A blocked or slow-draining sink is one of the most frustrating household problems, and if left unchecked, it can lead to costly repairs. From kitchen sinks to bathroom drains, keeping your pipes clear is essential to maintaining a clean and efficient home.
Fortunately, with a few simple habits and preventative measures, you can keep your drains clean and clog-free. Below, we’ve compiled ten essential tips to help you maintain healthy pipes and avoid unnecessary plumbing disasters.
1. Be Mindful of What Goes Down the Drain
One of the biggest causes of drain blockages is allowing the wrong substances to go down the sink. Grease, food scraps, coffee grounds, and even soap residue can build up over time, leading to stubborn clogs.
What to Avoid Pouring Down the Drain:
Cooking oils and fats
Starchy foods like rice and pasta
Coffee grounds
Eggshells
Household wipes (even those labelled as “flushable”)
Instead, dispose of food waste properly in a bin or compost, and pour used cooking oil into a container before throwing it away.
2. Use Drain Screens and Catchers
A simple yet effective solution is to install drain screens or strainers in your sinks, showers, and bathtubs. These handy gadgets catch hair, food debris, and other particles, preventing them from entering your pipes and causing blockages.
Make sure to clean the drain catchers regularly to keep water flowing smoothly.
3. Flush Drains with Hot Water Regularly
Pouring hot water down the drain once a week can help break down soap scum, grease, and other residue before they cause a problem.
For best results:
- In kitchen sinks, use boiling water to dissolve grease and food particles.
- In bathroom sinks and showers, hot (but not boiling) water is better for breaking down soap and hair build-up.
Warning: Never pour boiling water down PVC pipes, as it can soften and damage them.
4. Avoid Pouring Grease and Oil Down the Drain
Grease is one of the biggest culprits behind clogged kitchen sinks. While it may look like a harmless liquid when hot, grease solidifies as it cools, coating the inside of your pipes and leading to severe blockages.
Better Disposal Methods:
Let grease cool and scrape it into a container before binning it.
Wipe greasy pans with a paper towel before washing them.
5. Clean Drains with Baking Soda and Vinegar
If your drains are starting to smell bad or drain slowly, a natural cleaning solution of baking soda and vinegar can help.
How to Use It:
Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain.
Follow with one cup of white vinegar.
Let it fizz and sit for 15-30 minutes.
Flush with hot water to clear away debris.
This method is great for removing odours and minor clogs without using harsh chemicals.
6. Use Boiling Water for Simple Clog Prevention
For an easy, weekly maintenance routine, pour a kettle of boiling water down your drain.
Helps dissolve grease, soap scum, and other residue.
Prevents small blockages from becoming major issues.
Caution: Only use boiling water on metal pipes, not PVC or plastic ones.
7. Keep Hair and Soap Scum Out of Bathroom Drains
Hair and soap scum quickly clog up showers and bathroom sinks. To prevent this:
Brush your hair before showering to remove loose strands.
Use a drain catcher to trap hair.
Avoid washing large amounts of soap scum or product residue down the sink.
Regularly removing caught hair from drain strainers will save you from costly plumbing issues.
8. Be Cautious with Chemical Drain Cleaners
While chemical drain cleaners promise to dissolve clogs quickly, they contain harsh substances that can corrode your pipes over time. Overuse can lead to pipe damage and leaks, making the problem worse.
Better Alternatives:
Use enzymatic drain cleaners, which contain natural bacteria that break down organic material.
Try the baking soda and vinegar method mentioned earlier.
Only use commercial drain cleaners as a last resort, and always follow safety instructions.
9. Regularly Clean Your Garbage Disposal
If you have a kitchen garbage disposal, food particles and grease can build up, leading to bad odours and blockages.
How to Clean Your Garbage Disposal Naturally:
Drop ice cubes and a handful of rock salt into the disposal.
Run the disposal to scrub the blades.
Add a few slices of lemon or orange peel for a fresh scent.
Doing this once a week prevents build-up and keeps your disposal working efficiently.
10. Schedule Routine Professional Drain Inspections
Even with the best maintenance, professional drain inspections are essential to catch potential issues early. Plumbers use special cameras and tools to identify hidden problems like:
Deep clogs
Pipe corrosion
Tree root intrusion
Consider scheduling a professional drain cleaning once a year to keep your plumbing in top condition.
By following these ten essential tips, you can keep your drains running smoothly and avoid costly repairs. A little prevention goes a long way!
Be mindful of what goes down your drains.
Use natural cleaners like baking soda and vinegar.
Install drain catchers to prevent clogs.
Flush with hot water weekly.
Get professional inspections when needed.
Do you have any tried-and-tested drain cleaning tips? Share them in the comments below!