A blocked drain is one of the most common plumbing calls we receive, and it is also one of the most preventable. Kitchen grease, hair, soap residue and the wrong items in the toilet build up slowly inside pipes until one day the water simply stops going down.
With a few simple habits you can keep your drains clear for much longer, and recognise the early warning signs before a slow drain becomes a complete blockage.
In the kitchen
Keep fats, oils and grease out of the sink
Hot cooking oil looks harmless when it is liquid, but it cools and hardens inside the pipe, catching food particles as it goes. Let oil and fat cool in the pan, then wipe it out with paper and put it in the bin before washing up.
Scrape plates before washing
Rice, food scraps, tea leaves and coffee grounds are a major cause of kitchen blockages. Scrape plates into the bin and use a sink strainer to catch what is left.
Flush with hot water regularly
Once a week, run hot water down the kitchen sink for a minute or two after washing up. It helps move along any light grease before it has a chance to settle.
In the bathroom
Catch hair at the source
Hair combines with soap scum to form stubborn clogs in shower and basin drains. A simple hair catcher over the drain is the most effective prevention there is — empty it after each use.
Only flush what belongs in a toilet
Wet wipes, cotton buds, sanitary products and paper towels do not break down like toilet paper. Even wipes labelled “flushable” can cause blockages further down the line. Keep a small bin in the bathroom instead.
Keep floor traps topped up
Floor traps in bathrooms and balconies rely on a small amount of standing water to block sewer smells. In rooms that are rarely used, that water evaporates. Pour a jug of water into these traps every week or two.
Why we do not recommend chemical drain cleaners
Strong chemical cleaners may open a small channel through a blockage, but they rarely remove the grease or debris that caused it. With frequent use they can damage older pipes and seals — and they make the job hazardous for whoever opens the trap afterwards. Mechanical clearing with the right tools is safer and lasts longer.
Early warning signs to watch for
- Water draining more slowly than usual from a sink, basin or shower.
- Gurgling sounds from plugholes or floor traps.
- Unpleasant smells coming from drains.
- Water rising in one fixture when another one is used.
- The same drain blocking again soon after it was cleared.
If you notice any of these, it is worth dealing with the drain before it blocks completely. Repeated blockages usually point to an underlying issue such as poor pipe fall, a damaged section or a missing vent.
When to call a plumber
Call for help if a plunger does not clear the problem, if more than one fixture is affected, or if sewage smells or backs up. These signs suggest the blockage is further down the line or that the drain itself needs repair.
Dripfix HUB clears drains mechanically, tests every connected fixture and explains what caused the blockage. Read more about our drain cleaning and unblocking service or book a visit.