How to Maintain Your Drains

Most drain blockages build up gradually, which means most of them are preventable with a bit of regular maintenance rather than waiting for a full clog.

Watch what goes down kitchen drains

Grease and oil should never go down a kitchen sink — they solidify inside the pipe as they cool, and that buildup is one of the most common causes of kitchen drain blockages. Let fats cool and dispose of them in the bin instead.

Use drain guards

Simple mesh guards over bathroom and kitchen drains catch hair, food scraps, and other debris before they enter the pipe, and they’re one of the cheapest preventative measures available.

Flush with hot water regularly

Running hot water down drains periodically helps clear early-stage grease and soap scum build-up before it becomes a real blockage.

Be careful what goes down the toilet

Only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed. Wet wipes, cotton products, and other “flushable” items are a leading cause of blockages further down the line, even when packaging claims otherwise.

Address slow drains early

A drain that’s slower than usual is an early warning sign, not something to ignore until it fully blocks. Dealing with it at this stage is far simpler than an emergency call-out later.

Get a periodic professional clean

For older properties or homes with a history of blockages, a scheduled high-pressure jetting clean removes built-up residue from pipe walls that everyday use doesn’t clear, resetting the pipe closer to its original condition.

These habits won’t prevent every blockage, but they meaningfully reduce how often you’ll need an emergency call-out.