A new year is the perfect time to reset routines, plan ahead and get your home running smoothly. While most people focus on organising the house, clearing the garage or booking health checks, one of the most important systems in your home is often ignored until something goes wrong.
Your drains work every day, quietly handling water, waste and storm runoff. Over time, they collect grease, soap residue, hair, food scraps, sediment and even tree roots. If you start the year with slow drains or hidden damage, it can quickly turn into backups, flooding and expensive emergency repairs.
At Turbo Plumbing Solutions, we see the same pattern every year. Problems that could have been solved with early maintenance end up becoming urgent callouts. This new year, your drains deserve the same attention you give the rest of your home.
Why New Year Is the Right Time to Maintain Your Drains
After the holiday season, your plumbing system has usually taken a hit. More guests, more cooking, more showers and summer storms can all push drains to their limit. Even if everything seems fine, this is when many blockages start building.
The start of the year is ideal because:
You can fix small problems before they worsen
You avoid the stress of emergency plumbing
You protect your home during Brisbane’s storm season
You can plan upgrades on your schedule instead of reacting to failures
A little proactive work in January often prevents major damage later in the year.
Signs Your Drains Need Attention
Many drain issues develop slowly. The earlier you catch them, the easier they are to resolve. Watch for these warning signs:
Slow draining sinks or showers
Gurgling noises in the pipes
Bad smells coming from drains
Water backing up in the bathroom or laundry
Overflowing outdoor drains during rainfall
Recurring blockages that keep returning
If you notice any of these issues, it is a sign that your system needs more than a quick fix.
The New Year Drain Maintenance Checklist
Here are practical steps homeowners in Brisbane Northside can take to start the year with healthy drains.
1. Book a Professional Drain Inspection
A professional inspection helps identify what is happening inside your drains, especially in older homes or properties with mature trees. This ensures you are not guessing and helps prevent repeat blockages.
CCTV drain inspections are particularly useful because they show:
The exact cause of blockages
Root intrusion or broken pipe sections
Cracks or misaligned joints
Build up that could cause future problems
Stormwater issues and pipe condition
Knowing the real issue allows for the right solution the first time.
2. Schedule Routine Drain Cleaning
Many drain issues are caused by gradual build up that homeowners do not see. Scheduling a routine clean helps prevent buildup from becoming a full blockage.
A professional clean is especially important for:
Kitchen drains with grease build up
Bathroom drains with hair and soap residue
Stormwater lines impacted by sand, silt or leaves
Homes with a history of blockages
Routine cleaning is often cheaper and far less disruptive than emergency work.
3. Protect Drains with Better Habits
Maintenance is not only about repairs. It is also about reducing what builds up in the first place.
A few habits that make a big difference:
Avoid tipping cooking oils and grease down the sink
Use a drain strainer in showers and kitchen sinks
Keep wipes, sanitary products and paper towels out of toilets
Space out laundry and dishwasher loads if drainage is slow
Clear outdoor drains and grates after storms
These small changes reduce the risk of blockages all year.
When Drain Replacement Is the Right Move
Maintenance will solve many issues, but sometimes replacement is the smartest long term option. If a pipe is collapsing, cracked, sagging or repeatedly blocked due to root intrusion, it may be time to upgrade.
Drain replacement may be needed if:
Blockages return frequently even after cleaning
CCTV inspections show damaged or collapsed sections
Roots have fractured joints and caused structural failure
Pipes are old clay lines that are deteriorating
Stormwater lines cannot handle rainfall without overflowing
Replacing the problem section now can prevent years of ongoing callouts and repeated costs.
Plan Your Plumbing Schedule for the Year
The best way to avoid drain surprises is to schedule proactive checks throughout the year, not only when something goes wrong.
A simple yearly plan could include:
Early year drain inspection and clean
Pre storm season check for stormwater drains
Mid year plumbing maintenance inspection
End of year hot water and pressure check
This approach spreads costs, reduces emergencies and helps your home stay reliable.
Servicing Brisbane Northside
Turbo Plumbing Solutions supports homeowners and businesses across Albany Creek, Brendale, Eatons Hill, Strathpine, Warner, North Lakes, Bridgeman Downs, Griffin, Aspley, Everton Park and surrounding suburbs. Our team understands the local conditions that impact drainage systems and we provide long term solutions that keep your plumbing working properly.
Start the Year with Clear Drains and Confidence
Your drains deserve more than a quick fix when they fail. A new year is the perfect time to inspect, maintain and plan upgrades before small issues turn into major problems.
We will be back in action by January 5!
In the meantime, you can still book our services online: https://www.turboplumbingsolutions.com.au/book
