5 Costly Mistakes People Make with Drains (and How to Avoid Them)
When it comes to drainage, small mistakes can lead to big problems. Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, or property manager, improper drain care can result in expensive repairs, structural damage, and even health hazards. The good news? Many common drainage mistakes are entirely preventable with the right knowledge and proactive maintenance.
At Pipe Doctor, we’ve seen firsthand how simple errors can cause major drainage issues. Here are five costly mistakes people make with drains—and what you can do to avoid them.
1. Ignoring Early Warning Signs
One of the most common (and expensive) mistakes people make is ignoring early warning signs of drainage issues. A slow drain, gurgling sounds, or an unpleasant odour may seem minor, but these could indicate a developing blockage, cracked pipes, or sewer line issues.
🚨 Why it’s costly: Small issues that are ignored can escalate into major plumbing failures, requiring costly emergency repairs, excavation, or pipe replacements. Over time, blockages can worsen, leading to complete system failures and property damage.
✅ How to avoid it:
Pay attention to slow drainage, water pooling, or foul smells coming from your drains.
Schedule CCTV drain inspections to catch hidden problems early.
Invest in preventative maintenance rather than waiting for a drain emergency.
If you notice recurring issues, consult a professional to identify the root cause rather than using temporary fixes.
2. Using Harsh Chemical Drain Cleaners
When faced with a clogged drain, many people turn to store-bought chemical drain cleaners. While these products may provide a quick fix, they can cause more harm than good in the long run.
🚨 Why it’s costly:
Chemical cleaners can corrode pipes, leading to leaks and costly repairs.
They don’t always clear blockages completely, causing recurring issues.
The harsh chemicals can be dangerous to handle and harmful to the environment.
✅ How to avoid it:
Use hot water and natural cleaners (like baking soda and vinegar) for minor clogs.
For stubborn blockages, opt for high-pressure drain cleaning, which is safer and more effective.
Schedule professional drain cleaning services to keep pipes clear without the risk of damage.
3. Flushing the Wrong Things Down the Drain
A common but serious mistake people make is treating their toilet and sink drains like garbage disposals. Items such as wet wipes, grease, food scraps, coffee grounds, and sanitary products can cause severe blockages.
🚨 Why it’s costly:
Non-biodegradable items can build up over time, leading to blocked pipes and sewer backups.
Grease and oil can solidify inside pipes, causing major clogs that require professional cleaning.
Flushing non-degradable materials can lead to municipal sewer fines or damage to home plumbing.
Blockages in your main sewer line can lead to costly excavation and repairs if left unresolved.
✅ How to avoid it:
Only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet.
Dispose of grease properly—pour it into a sealed container instead of rinsing it down the sink.
Use sink strainers to catch food scraps and prevent them from entering your drainage system.
Educate household members and employees on proper drain usage to prevent costly mistakes.
4. DIY Drain Repairs Without Professional Help
Many people attempt DIY drain repairs to save money, but without the right tools and expertise, they often make the problem worse.
🚨 Why it’s costly:
Using the wrong tools (like drain snakes or plungers) can damage pipes or push blockages further down.
Temporary fixes often lead to recurring drainage issues, requiring costly professional intervention.
Digging up a blocked or damaged drain without proper assessment can result in unnecessary excavation costs.
Incorrect repairs can void warranties and lead to further damage, making professional repairs more expensive later.
✅ How to avoid it:
If you suspect a drain issue, consult a professional before attempting repairs.
Use CCTV drain inspections to pinpoint issues before taking action.
Hire trained professionals for trenchless pipe relining or high-pressure jetting to fix issues without damage.
Avoid using makeshift tools or DIY chemical concoctions that could worsen the problem.
5. Neglecting Routine Drain Maintenance
Many drainage problems could be avoided altogether with regular maintenance. Unfortunately, many homeowners and businesses only think about their drains when an issue arises.
🚨 Why it’s costly:
Drain neglect leads to unexpected emergencies, often requiring expensive after-hours services.
Built-up debris and grease can cause slow drainage, backups, and costly pipe damage.
Poor drainage can lead to foundation damage, water pooling, and flooding risks.
Ignoring routine maintenance can result in expensive full-system replacements that could have been avoided.
✅ How to avoid it:
Schedule regular CCTV inspections to catch potential problems early.
Implement a preventative maintenance plan with periodic drain cleaning services.
Ensure gutters, stormwater drains, and downpipes are clear and functioning properly to prevent overflow and property damage.
Keep a log of past drain maintenance to track patterns and identify areas that need attention.
Final Thoughts: Proactive Drain Care Saves You Money
Avoiding these five costly mistakes can save you thousands of dollars in repairs and keep your drainage system functioning smoothly. Regular maintenance, proper drain use, and professional inspections will help you avoid blockages, pipe damage, and emergency callouts.
At Pipe Doctor, we specialise in drain inspections, high-pressure cleaning, trenchless repairs, and preventative maintenance to ensure your drainage system stays in peak condition.
📅 Need expert drainage solutions? Contact Pipe Doctor today to schedule an inspection or consultation. Don’t wait for a costly drain emergency—let us help you keep your pipes flowing smoothly!
When you have a drainage disaster, you can count on us to get you back up and running.
“Knock, Knock, Pipe Doctor” 1300 747 337
