Blocked drains are avoidable in most cases. Here’s how to keep your home’s drainage
system running smoothly all year round.
Blocked drains are one of the most common and most preventable plumbing problems homeowners
face. A few simple habits can save you from an inconvenient, and sometimes costly, callout.
- Watch what goes down the kitchen sink Never pour cooking fat, oil, or grease down the drain. Let it cool and dispose of it in the bin instead. Use a sink strainer to catch food scraps before they enter the pipe.
- Be careful what you flush Toilets are only designed for human waste and toilet paper. Wipes (even
“flushable” ones), cotton buds, sanitary products, and nappies are leading causes of blocked drains and sewer backups. - Use drain guards in the bathroom A simple drain guard or hair catcher in the shower or bath can stop hair and soap residue from building up in the pipe over time.
- Flush drains regularly with hot water Once a week, running hot water down your kitchen and
bathroom drains helps break down grease and residue before it has a chance to solidify. - Keep an eye on outdoor drains and gutters Leaves, debris, and silt can block external drains, especially in autumn. Clear gutters and outdoor gullies regularly to prevent water backing up towards your property.
- Don’t ignore early warning signs Slow draining, gurgling sounds, or bad smells are all signs a blockage is starting to form. Dealing with it early is far easier (and cheaper) than waiting for a full blockage.
- Book in an annual drain check For older properties or homes with a history of blockages, a professional camera inspection or CCTV drain survey can catch developing problems before they become emergencies.
PipeGuard Plumbing offers professional drain clearing and CCTV drain surveys across London. Get ahead of blockages before they cause bigger problems.