Winter in Melbourne means wetter weather, falling leaves, and colder mornings — and it also means your plumbing system is working harder than usual. At Evans Plumbing, we often see an increase in blocked drain call-outs during the cooler months. The good news? A few simple steps can help you avoid a nasty blockage this winter.

Here are our top 3 tips:

1. Keep Gutters and Downpipes Clear

Leaves, dirt, and debris can build up in gutters and downpipes during autumn, leading to blockages that affect your stormwater system. Regularly clearing gutters — or installing gutter guards — can prevent water from backing up and entering places it shouldn’t.

2. Avoid Pouring Oils and Fats Down the Sink

It’s tempting to pour cooking fat down the drain when it’s cold outside, but once it cools, it solidifies — causing nasty build-ups inside your pipes. Instead, let fat solidify in a container and dispose of it in the bin. Your kitchen drain will thank you.

3. Check Outdoor Drains for Blockages

Outdoor grates and drains often get covered with leaves, mulch, and garden waste. Before a big downpour, check that these areas are clear so that stormwater can drain away quickly. A blocked outdoor drain can easily lead to backyard flooding or worse — water entering your home.

Stay Ahead of Drain Blockages

If you’re already noticing slow drains, gurgling sounds, or bad smells — don’t wait. It’s always easier (and cheaper) to deal with small issues before they become big ones.

For expert drain cleaning or to unblock a drain fast, give us a call. We’re based in Pascoe Vale and service the entire Merri-bek area.