8 Tips to Prevent Clogged Drains

Nobody wants to deal with a clogged drain. Whether it’s a slow-draining sink, a backed-up shower or a kitchen disaster, blockages are frustrating and often messy.

But the good news is that most clogs can be avoided with a few simple habits and preventative steps. Taking care of your drains doesn’t require fancy tools or a plumber on speed dial – it’s mostly about knowing what not to put down the drain and how to maintain it regularly.

In this blog, we’ll share eight easy and effective tips to help you prevent clogged drains in your kitchen, bathroom and laundry. With these practical pointers, you can keep water flowing freely and avoid the inconvenience (and cost) of dealing with a blocked drain.

Let’s get started with your drain-friendly routine.

1. Use Drain Strainers in Sinks and Showers

One of the easiest ways to prevent clogged drains is by using drain strainers or catchers. These simple tools sit over or inside your drain and trap debris before it can wash down and cause blockages. They’re especially handy in kitchen sinks and bathroom showers.

Here’s why they work so well:

• Catch food scraps in the kitchen sink – Stops bits of food, coffee grounds, rice and other items from going down the drain.
• Trap hair in the shower or bath – Hair is one of the biggest causes of bathroom clogs.
• Prevent soap scum and other debris from building up – Keeps drains flowing freely.
• Easy to install and clean – Most strainers simply lift out for a quick rinse.
• Inexpensive but effective – A small investment that can save you major plumbing costs.

Pop one in each drain and enjoy peace of mind knowing you’re blocking clogs before they start.

2. Don’t Pour Grease Down the Sink

It might seem harmless to rinse grease or oil down the kitchen sink, especially when it’s hot and liquid. But once it cools, that grease hardens and clings to the inside of your pipes.

Over time, it builds up and traps other debris like food particles and soap scum, leading to nasty clogs and slow drainage. Even if you flush it down with hot water, the grease can solidify further along in your plumbing system, causing blockages that are harder to reach.

Instead, let cooking grease cool in a container – like an empty jar or can – and then throw it in the bin. For small amounts, you can wipe the pan with a paper towel before washing it.

This simple step helps protect your drains and saves you from expensive plumbing problems down the track. Trust us – your pipes will thank you for it.

3. Flush Drains with Hot Water Weekly

A simple but effective way to keep your drains flowing freely is to flush them with hot water once a week. It takes just a few minutes and helps prevent grease, soap and debris from building up in your pipes.

Here’s why it works:

• Breaks down greasy residue – Especially useful in kitchen sinks after cooking.
• Helps clear out soap and scum – Great for bathroom sinks, showers and tubs.
• Maintains smooth water flow – Prevents slow drains before they turn into full clogs.
• Easy and cost-effective – Just boil water in a kettle and pour it slowly down the drain.
• Safe for most pipes – Unlike chemical cleaners, hot water won’t damage your plumbing.

Make it part of your weekly cleaning routine – it’s a small step that goes a long way in preventing clogged drains and keeping things running smoothly around the house.

4. Be Mindful of What Goes Down the Toilet

Toilets aren’t trash cans – flushing the wrong things is one of the quickest ways to clog your pipes and create messy backups. Even items that seem harmless or are labelled as “flushable”, like wet wipes or sanitary products, don’t break down properly in water. These items can get stuck in the plumbing, catch on other debris and cause serious blockages.

The best rule to follow? Only flush the three P’s: pee, poo, and (toilet) paper. Everything else should go in the bin. That includes things like cotton balls, dental floss, tissues, nappies, and paper towels. These don’t dissolve like toilet paper and can quickly build up inside your pipes.

Teaching everyone in your household this simple rule can go a long way in preventing clogs. It’s a small habit change that makes a big difference – and saves you from an emergency call to the plumber later on.

5. Clean Drain Stoppers Regularly

Drain stoppers are great for catching debris before it enters your pipes, but they can quickly become clogged themselves if not cleaned often. A dirty stopper can slow down water flow and even start to smell.

Here’s why regular cleaning matters:

• Removes trapped hair and gunk – Especially important in bathroom sinks and showers.
• Prevents soap scum and product buildup – Keeps water flowing freely.
• Reduces unpleasant odours – Eliminates the grime that causes bad smells.
• Helps you spot issues early – You might notice slow drainage before it becomes a bigger problem.
• Quick and easy to do – Just lift the stopper out, rinse off debris, and give it a scrub with an old toothbrush.

Make a habit of cleaning your drain stoppers once a week. It takes just a few minutes but can save you from messy clogs and costly repairs later on.

6. Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners

When your drain starts to slow, it’s tempting to reach for a chemical drain cleaner – but think twice before you do. These harsh products might offer a quick fix, but they can do more harm than good.

The strong chemicals in these cleaners can eat away at your pipes over time, especially if you have older plumbing or use them frequently. Plus, they’re not always effective for tougher blockages and can leave you with a recurring problem.

Instead, opt for safer alternatives. A mix of baking soda and vinegar followed by hot water is a natural way to clear minor clogs and keep your drains fresh. For more stubborn issues, try a plunger or a drain snake.

If that doesn’t work, it’s best to call in a professional. Protecting your plumbing now helps prevent costly repairs in the future – and keeps your home running smoothly.

7.Use Baking Soda and Vinegar Monthly

Looking for a natural way to keep your drains fresh and clog-free? A monthly mix of baking soda and vinegar can do wonders. It’s safe, simple and surprisingly effective at breaking down buildup before it becomes a problem.

Here’s how it helps:

• Loosens grime and gunk – The fizzing reaction breaks up minor blockages.
• Neutralises bad smells – Great for kitchen and bathroom drains.
• Eco-friendly and safe for pipes – No harsh chemicals needed.
• Affordable and easy – Uses pantry staples you likely already have.
• Improves overall drain flow – Prevents slow drains before they start.

How to do it: Pour ½ cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1 cup of white vinegar. Let it fizz for 10-15 minutes, then flush with hot water. Do this once a month to help maintain clear, fresh-smelling drains.

8. Schedule Professional Drain Cleaning Annually

Even with good habits at home, your drains can still build up gunk over time – especially in kitchens and bathrooms where hair, grease, soap, and food waste regularly go down the pipes.

That’s why scheduling a professional drain cleaning once a year is a smart move. Plumbers have the right tools – such as a hydro jet drain cleaner – and experience to clean your drains thoroughly, removing buildup that you can’t see or reach on your own.

Annual drain cleaning doesn’t just help prevent clogs – it also improves water flow, reduces bad odours and extends the life of your plumbing. It’s a simple preventative step that can save you from future blockages, water damage, and costly emergency callouts.

Think of it like getting your car serviced – it keeps everything running smoothly and avoids bigger problems down the line. If it’s been a while since your last drain check-up, now’s a great time to book one in.

Take Drain Cleaning Action Today

Clogged drains can be a real hassle, but with a few simple habits, you can keep them flowing freely all year round.

From using drain strainers and avoiding grease to flushing with hot water and scheduling annual cleanings, these easy tips can make a big difference.

Most blockages start small – hair, soap scum, food scraps – and build up over time. Staying on top of your drain care routine helps you catch issues early and avoid messy, expensive plumbing problems later. Plus, natural solutions like baking soda and vinegar mean you don’t need to rely on harsh chemicals.

A little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your drains clear, your home smelling fresh, and your plumbing in top shape. Put these tips into action today and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with clean, clog-free drains.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.