7 Tips to Prevent Blocked Drains

There's more to a blocked drain than just the mere inconvenience of it all. They also lead to standing water, bad smells and damage to your plumbing system. The best way to avoid the hassle of expensive repairs is to prevent blocked drains before they become a problem.

Many common everyday habits, like emptying cooking oil or scraping food scraps down the kitchen sink, may seem innocuous but can cause stubborn drain blockages. However, making small changes lets you keep your drainage system flowing freely, lowers the risk of clogged drains and maintains healthy sewer pipes.

These seven simple tips to prevent clogged drains will keep your drains clear and trouble-free.

1. Don’t Pour Cooking Oil Down the Sink

Now, you might think that pouring used grease or cooking oil down the kitchen sink is harmless. However, it’s actually one of the most common causes of blocked drains.

As the oil cools inside your pipes, it solidifies and traps food particles, soap scum and other debris. In doing so, it causes severe clogs in your plumbing system. Instead of pouring used cooking oil down the sink:

• Allow it to cool and dispose of it in a sealed container.
• Wipe greasy pans with a paper towel before washing them.
• Use a drain strainer to catch small food scraps.

These helpful tips will keep your kitchen drain clear and prevent expensive repairs.

2. Use a Drain Strainer to Catch Debris

Speaking of drain strainers, they’re a simple way to prevent blocked drains by catching food scraps, soap scum and other debris before they escape into your drain pipes.

Without a strainer placed on top of the kitchen sink or shower drain, large debris, hair and food particles can accumulate and cause stubborn blockages. Clean out your strainer regularly to ensure water flows properly and your plumbing system is in top condition.

This small change will prevent expensive repairs and keep your drainage system running smoothly for as long as possible.

3. Only Flush “The 3 Ps” Down the Loo

We all use the toilet; it’s just a natural human function. So it’s important to remember that there are only three things you should be flushing down the loo. We call them “The 3 Ps”:

• Poo
• Pee
• (Toilet) Paper

Anything other than the above three can cause serious drain blockages that require expensive repairs. Items like sanitary products, wet wipes and cotton buds don’t break down easily. They can clog up your sewer pipes which, in turn, causes backups in your entire sewer system. Even products labelled “flushable” can cause a stubborn blockage.

To keep your drainage system flowing freely always dispose of anything that doesn’t fall into the “3 Ps” category directly into the bin.

4. Don’t Pour Food Waste Down the Sink

We know that cooking oils are a kitchen sink drain’s worst enemy. As it turns out, food waste is no better.

Scraping food scraps, coffee grounds, egg shells and other debris down the kitchen sink can also quickly lead to clogged drains. They build up inside your drain pipes causing a stubborn blockage that stops water from flowing properly. Even small bits of food scraps can mix with grease and soap scum, making the problem significantly worse.

Once you’ve finished your dinner, the best thing to do is to scrape your plate into the bin and use a drain strainer to catch other debris. Proper food waste disposal will keep your plumbing system clear and prevent expensive, avoidable repairs.

5. Use Natural Remedies to Clear Drains

One of the most effective ways to avoid drain blockages, whether minor or severe, is to keep them clear through regular maintenance. For this, you’re better off using natural cleaning remedies rather than harsh, drain pipe-damaging chemicals. Many of these natural cleaning items are very likely already in your kitchen!

Try these simple methods once a week:

• Baking soda & white vinegar – Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain followed by white vinegar. Let it fizz for 15 minutes then rinse with hot water.
• Boiling water – Pour boiling water down the sink drain weekly to clear grease and soap scum.
• Lemon juice – Cuts through grease and keeps the kitchen drain smelling fresh.

Using these DIY methods regularly prevents blocked drains, so water flows properly and your plumbing system stays in top shape.

6. Keep Tree Roots Away from Storm Drains

Tree roots are a common cause of blocked drains as they seek moisture and can grow into cracks in sewer pipes.

Once they break through into your pipes, they create a stubborn blockage that affects your whole sewer system. To prevent blocked drains, avoid planting trees near sewer lines and check where any underground drain pipes run before landscaping.

If you think tree roots are causing the problem, a licensed plumber will have the technology to inspect your drainage system and clear any blockages. Regular maintenance and planting wisely will keep your drains flowing and prevent plumbing headaches.

7. Book a Licensed Plumber to Prevent Clogged Drains

A licensed plumber can help you to prevent blocked drains and keep your plumbing system in top condition.

Over time, grease, soap scum, food waste, and other debris build up in drain pipes. In the event of a stubborn, severe clog, a basic DIY fix is unlikely to clear the blockage. A licensed plumber has the right tools, like a drain snake, to safely clear drain blockages and get water flowing properly. Regular maintenance will also detect hidden problems like cracked sewer pipes or tree roots before they become major issues.

Booking a professional cleaning keeps your drainage system clear. It’s the safest way to avoid expensive repairs and plumbing disasters.

What Happens When a Drain Gets Blocked?

With all these ways to prevent blocked drains, it’s worth understanding what happens if you neglect them. Here’s what you might experience:

• Standing water – Water won’t drain properly, leading to pooling in sinks, showers, or bathtubs.
• Bad smells – Trapped food waste, grease, and other debris can cause unpleasant odours.
• Toilet and sink backups – A serious blockage can push wastewater back up into your fixtures.
• Increased pressure in pipes – This can cause leaks or even pipe bursts.
• Multiple drains clogging at once – If the whole sewer system is affected, several fixtures may back up at the same time.

If common DIY methods don’t clear the blockage, a licensed plumber is the best solution to get your plumbing system flowing again.

Keep Your Drains Flowing Smoothly

A few simple steps to prevent blocked drains will save you expensive repairs and plumbing stress.

Don’t wash used cooking oil, food waste, or other debris down the sink drain. Always use a drain strainer and only flush the 3 Ps down the toilet. Regular use of natural remedies like baking soda, white vinegar and boiling water will break down minor clogs before they become major problems. If you ever get a serious blockage then professional drain cleaning services will keep your drainage system in top shape.

With these helpful tips, your pipes will stay clear and water will flow all year round.

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