5 Everyday Habits That Help You Prevent a Blocked Drain

Blocked drains rarely come with a warning. One day everything’s flowing fine, the next you’re dealing with slow water, bad smells, or a full-blown blockage. While blocked drains are a common plumbing issue, they’re always frustrating and often headache-inducing, leaving you wondering how you got to this moment. 

We believe that prevention is often better than cure, and cultivating everyday habits can help you keep your plumbing system in good condition. Here are five everyday habits that can help you prevent a blocked drain: 

Habit 1: Give Plates a Quick Scrape Before Washing

Tossing food waste down your kitchen sink may seem more convenient, but it can cost you in the long run. Organic scapes don't break down easily in pipes, causing it to stick to the inside of your drains and eventually resulting in blockages. With nowhere to go, this waste eventually builds up and leads to a blocked drain. Unfortunately, a blocked drain is just the beginning, as decomposing food waste can also encourage bacteria to grow. Over time, this can damage your pipes, create lingering odours, and even lead to minor health issues such as an upset stomach.

A good idea is to remove any solid food waste off your plate before adding it to the dishwasher or washing it in the sink. Fish bones, rice, potatoes, coffee grounds, and eggshells are some of the most common food scraps people rinse down their sinks, so try and avoid doing the same. 

Habit 2: Think Twice Before Pouring Grease Down the Sink

Many people assume that because heated oil and grease are liquid, they can safely be poured down the drain. In reality, this couldn’t be further from the truth. When oil and grease cools down it eventually becomes solid, sitting in your pipes and leading to blockages. When you throw food waste into the mix, it can make matters worse, as organic debris can cling to your pipes and contribute to the formation of a fatberg. 

It may seem like an extra step, but allow grease and oil to cool down before getting rid of it in the bin. 

Habit 3: A Simple Strainer Can Save Your Drains

Slow-draining water in your shower can be a sign that hair, soap residue, and other debris are starting to build up in your pipes. Unfortunately, these elements are often unavoidable. Thankfully, modern technology allows you to enjoy the convenience of a drain strainer! This helps trap hair and organic residue before it travels down your pipes, and they’re easy to find at most local stores at an affordable price. This is also a good option for your kitchen sink! 

Habit 4: Flush Only What Belongs There

Don’t treat your toilet like a rubbish bin, as this can lead to unnecessary blockages.  When it comes to your toilet, keep the “three Ps” in mind: pee, poo, and (toilet) paper. Avoid flushing items such as wet wipes (even those labelled flushable), dental floss, sanitary products, cotton pads, paper towels, and tissues as these items have a difficult time breakdown, eventually leading to blockages. 

A simple habit is to have a bin near your toilet, disposing of non-flushable items in there to avoid plumbing problems. 

Get Your Pipes Checked Before Problems Start

One of the best habits you can have is taking proactive steps to safeguard your plumbing system. Regular maintenance and inspections can help catch small issues like slow-draining water, minor blockages, and early corrosion. Think of it like a health check-up for your plumbing system. A small investment now can help you save later. 

Preventing a blocked drain doesn’t have to be complicated. By cultivating good habits, you can help protect your pipes in the long run. This 

Whether you’re dealing with a plumbing emergency, a minor blockage, or looking for professional maintenance, Clearpath Drainage offers quality plumbing solutions to give you peace of mind and provide a worry-free home.