Many drain blockages are caused by a collection of solids over time like hair, soap scum, grease, food waste and more. It’s easy to avoid them with some simple home maintenance. 

Never put anything down a drain that doesn’t belong there like sanitary products, foreign objects or food scraps. These can cause blockages that can be costly to fix. 

1. Don’t overload your sink 

Blocked drains can create foul odours, water damage and health hazards. That’s why it is important to spot early signs of clogged drains and take the necessary steps to prevent them. 

Many household blockages are caused by items that shouldn’t have gone down the drain. This includes food scraps, wet wipes, cotton pads and sanitary products (even those labelled as “flushable”). 

Always use a basket strainer plug in the sink to catch hair and other solid debris. Also, wipe greasy pans with paper before washing them and pour grease into a can to dispose of. Also, avoid planting trees near your drains as roots may infiltrate the pipes. 

2. Don’t put hair down the drain 

Hair does not mix well with drains and it does not degrade, so it is a big cause of blockages in showers. If you want to reduce the amount of hair that ends up in your drain, consider buying a mesh hair trap or brushing your hair before you shower. 

If you are looking for something that can help with a blocked drain, there are natural cleaners that are available to purchase that have a fizzing effect on drain blockages and break them apart. It is also important to have your pipes and drains installed correctly to avoid problems later on. This will prevent them from becoming clogged and reduce the risk of water leaking into your home. If you are concerned about your pipe work, a licensed plumber can give you some on-the-spot recommendations. 

3. Don’t use too much soap 

When you put too much soap down your drains, it can build up and form a thick layer on the walls of the pipe. This causes water to take longer than usual to drain and it can also cause foul odours. 

Foul odours that emanate from your sink are one of the first warning signs that you have a blocked drain. If you ignore this symptom for too long, it may lead to a complete blockage which can result in standing water in your home. 

If the odour persists and you’ve tried to clear the drain by hand, it may be time to call in your local plumber. They’ll have the right tools and experience to deal with this problem quickly. They’ll also be able to advise you on how to avoid blocking your drains in the future.

4. Don’t pour oil or grease down the drain 

Blocked drains are more than just disgusting, they can also create a health hazard, slow water flow and even cause structural damage. This is why it is so important to prevent them from forming in the first place by following these and other simple plumbing maintenance tips. 

Grease may seem liquid enough when poured down the drain, but it cools and solidifies in your pipes over time, coating the walls with a thick layer of gunk that limits water flow, just like cholesterol coats arteries. While some people attempt to use boiling water to solve this problem, this merely carries the grease further down the pipes where it can congeal in an even harder-to-reach spot. 

Using sink strainers and taking regular care of your pipes are effective ways to keep them clear, but some blockages will require the help of a professional. This is especially true for tree roots, which can infiltrate your sewer pipes and cause major problems. You will need professional help to unclog these types of blockages. Sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/blocked-drains-melbourne/ have a ton of information on plumbing services.

5. Don’t flush anything down the toilet 

Many of the things people flush down their toilets cause blockages. Paper towels, wet wipes (even those labelled “flushable”), and tissues all absorb water, causing them to expand in pipes and clog. 

Fats, oils and grease aren’t meant to be washed down the drain either. Grease coats the inside of pipes and limits their flow, leading to smelly, clogged drains. 

Pills are another no-no – even though they may technically “flush,” they can stick to pipes and block them. Instead, put your pills in the garbage or compost, not the drain.