When it comes to drainage issues, we know from experience that prevention is always better than cure. Blocked drains can not only cause a big inconvenience, but they can also lead to severe drainage and plumbing emergencies that are very costly to fix.
Whether youâre noticing a foul smell drifting from a plughole or are experiencing the dreaded slow-draining sink, a blocked drain can be a nightmare to deal with. What starts as a small issue can quickly become a major problem. Drain clog prevention is therefore essential.
Thatâs why weâve compiled this comprehensive list of how to avoid blocked drains and ensure drain blockage prevention for maximum convenience and safety.
Read our 7 effective methods for how to stop drains from getting blocked below.
7 Effective Methods for Drain Blockage Prevention
- Collect your used cooking oil
Cooking oil and cooking fat are enemies to your drainage system. Often, people will pour used oil down the drain after cooking for convenience. This is a bad idea because the oil or fat will solidify further down the drain and become a grease trap. Any debris that makes it down the drain will then stick to this lump and cause blocked pipes. Keep an old can on the side of your kitchen sink to collect used cooking grease in and then dispose of it in your rubbish once full.
- Never wash coffee grounds down the drains
Coffee grounds do not break down in water. When poured down your sink, they will clump together and become compacted over time, building up to create a solid blockage in your pipe that is very hard to get rid of. Make sure to scoop them out into the bin or onto your compost heap.
- Invest in enzyme cleaning sticks
Enzyme sticks are natural cleaning products that are especially designed to digest fat and grease in kitchen sinks and sopay residue in bathroom sinks and plugholes. These sticks are very effective in preventing blockages and build-ups in your pipes and keeping your drains odour free. All you need to do is drop one in your plughole once a month and leave it to work. Enzyme sticks are easy to buy from any home or DIY shop.
- Pour soda and vinegar down your drain
The bicarbonate of soda and vinegar combination makes for a good drain cleaner that is also effective at getting rid of bad smells. If you notice a bad odour drifting from your plughole, try this method. Just pour a cup of bicarbonate of soda down your sink, followed by distilled vinegar. Leaving it for around 30 minutes means the foam can do its job to dissolve anything stuck on your pipes. Follow it with boiling water to wash the rest away. You shouldnât use this method if you have a solid blockage as the foam can overflow in your sink or drain, bringing toxic things with it.
- Invest in quality plughole protectors for all of your sinks
Plughole protectors are a fantastic tool to invest in when youâre looking at how to stop drain blockages. You can get these plug protectors for shower drains and bathroom sinks to prevent the build-up of clogged hair and soaps. They also work very well in your kitchen sink to catch any food waste. Simply place them over your plug and empty whateverâs caught in it into your bin then put it back.
- Never flush sanitary products or nappies down the toilet
When items that canât be properly flushed are flushed down the toilet, this is a big problem. Sanitary products and nappies are the most common offenders. These cannot properly pass through your plumbing system and will cause blocked drains. Excessive amounts of toilet paper can also do this.
- Get a free CCTV drain survey
CCTV drain surveys are one of the most effective ways to prevent your drains from getting blocked. This is because the high-tech method can map out your whole drainage system, identifying any weaknesses in the pipes or small build-ups that will lead to serious blockages. Itâs completely non-invasive and involves a drainage expert pushing a tiny camera through your pipes to get a clear picture of whatâs going on. With our free CCTV drain surveys, we also offer free, no-obligation quotes on any repair work needed. Find out more about CCTV drain surveys.
Did you know that ž of blocked drains are caused by things being put down the drains that do not belong there? As a general rule, avoid putting anything down the drain that could go in the bin. Read more on drain cleaning and maintenance as well as our top tips on how to unblock a drain at home.
Flush Your Drainage Problems Away With BlockBusters
When it comes to seriously blocked drains, we know the stress and havoc they can cause. If you find that youâve got a slow-draining sink, a foul smell from your drains, or a blocked toilet thatâs not going away, itâs best to get the experts in.
Our drainage engineers deal daily with residential and commercial clients, providing expert repairs and drainage works that get you back up and running in the fastest time with the least disruptive methods.
We have decades of experience in dealing with all kinds of drainage problems and provide fast fixes for low costs – with no compromise on quality. When you get one of our highly skilled drainage engineers in, you get exceptional customer service and a reliable, long-lasting fix.
For drain unblocking that lasts, call in BlockBusters.
Contact the team