One of the best ways to avoid getting a blocked drain is by being more aware of what you put down your drains. Avoiding the problem will save you a lot of time and money in the long run. 

Boiling water: Fill a kettle or pan and slowly pour down the drain in stages. Make sure to wait a few seconds in between each pour. This will clear minor clogs. 

Food Waste 

Nothing is worse than a blocked drain, especially when it happens during summer when you want to get out there and enjoy the sun! But there are easy ways to help prevent clogged drains. 

The first thing is to make sure that you put any food scraps into the bin, rather than the drain. Even things like coffee grounds and eggshells, which might seem harmless enough to wash down the drain, can actually cause blockages if they build up. 

Also, never pour any oil or grease down the drain. It might seem liquid while it is warm but when it cools down it will harden up and coat the inside of the pipes, causing blockages. 

You can also keep an empty tin can or cardboard box on the side of your kitchen sink to pour excess fats into and dispose of them in the bin. Finally, you should wash the drain with hot water every week, to clear out any trapped food particles. 

Hair 

Hair is one of the most common causes of blocked drains. It might not seem like a big deal to lose a few stray hairs down the drain while showering or washing your hair, but over time this can build up into large clumps that are incredibly difficult to clear. 

Using a shower cap or a sink strainer can be effective at preventing this issue. Additionally, brushing your hair before you wash it (and regularly cleaning it afterwards) will help to reduce the amount of loose hair that goes down your drains. 

It’s also a good idea to use a metal coat hanger (or similar tool) to fish out any clogs that may have formed. Be careful not to push the clog deeper into your pipe by jiggling too vigorously, however! This can cause damage to your pipes. This method can be a great alternative to chemical drain cleaners, which should only be used when necessary. 

Grease 

Fats, oils and grease (FOG) are the biggest culprits for clogged drains and pipes. They wash away easily when it’s warm, but when they cool they stick to the pipe walls and build up over time. Unless it is professionally disposed of, this can lead to the dreaded ‘fat blockage’ which needs professional drain clearing with chemicals or a high powered jet washer.

To avoid this, install a grease trap which will prevent these substances from entering the drain in the first place. If you do have to dispose of FOG, it is best to transfer it into a discarded can or jar and throw it away in the bin. Using a kitchen sink protector can also help to catch any FOG that is washed down the drain, helping to keep it to a minimum. If you do find yourself with a blocked drain, try pouring hot (but not boiling) water down the drain in two to three stages, letting the water work for a few seconds between each. This will help liquefy the grease and carry it away through the pipe. 

Sediment 

Blocked drains are a nightmarish problem – horrid smells, sewage water backup, expensive repair bills – but they’re also easily avoidable. Most blockages occur when solid and semi-solid items enter the drainage system and build up over time. So, it’s important to check what you’re flushing down the toilet (baby wipes, cotton wool and condoms seem harmless enough but should always be disposed of in the bin) and to take preventative measures. 

Placing a shower drain cover in your bathroom, ensuring a strainer is placed over kitchen sink pipes and pouring shop bought ‘unblocker’ treatments down the drains on a monthly basis are simple ways to upkeep your plumbing systems. It’s also recommended to get a plunger and a set of drainage rods for home use to deal with small blockages as soon as you spot them. This will save you money and stress in the long run! Invest in one now. You won’t regret it. 

If you do get blocked drains that cannot be fixed, it is important to reach out to a professional plumber. Sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/blocked-drains-melbourne/ have great resources on plumbing services.