We see lots of blocked drains in our work. In fact, they are one of the most common issues plumbers come across. Here are our top tips on preventing blocked drains from occurring in your home.

Never Tip Oil Down the Sink

It may seem like stating the obvious, but believe it or not, many people still haven’t got the memo about not tipping oil and grease down the sink! Oil and grease may be in liquid form right out of the pan while it’s still scalding hot but as soon as it cools down, the fat becomes solid and will stick to the inside of your drain pipes causing blockages.

Invest in a Drain Grate

You’d be surprised how much food waste, hair and other solid particles make their way down the drain, even when you’re being cautious. A drain grate sits in your sink and catches all the debris before it ends up in your drain.

Run Hot Water After Use

You may still experience blockages from oil and fat build up, regardless of whether you’re disposing of it properly. Even the residual grease from our dinner plates can accumulate in our drains so, by running hot water after using your sink, you can help ensure the fat runs all the way through, rather than building up.

Use Baking Soda

Baking soda is great for cleaning, absorbing odours and cleaning out drain pipes. Throw a handful down your sink if you notice any smells or your sink isn’t draining as quickly as it should be.

Get in Touch

Sometimes all the preventative measures in the world won’t stop drains from becoming blocked and you may need to call a qualified plumber for help. Richmond Plumbing are your local experts, get in touch with us today!