Spring Cleaning Clogged Drains

Water pit retention – Blackburn South

The Doherty Plumbing crew recently attended a local school property, after there were reports of water being retained in the surface pit and not draining properly in the small courtyard of the play area.

Our licensed plumber accessed the surface pit and found that the pump was clogged with dirt and plastic rubbish.

We were promptly at work, helping to install a metal covering under the surface pit lid to prevent tree matter and rubbish blocking up the submerged pump. It was now ready for the change of season!

Blocked kitchen sink – Plumbing in Malvern

A customer called our office recently requesting assistance with a blocked kitchen sink, and water pooling beneath their dishwasher unit.

A closer inspection of the kitchen sink’s 50mm waste pipe and water tests by our plumbing professional revealed a blockage downstream.

We needed to use a flex shaft to clear the waste pipe of all debris, and the waste fittings were subsequently reinstated waste fittings with new trap seals.

The sink waste connection was water tested once more, and no leaks found. The wastewater was flowing well, and the dishwasher was draining freely as well.

spring cleaning clogged drains

When do you need spring cleaning of drains? Signs to look out for…

With Spring in the air, and as we eagerly wait for the warm weather to sweep across Australia, it is time to get a professional decluttering of the drains around the property.

Check out for these five warning signs that indicate a need for a thorough seasonal cleaning:

1) Clogged sink drain

Slow draining sink pipelines or dishwashers, coupled with unpleasant odours, are a tell-tale clue that there is blockage. Most commonly, overload of solidified food scraps and grease is the culprit, which need to be cleared off immediately. These clogs could extend all the way into the main pipes outside the house, which help drain the dirty water to the sewer system.

2) Shower/Bathroom drains

Similar to clogged sinks in the kitchen, slow draining shower and bathroom drains could be another warning sign.

3) Toilets and septic tanks

Clogged pipes in the toilets or septic tanks could be disastrous if not dealt with quickly, as the sewer waste and dirty water could start backing up with due to the obstruction.

4) Low water pressure

Low pressure of water, ideally evident from the water flow reduced to a trickle when taps are turned on, indicate there is a clogged pipeline that needs urgent attention. These blockages could be due to corrosion or materials depositing inside the pipes.

5) Blocked gutter systems

Be it downspouts or roof gutters, organic debris can wreak havoc if they accumulate along the pipework over a long period of time. These should be cleaned at least twice a year, especially during the change of the weather cycle such as Spring.

How can Doherty Plumbing Solutions help?

If you are unsure where to start with the seasonal spring cleaning of the drainage network around your property, reach out to Doherty Plumbing Solutions – your clogged drains experts in Melbourne.

Our team of licensed plumbers will discuss with you the most affordable and practical solutions to the blocked drain problem, including regular cleaning and maintenance throughout the year.

Check out our Melbourne plumbing service locations here – https://www.dohertyplumbingsolutions.com.au/areas.html

Our full range of drainage plumbing services can be found here – https://www.dohertyplumbingsolutions.com.au/blocked-drains-melbourne.html

To discuss how we can assist you to find a long-term solution, contact the friendly team at Doherty Plumbing Solutions today:

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    Tim arrived on time and quickly and efficiently got to the work needed - snaking out a blocked storm outlet. All working now like it should and as I hoped. Great service from Doherty’s!
    Mark Coffey Avatar
    Mark Coffey
    8/12/2025
    Brian Doherty and his team provided first class service for several gas/electric requirements we had. The plumbing staff were excellent, fully capable, and very easy to work with. Most highly recommended service.
    PJB Avatar
    PJB
    9/13/2024
    Always reliable and responsive we have used them on multiple tasks.Matt installed a modem toilet onto a vintage drain without difficulty. I have recommended them to my friends
    John Moore Avatar
    John Moore
    7/13/2024
    Super quick diagnosis and service from the crew at Doherty’s Plumbing. The plumber who attended was really friendly and helpful. Highly recommend 😉
    Peggy Couper-Woods Avatar
    Peggy Couper-Woods
    10/21/2025
    Doherty plumbing work was excellent. Very responsive, arrived on time and fixed the issue quickly. Brian and his crew kept me informed at every step and I could not be happier with the end result.
    Anne-Marie Cook Avatar
    Anne-Marie Cook
    1/13/2025
    Doherty Plumbing have been our plumbers at Paris Financial for many years. They are reliable, respective of our team and reasonably priced. I highly recommend them
    Patrick Mannix Avatar
    Patrick Mannix
    9/30/2025
    Very quick response, great communication throughout and George was exceptionally courteous and helpful in finding a solution to my roof leak problem.
    Mandy Purcell Avatar
    Mandy Purcell
    9/25/2025
    The team at Doherty Plumbing provided exceptional services at very short notice to fix my hot water system. Their quote was very fair and honest quote where other plumbers were charging extortionate amounts for the same problem. They were able to fix the issue within the day and communicated very well. I highly recommend their services.
    Laura Avatar
    Laura
    11/06/2025
    James was professional and knowledgeable. He explained my shower leaking issues as I was not able to attend myself. The plumbing work was completed promptly. And I was advised next steps with Tiler to make water proof. Very helpful and would definitely recommend to my family & friends.
    Fay Avatar
    Fay
    11/21/2025
    I rang them early morning & they arrived on the same day. They found the leak which was under the house, fixed it promptly. The plumber was helpful & friendly, communicated well. I'll use them again.
    Elizabeth Avatar
    Elizabeth
    8/13/2024
    For reliable plumbing services, call 03 9877 5775 or 0417 577 432