Spring in Brisbane is a breath of fresh air, warmer days, blooming trees, and longer afternoons outdoors. But beneath the surface, this season also brings a wave of plumbing issues for households across Murarrie, Cannon Hill and Hemmant.
As rainfall picks up, gardens grow rapidly, and clay soils shift, your plumbing system is suddenly under more pressure than it was during winter. If your drains are slow, your yard is soggy, or you’re noticing strange smells from your sinks, spring might be the reason.
Below, we break down the most common spring plumbing issues in Brisbane, why they happen, and what you can do to stay ahead of them.
1. Spring Growth and Root Intrusion
In spring, Brisbane’s trees and shrubs enter a phase of explosive growth. While beautiful above ground, their roots start aggressively searching for water below.
Why roots target plumbing
- Roots naturally seek moisture
- Old clay and terracotta pipes (common in Murarrie, Cannon Hill and older Brisbane suburbs) develop tiny cracks
- Roots enter the cracks, thicken, and eventually fill the pipe
- Once inside, roots form a tight mat that traps toilet paper, wipes and food scraps
This is the number one reason we get recurring blocked drain call-outs in areas with established trees, especially in places like Murarrie’s older pockets or leafy Cannon Hill streets.
2. Debris and Blocked Outdoor Drains
Spring winds and storms wash a lot of debris into outdoor drains:
- Leaves
- Mulch and dirt
- Grass clippings
- Small sticks
- Even tiny stones and garden pebbles
After a big downpour, this buildup results in:
- Overflowing yard grates
- Gurgling stormwater drains
- Water pooling near patios or the house foundation
For homes in Hemmant with larger yards or properties on lower land, this issue becomes even more noticeable.
3. Heavy Spring Rain and Overworked Stormwater Systems
Spring rain can expose problems that went unnoticed all winter.
Common stormwater issues we see across Brisbane’s southside:
- Gutters blocked with winter debris
- Cracked or rusted downpipes
- Bad grading sending water toward the home instead of away
- Stormwater pits full of mud or roots
If water is spilling over gutters or pooling near your walls, your stormwater system needs attention before the next storm hits.
4. Grease Buildup From Winter Cooking
Winter means roasts, soups and hearty meals, and often more fats, oils and grease (FOG) down the kitchen sink.
In cold weather, grease solidifies fast.
Over time it sticks to the inside of pipes like plaque in an artery.
Come spring:
- Warmer temperatures loosen the buildup
- Debris catches onto it
- Your kitchen drain starts running slow or smelling unpleasant
We clear dozens of FOG-related blockages in Murarrie and Cannon Hill every September and October.
5. Clay Soil Movement Under Brisbane Homes
Much of Brisbane sits on reactive clay soil.
In spring:
- Rain causes rapid soil expansion
- Dry spells cause it to contract
- Pipes shift, sag or crack as a result
Once a pipe sags (a “belly”), debris collects there permanently, leading to recurring blockages until repaired or relined.
This problem is especially common in Hemmant and Murarrie where many original sewer lines were installed decades ago.
6. Leaks That Become More Noticeable in Spring
As temperatures rise and soil moisture changes, minor leaks become more obvious.
Signs include:
- Wet patches in the yard
- Mouldy smells indoors
- Constantly running water meter
- Higher water bills
Whether it’s an old copper pipe or a cracked stormwater line, spring is when hidden leaks reveal themselves.
What’s Really Blocking Drains in Brisbane Homes?
Across Murarrie, Cannon Hill and Hemmant, the most common causes of blocked drains are:
- Tree roots infiltrating sewer and stormwater pipes
- Grease, fats and oils solidifying inside kitchen drains
- Hair and soap scum in showers
- “Flushable” wipes that don’t break down
- Food scraps swelling in pipes
- Leaves and garden debris in outdoor drains
- Foreign objects (kids’ toys are a surprising favourite!)
- Collapsed or damaged pipes due to soil movement
Signs You Have a Blocked Drain
If you notice any of these, spring plumbing problems may already be underway:
- Slow draining sinks or showers
- Gurgling noises
- Rotten-egg smells
- Toilet water rising or bubbling
- Outdoor drain overflows
- Puddles in the yard even without rain
- Water backing up into other fixtures
Don’t wait for the situation to worsen, blockages escalate quickly in spring.
How to Prevent Spring Plumbing Issues
A few smart habits can save you stress (and money):
- Clear leaves from drains and gutters regularly
- Avoid pouring fats and oils down the sink
- Plant trees away from sewer lines
- Install root guards where needed
- Keep yard grading sloping away from the home
- Schedule pipe inspections if your home is older than 20 years
- Act early if drains start slowing down
Your Trusted Plumbing and Home Services in Murarrie
Spring can bring unexpected plumbing challenges, but SJK Collective is ready to help homeowners across Murarrie, Cannon Hill, and Hemmant keep their homes running smoothly. From routine repairs to more complex issues, our team handles blocked drains with CCTV inspections, stormwater and sewer repairs, hot water system servicing, leak detection and pipe relining, as well as full kitchen, bathroom, and laundry plumbing upgrades. We’re also available 24/7 for emergency plumbing, so you can have peace of mind no matter when a problem arises.
But plumbing is just part of what we do. To provide complete home support, SJK Collective also offers fully licensed electrical, gas fitting, and air conditioning services. So whether you need help with plumbing repairs in Murarrie, a gas appliance fix, or assistance with a gas leak in Cannon Hill, our skilled technicians ensure every job is completed safely, efficiently, and in line with Australian standards. With SJK Collective, you can rely on comprehensive, dependable service for your home or business across Brisbane’s southside.
More Than Just Plumbing in Murarrie
SJK Collective also supplies licensed electrical, gas fitting and air conditioning trades. Whether you need an electricia in Murarrie, a gas fitter in Cannon Hill, or air conditioning services in Hemmant, we’ve got Brisbane’s southside covered from top to bottom.
Call SJK Collective on 1300 789 728 for reliable plumbing, gas and drainage solutions across Murarrie, Cannon Hill and Hemmant.
