Drains are out of sight and mind… until something goes wrong.
A backed-up sink or a toilet that refuses to flush is always unexpected, and for most of us, comes at the worst time.
They can lead to unpleasant smells, expensive repairs, and even flooding.
And knowing how to prevent drain blockages before they start will help you stay clear of problems and keep your family safe from expensive problems.
What Causes Drain Blockages
Drain blockages simply happen when something inside your drains stops water from flowing through as it should.
This can be caused by everyday substances like cooking fats and oils hardening as they cool, pieces of food sticking together, or any old objects that shouldn’t have gone down the drain in the first place.
Outside the home, leaves commonly find their way into a drainage system and block it.
And larger problems like damaged pipes or tree roots can make problems worse.
Common Household and Commercial Causes
Most people don’t realise just how many things end up going down their drains.
In the kitchen, leftover grease, oil, coffee grounds, and bits of food can quickly create stubborn drain blockages.
Whereas in the bathroom, hair, soap, wet wipes, and cotton buds often cause issues.
Outside, leaves and other debris can build up, adding to the problem.
And it’s not just houses that have these problems.
Shops, restaurants, cafes, and pubs are a few common businesses that deal with the same problems – on a bigger scale.
Imagine how often a busy restaurant’s kitchen sink has to handle grease and bits of food, or how a large office building’s toilets must cope with so much use.
Since commercial drains get more use in a single day than some homes do in a week, they need proper care to keep water flowing freely and to avoid unexpected expenses.
In a commercial building, you want to focus on putting systems in place to stop waste and debris getting into your pipes, such as grease traps. At home, you simply want to be more careful with what goes down your kitchen sink.
Simple Everyday Habits to Keep Your Drains Clear
Consistent, good habits go a long way when you’re trying to prevent drain blockages.
For a start, scrape plates directly into the bin before washing up.
Even small bits of food can build up over time, so getting rid of them before they reach the sink is a wise move.
In the bathroom, it may be worth investing in a hair catcher or drain guard for your shower and/or sink to stop hair from going down the drain.
Or in a restaurant, a grease trap would be a smart move to avoid grease falling down the drain and hardening.
Make it a routine to pour boiling water down your kitchen sink once a week. This helps break down any grease before it hardens and therefore helps keep the inside of your pipes free of blockages.
These small steps might seem insignificant or too easy, but they can have a surprisingly bigger impact than you may think. After all, prevention is always better than the cure.
What Not to Put Down the Drain
The simplest way to avoid drain blockages is to think twice before putting anything down the drain.
Things like:
- Wet wipes
- Nappies
- Cotton buds
- Regular sanitary products
Should never go down the drain – and even when they’re labelled ‘flushable’, they can still cause problems.
As mentioned earlier, in the kitchen, fats, oils, and grease solidify as they cool, so it’s ideal to avoid putting these down the drains when you can.
And to name a couple more things that aren’t as obvious, avoid sending coffee grounds down the drain, and never tip leftover rice or pasta down the sink.
Fatbergs
Fatbergs are balls of congealed fat, oil, grease, and other debris that commonly form in drainage systems.
They are a growing problem in many towns and cities, and they commonly start with a small bit of grease.
Over time they catch hold of anything else you put down the sink and grow bigger and harder.
And so simply, the easiest way to prevent fatbergs is to keep grease, oil, and fats out of your drains.
Collect leftover fat in a container and dispose of it in the bin, and if in a restaurant, get a grease trap to stop grease going down the drain.
You can also use kitchen roll to wipe oily pans before washing them.
Regular Maintenance
Preventing drain blockages doesn’t end with what you don’t put down the drain.
Regular maintenance helps out a bunch, too.
You don’t need to be an expert plumber to keep an eye on how quickly water is draining from your sink or whether your shower plughole is starting to slow down.
But being wary can go a long way.
If you notice any change, then the earlier you can act on the problem, the better.
Using Strainers and Guards for Extra Protection
Strainers are simple, they’re fairly cheap tools that fit over the plughole to catch hair, food, and other common debris.
Think of them as the first line of defence.
Drain guards/hair catchers come in many shapes and sizes, so it’s easy to find one that suits what you need.
And if you empty or clean your strainers regularly, they can do a brilliant job of preventing drain blockages and saving you a lot of effort down the line.
Regularly Clearing Gutters and Outside Drains
It’s not just your indoor drains you need to think about.
Leaves, twigs, and dirt can quickly build up in outdoor drains and gutters, especially in autumn.
Keeping outside drains and gutters clear is a key step in preventing flooding.
Make a habit of checking and clearing them regularly.
Remove leaves from your gutters, and consider adding guards to stop things from getting in.
Keeping an Eye on Your Local Environment
Your home’s drains are part of a large system.
Heavy rainfall, for example, can flood your local drains with extra water and debris, increasing the risk of blockages.
By staying aware of what’s happening in your local environment, such as construction work, seasonal changes, or even changes in local waste collection schedules, you can predict problems.
For example, if you know leaves are falling in autumn, a quick outdoor drain check can prevent a build-up that leads to blockages.
The Impact of Blocked Drains on Your Home
Drain blockages are more than just annoying.
They can lead to damp, mould, and unpleasant smells, and even become a health hazard if sewage starts to back up.
In the worst-case scenarios, they can cause flooding inside your building, ruining carpets, furniture, electronics, and other equipment.
They can also damage your property’s foundations if left untreated.
Understanding these potential risks highlights just how important prevention really is.
It’s much easier to spend a little time stopping blockages than it is to fix these serious problems later on.
Preventing Drain Blockages in Older Properties
Older homes sometimes have older plumbing systems that are more vulnerable to drain blockages.
Such as narrower pipes, outdated materials, or a more complex drainage layout.
If you live in an older property it’s also even more important to be careful about what goes down your drains.
Regular maintenance and inspections are vital, and you might want to think about modern upgrades if your pipes are in poor condition.
Replacing old pipework can be a worthwhile investment that saves you money and hassle in the long run.
The Importance of Good Landscaping
If you have a garden, the way you landscape can help prevent drain blockages.
Tree roots can enter pipes through tiny cracks, growing inside and causing major problems.
And so, plant trees away from your drainage system to reduce this risk.
Keep soil and other materials away from outside drains, and think about adding drainage-friendly plants that help water soak into the ground rather than run straight into your drains.
Using the Right Cleaning Products
When it comes to cleaning your drains, not all products are created equal.
Harsh chemical cleaners might seem like a quick fix, but they can damage your pipes over time and may not be environmentally friendly.
Instead, try natural methods like a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, followed by hot water.
This simple, eco-friendly solution can help clear small blockages and freshen up your drains without causing harm.
If you do use a stronger cleaner, follow the instructions carefully and use it sparingly.
Investing in Professional Advice and Support
If you’re unsure about the best way to prevent drain blockages in your home, getting professional advice is a smart move.
Professionals can perform CCTV drain surveys, identify weak points in your drainage system, and suggest solutions.
A few tips from an expert could help you avoid expensive problems in the future.
And even if you don’t need immediate help, knowing who to call if things go wrong is reassuring.
Adapting to Changing Circumstances
Over time, your commercial building or home might change.
Perhaps more people move in to the office, or you start cooking more meals at home.
As these changes happen, think about how they affect your drains.
More people usually means more waste, and different cooking habits might mean more grease going into the sink.
So, the plan is, recognise these changes and then adjust your drain maintenance routine accordingly.
Summing Up the Importance of Prevention
Preventing drain blockages is all about staying aware, forming good habits, and acting quickly when you spot a problem.
By knowing what not to put down your drain, practising regular maintenance, using strainers, and keeping an eye on your environment, you can help ensure your drains stay clean and healthy.
And understanding the root causes gives you the knowledge to protect your home against expensive damage.
How Maintain Drains Can Help
If you’ve tried everything and you’re still facing stubborn drain blockages, or if you simply want professional advice on preventing them, the team at Maintain Drains are ready to help.
Simply, contact us today to get started.