How To Prevent Clogged Drains

Clogged drains are a problem that seems small at first but can quickly spiral into a messy, costly headache. A slow-draining sink, bad smells, or an overflowing pipe can disrupt your day and lead to expensive repairs. Preventing these issues is much easier—and far cheaper—than dealing with them after they appear. In this blog, we’ll look at practical ways to prevent clogged drains in your home, from simple habits to professional services. By following these steps, you can avoid the frustration of blocked pipes and enjoy a smooth-running plumbing system.

Know What Shouldn’t Go Down the Drain

Being careful about what you allow into your drains is the first line of defence against blockages. Many people treat their sinks and toilets like rubbish bins without realising that certain items can create stubborn clogs. Educating everyone in the household about this can save you serious plumbing trouble.

• Fats, oils and grease solidify inside pipes, catching other debris and forming blockages.
• Wet wipes—even those labelled “flushable”—fail to break down properly and can cause severe blockages in sewer lines.
• Food scraps, coffee grounds and fibrous peels should go in the compost or bin, not down the sink.

A simple rule of thumb is: if it’s not water, toilet paper, or human waste, don’t flush it. Adopting this mindset significantly reduces the chances of a blocked drain.

Install Drain Screens & Strainers

Even if you’re careful about what you dispose of, small bits of debris can still slip through. That’s where drain screens and strainers come in. These affordable tools act as physical barriers, catching solids before they enter your plumbing.

• Catch hair in showers and bathroom sinks, which is one of the main causes of slow-draining pipes.
• Trap food scraps and debris in kitchen sinks, preventing build-up in U-bends and pipes.
• Easy to remove and clean regularly, making them a simple, effective part of routine maintenance.

Using drain screens throughout your home can intercept the main culprits behind everyday blockages.

Regularly Flush Drains with Hot Water

It may seem too easy to be effective, but regular hot water flushing is one of the best habits you can develop to keep drains clear. Grease, soap residue and other grime can coat the insides of pipes, gradually building up into a blockage.

• Pour a kettle of boiling water down kitchen sinks once a week to help dissolve grease.
• Run hot tap water for a few minutes after dishwashing to remove residual oils and soaps.
• Use this technique regularly to maintain smooth water flow and reduce odours.

It’s a small, easy step to save you from major plumbing dramas.

Schedule Professional CCTV Drain Inspections

Even with careful maintenance, problems can develop out of sight. That’s why it’s smart to have a local plumber occasionally conduct a CCTV drain inspection. Plumbers can see inside your pipes using specialised cameras and detect hidden issues early.

• Identifies tree root intrusions, which can crack pipes and cause serious blockages.
• Locates collapsed or damaged pipes before they cause flooding or sewage backups.
• Pinpoints stubborn blockages that at-home methods can’t shift.

A professional CCTV inspection provides a clear view of your plumbing system’s health, allowing you to act before a small problem becomes an expensive emergency.

Use Enzyme Cleaners Safely & Effectively

Enzyme-based cleaners are an excellent option for homeowners looking for an eco-friendly way to maintain their drains. Unlike harsh chemical drain cleaners, these use natural bacteria to break down organic matter slowly and safely.

• Ideal for routine maintenance in kitchen sinks and bathroom drains.
• Gentle on plumbing, helping to preserve the condition of your pipes.
• Easy to use—simply follow product directions for regular monthly applications.

Enzyme cleaners won’t clear a complete blockage, but are a smart preventative tool to keep things flowing freely.

Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners

Grabbing a bottle of chemical drain cleaner at the first sign of a blockage is tempting, but these products often cause more harm than good. Over time, they can damage your pipes and create expensive repair problems.

• Corrosive ingredients can eat away at pipes, especially older plumbing systems.
• Dangerous fumes pose health risks for you and your family.
• Environmental damage, as harsh chemicals often end up in waterways.

Instead of reaching for these quick fixes, rely on safe methods like hot water flushing, enzyme cleaners, or professional help when necessary. Your plumbing—and the environment—will thank you.

Be Aware of Early Warning Signs of Blockages

One of the best ways to avoid a serious clog is to catch it early. Drains rarely block completely overnight; they usually show warning signs that something’s going wrong.

• Slow drainage in sinks or showers can mean a developing blockage.
• Gurgling noises in pipes often signal trapped air caused by partial obstructions.
• Bad smells coming from drains can indicate decomposing waste stuck in the pipes.

By paying attention to these early symptoms, you can act quickly—either with home remedies or by calling a plumber—before the problem worsens and requires more invasive repairs.

Work with a Local Plumber for Preventive Maintenance

While good habits and simple tools help, professional maintenance is the key to keeping your plumbing healthy. A local plumber can provide expert advice, thorough cleaning, and regular inspections that go beyond DIY methods.

• High-pressure water jetting can clear stubborn build-up without damaging pipes.
• CCTV inspections catch issues early, saving you from major repairs.
• Personalised maintenance plans tailored to your property’s specific needs.

By partnering with a local professional, you’ll have someone who knows the common challenges in your area, is familiar with local plumbing systems, and can respond quickly when needed.

Choose Our Kiama Plumber for Professional Drain Solutions

If you’re ready to protect your home from the hassle and expense of blocked drains, we’re here to help. At SOS Hot Water & Plumbing Services, we offer everything from blocked drain clearing and CCTV inspections to preventative maintenance tailored to your needs. Our team of plumbers in Kiama knows what it takes to keep your plumbing in top condition. Don’t wait for a blockage to ruin your day—let’s work together to keep your drains flowing freely and your home running smoothly. Contact us today!