
Hot Water Systems Adelaide | Repairs, upgrades, same-day replacements | Reliable hot water with efficient units | Suited to local water quality and usage patterns |
Affordable Plumbers Adelaide | Budget-conscious maintenance and repairs | Transparent, fair pricing | Delivers value without compromising quality |
Conclusion
Blocked drains in Adelaide often come from tree roots, kitchen grease, or pipe damage. We use CCTV and hydrojet cleaning to find and fix the problem quickly and safely. This helps avoid future blockages.
With 20 years of experience and a 5.0 Google rating, we're a trusted plumber in Adelaide. Our team offers a range of services, including emergency plumbing. We're known for our upfront pricing and fast service.
Need a plumber in Adelaide you can count on? We're here for you 24/7. For honest advice and top-notch service, get in touch with us today for a free quote or urgent callout.
FAQ
What are the most common causes of blocked drains in Adelaide?
Tree roots, grease, and food build-up are big culprits. Non-flushable items and damaged pipes also cause problems. We see these issues in many suburbs. Our team quickly finds and fixes the blockage.
How do tree roots cause blocked drains in older suburbs?
Older pipes have cracks that roots exploit. Over time, roots block or damage the pipes. We use CCTV to find the problem and hydrojetting to clear it without chemicals.
How fast can you attend a blocked drain emergency?
We're available 24/7 for emergencies. We quickly respond across Adelaide. We focus on urgent issues like blocked drains and burst pipes.
What is included in your CCTV Drain Inspection Adelaide?
We use a high-definition camera to find blockages. You get clear footage and a repair plan. This helps avoid unnecessary excavation.
Do you provide upfront pricing?
Yes, we offer honest quotes. We explain the options before starting. Our reliable service has a 5.0 Google rating.
Can you repair or replace hot water systems the same day?
Often, yes. We diagnose and repair or replace systems quickly. We work with leading brands and offer clear options.
What should I do if I have a burst pipe?
Turn off your water and call us. We provide fast repairs to prevent water damage. We're available 24/7.
How do you help prevent future blockages?
We give tailored advice and maintenance plans. This includes CCTV checks and hydrojetting. We help keep drains healthy.
Why choose Allmat Plumbing for blocked drains?
We're a family-run business with 20 years' experience. We offer 24/7 service and have a 5.0 Google rating. We provide reliable and affordable solutions.
How do I book a job or get a free quote?
Visit our website to book or request a quote. Call us for urgent help.
Are your services affordable?
Yes, we offer fair pricing. We provide cost-effective solutions without compromising quality. You can trust our reliable service.
Which areas do you cover?
We service the Adelaide CBD and suburbs like Norwood and Glenelg. We offer fast service across the area.



