Standing in a puddle every time you shower or breathing in a foul odour every time you enter the kitchen is a frustrating nightmare no one should have to deal with. The good news? Many plumbing issues can be avoided with the right habits. They say it takes up to a month to build a healthy habit, and when it comes to your plumbing system, these habits are essential to saving time, money, and headaches.
By taking proactive steps, you can extend the lifespan of your pipes, reduce the risk of major plumbing issues, and maintain a clean, hygienic home. Here are a few habits you can implement to keep your drains running in 2025.
Grease: The Silent Pipe Killer
We know how convenient it is to pour that oil or grease down your sink - but don’t do it! When grease and oil cool down, they solidify and stick to the inside of your pipes, creating stubborn blockages. Worse still, as food particles and other debris pass through, they latch onto the greasy buildup, forming massive clogs known as "fatbergs." These can be difficult—and expensive—to remove.
Habit: After cooking, allow grease or oil to cool and solidify. Once hardened, scrape it into an old jar or container and dispose of it in the bin. For small amounts, simply wipe the pan with a paper towel to absorb the excess before washing.
Strain The Blockage Pain With Strainers
Hair is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to a blocked shower drain. Over time, it accumulates, tangling with soap scum and other debris, leading to tough drain clogs. When it comes to your drains, the best invention to help protect your pipes is a drain protector.
Investing in a drain guard is an inexpensive way to safeguard your pipes, as it helps catch hair and other debris. This nifty tool isn’t just for your bathroom—it can also be used in your kitchen sink, catching food scraps, coffee grounds, and grease buildup that could otherwise cause stubborn clogs. Cover your drain with one of these, and you’ll be able to stop debris from entering your system, reducing build up and damage over time.
Habit: A good habit to incorporate into your shower routine is brushing your hair before stepping into the shower. This ensures that any loose hair ends up in your brush rather than your drain. For your kitchen, scrape food scraps off plates and into the bin before rinsing them in the sink. This helps prevent food particles, grease, and coffee grounds from washing down the drain and causing buildup over time.
Remember, Your Pipes Aren’t a Trash Can
Think before you flush should be your mini mantra every time you think of tossing that seemingly innocent item down your toilet. Contrary to popular belief, items such as baby wipes, cotton pads, condoms, dental floss and menstrual products are big no-nos when it comes to maintaining the health of your pipes.
On the odd chance you’ve ignored this advice, you might find that these non-flushable items accumulate in your pipes, leading to costly blockages. What’s worse, if these items do make its way through your plumbing system, it can end up at wastewater treatment plants where it can harm wildlife and the environment.
Habit: Think before you flush! Many everyday items, like wipes, cotton swabs, and paper towels, don’t break down properly and can cause costly plumbing issues. To prevent blockages, place a small bin next to your toilet, making it easy for you and your guests to dispose of non-flushable items responsibly. This simple habit helps protect your pipes, prevents sewer backups, and keeps your plumbing running smoothly.
Get To Know Your Plumbing System
Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your plumbing system. Knowing where the main drainage points are in your home is crucial for preventing and addressing plumbing issues. It helps you spot early warning signs of blockages, understand how wastewater flows through your property, and allows you to respond quickly in case of an emergency.
Speaking of warning signs, it’s important to know which parts of your plumbing system are susceptible to blockages. This allows them to take proactive steps to prevent clogs and costly repairs.
Habit: Make it a habit to do a monthly drainage inspection. Which parts of your home are suffering from slow drainage? Make sure to check under your sinks for any moisture, this could indicate a leak. Most importantly, test your shut off valve to ensure it’s working properly in case of emergencies.
Schedule Routine Drain Maintenance
One of the best habits for keeping your drains running smoothly is setting a regular schedule for drain maintenance. This proactive approach can help save you time, money and headaches in the long run.
While homeowners can handle specific maintenance tasks, such as checking for leaks, contacting a professional plumber offers numerous advantages. With expertise and the right tools at their disposal, a professional can address issues that you may have missed, such as using a CCTV drain camera to identify hidden blockages or tree root intrusion that could be causing recurring drainage problems.
Clearpath Drainage not only helps get your drains unblocked when it matters most, but also offers preventative maintenance that ensures your plumbing system operates at an optimal level.
Why Routine Maintenance Matters:
Prevents costly plumbing emergencies.
Reduces the risk of slow drains and unpleasant odours.
Helps spot small issues before they become major blockages.
Extends the lifespan of your plumbing system.
Ready to build better habits in 2025 for you and your plumbing system?
Get in touch with Clearpath Drainage for expert advice or fast, reliable 24/7 solutions to all your blocked drain issues
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