How to Take Care of Your Household Drains: The Do’s and Don’ts
Your household drains work hard every day, carrying away wastewater from sinks, showers, washing machines, and toilets. However, neglecting their care can lead to blockages, bad odors, and even costly repairs. Proper drain maintenance is essential for keeping everything running smoothly. Follow these do’s and don’ts to ensure your drainage system stays in top shape.
The Do’s of Drain Maintenance
Use Drain Covers
One of the easiest ways to protect your drains is by using drain covers or strainers. These simple devices catch hair, food scraps, and other debris before they enter your pipes and cause clogs. Drain covers are particularly useful in kitchen sinks, showers, and bathtubs.
Flush with Hot Water Regularly
Running hot water down your drains helps to break down grease and soap buildup, preventing blockages. Make it a habit to flush your sink and shower drains with hot water at least once a week. For kitchen sinks, you can follow up with a little dish soap to help dissolve oils.
Clean Drains with Baking Soda and Vinegar
A natural and eco-friendly way to maintain your drains is by using baking soda and vinegar. Pour half a cup of baking soda followed by half a cup of white vinegar down the drain. Let it fizz and sit for 15 minutes, then rinse with hot water. This combination helps to break down buildup and eliminate odors.
Dispose of Grease Properly
Grease and oil are some of the worst culprits for clogged drains. Instead of pouring grease down the sink, collect it in a container and dispose of it in the bin. If small amounts get into the sink, rinse with plenty of hot water and a little dish soap to break it down.
Run Cold Water While Using the Garbage Disposal
If you have a garbage disposal, always run cold water while using it to help flush food particles through the system. Avoid overloading it with large quantities of food waste at once, as this can cause blockages.
Schedule Regular Drain Inspections
If you live in an older home or have experienced frequent drainage issues, consider scheduling a CCTV drain survey. This professional inspection can identify hidden blockages, leaks, or damage before they become serious problems.
The Don’ts of Drain Maintenance
Don’t Pour Cooking Oil or Grease Down the Drain
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is pouring cooking oil, butter, or grease down the sink. These substances solidify as they cool, leading to stubborn blockages that are difficult to remove.
Don’t Flush Non-Flushable Items
Toilets are designed to handle human waste and toilet paper—nothing more. Flushing items like wipes (even “flushable” ones), cotton pads, sanitary products, paper towels, or dental floss can quickly lead to a blocked drain. Dispose of these items in the bin instead.
Don’t Rely on Chemical Drain Cleaners
While chemical drain cleaners may seem like a quick fix for blockages, they can cause more harm than good. Many contain harsh chemicals that can corrode your pipes over time, leading to costly repairs. Instead, use natural methods like baking soda and vinegar or seek professional help for stubborn clogs.
Don’t Use Your Drain as a Trash Can
Food scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, and even small bits of paper should not go down your sink. These materials do not break down easily and can cause blockages. Dispose of them in the bin or compost where possible.
Don’t Ignore Slow Draining Water
If your sink, shower, or bathtub is draining slower than usual, don’t ignore it. Slow drainage is often the first sign of a clog forming in your pipes. Act quickly by flushing the drain with hot water, using a plunger, or applying a baking soda and vinegar treatment.
Don’t Attempt DIY Fixes for Serious Blockages
While plungers and drain snakes can help with minor clogs, major blockages or recurring drainage issues should be handled by professionals. Attempting to fix serious drainage problems on your own can lead to further damage, especially if you’re unfamiliar with plumbing systems.
Keep Your Drains Flowing Smoothly
Taking care of your household drains doesn’t have to be difficult. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can prevent blockages, reduce unpleasant odors, and avoid costly repairs. Regular maintenance, proper waste disposal, and quick action when issues arise will help keep your plumbing system in excellent condition.
If you’re dealing with a stubborn clog or suspect a more serious drainage issue, Drain Relief is here to help. We offer professional drain unblocking, repairs, and CCTV surveys across Rickmansworth, London, and surrounding areas. Contact us today for fast and effective drain solutions!
