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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    Great experience - notified me when they were coming and knew exactly how to fix a difficult problem in lightning time.
    The Crack Avatar
    The Crack
    4/23/2024
    I have been using Doherty Plumbing Solutions for a few years now and I have always found them to be great value and relieable.
    Andrew Radford Avatar
    Andrew Radford
    9/08/2025
    Came same day as I called to fix broken tap that couldn’t be turned off (had to turn water off at mains to stop flooding). Third time I’ve used them within 12 months for different issues. Very helpful, professional staff and reasonable pricing. Highly recommended.
    Garry & Wendy Grinsted Avatar
    Garry & Wendy Grinsted
    4/23/2024
    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
    Quick and efficient. The work was done as quoted and unlike many tradies they turned up when they said they would. Very happy with there work.
    Tony G Avatar
    Tony G
    12/13/2024
    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
    Arrived at the scheduled time, completed the work professionally and in a timely manner, and to our complete satisfaction, as has always been the case in the past. Staff are always polite and skilled.
    Roger Wilson Avatar
    Roger Wilson
    10/13/2024
    George came; did my work quietly and respectfully. Noted a problem (big gaping crack in the pipe under the bench), and asked if we would like to change it. No pressure applied, and just added it to his list when I gave the go ahead. Would use this company again and again.
    Kath Edney Avatar
    Kath Edney
    3/30/2024
    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
    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
    For reliable plumbing services, call 03 9877 5775 or 0417 577 432