A blocked drain can be a real headache. It can cause unpleasant odours, backed-up sinks and even major flooding. You’ll usually need to call in a specialist to investigate the source of the blockage and remove it, so it can be expensive too.
So, it’s best to take preventative measures to avoid this kind of situation. The good news is that there are lots of easy ways you can maintain your drains at home, from clearing away fallen leaves to pouring hot water down the sink once a week. And of course, there’s booking an annual drainage service, which could save you a bundle in expensive repairs down the line.
Read on for our top DIY drain maintenance tips, so that you never have to worry about a blockage again.
1: Use Plug Hole Guards/Strainers
One of the simplest, cheapest yet most effective ways to keep drains clear is to use plug hole guards. Also known as drain guards, plug covers or strainers, these small devices sit in the plug hole and catch hair and soap scum. When used in kitchen sinks, it can also catch food.
All you have to do is empty the strainer when you’re finished using the bath, shower or sink – putting the contents in the bin.
This minimises the risk of debris clogging drains, all for the cost of just a few pounds per plug hole.
2: Avoid Putting Grease, Oil and Fats Down the Drain
Along with hair, oil and fat is one of the worst culprits for blocking drains. Your used cooking oil may be a runny liquid when you pour it down the drain, but it’ll solidify when it cools. This can block pipes, and in a worst-case scenario form a major blockage known as a ‘fatberg’.
So if you’re guilty of pouring oil, grease or fat down the sink, it’s time to change your ways. Pour it into a container instead, let it cool and solidify, and then throw it in the bin. Or better still, why not find out if your local authority has a scheme for recycling used cooking oil?
3: Try Natural Cleaning Solutions
If your water is taking longer than usual to drain away or you’re concerned about an odour coming from a drain, you might want to try a natural drain unblocking solution.
It’s really simple – just mix baking soda and vinegar together, and pour down the drain. It acts as a powerful drain cleaning solution, but without those nasty chemicals.
4: Pour Hot Water Down the Kitchen Sink Once a Week
Even if you avoid pouring cooking oil down the drains, some grease and oil may still find its way there – from food residue, for example. To make sure this washes away properly and doesn’t form a blockage, pour very hot water down the sink once a week.
5: Clear Away Fallen Leaves and Debris From Outside Drains
Your outside drain covers need some TLC too, as they’re easily blocked by fallen leaves and other garden debris. This problem is particularly noticeable in autumn and winter.
Just a few minutes sweeping up outside and clearing out the debris should do the trick.
6: Book in a regular drainage service and clean
We’ve covered lots of handy DIY tips here, but there are some occasions where it can pay to call in the professionals.
If you have an older house, your drainage system may need a little extra help to stay clean and unclogged. It could be worth booking in a drain service every year or so, to keep everything working as it should.