Having a blocked drain can be really unpleasant and difficult, costing you time and money to fix. Luckily, there are a few simple things you can do in advance to avoid a blocked drain, from regular inspections to preventative maintenance.

Learn What You Can Put Down Your Sink

Blocked drains can sometimes be due to months or years of residue build-up, but sometimes they are avoidable. In order to avoid a blocked drain, you should learn what you can and can't put down your sink. Reader's Digest offers a good list of things that you should avoid putting down the sink, such as salad dressing, grease, flour, coffee grounds and mayonnaise, which all contribute to blocked pipes and drains. They also explain that you should never flush feminine hygiene products or kitchen towels down the toilet, as these can also cause blockages. If you are not sure whether something can cause a blocked drain, stay safe and put it in the bin.

Practice Preventative Maintenance

Taking care of your pipes and drains regularly might not prevent blocked drains permanently, but it will certainly make them less likely. Today suggests that once a week, you should pour very hot water down the drain, as this will cut through and dissolve some of the residues. They also recommend using vinegar, followed by hot water. There are various drain cleaners that you can buy in supermarkets, and your plumber will be able to give you advice on which are most effective. Doing this kind of preventative maintenance can be monotonous, and for best results, it will be mixed with professional inspections and cleanings, but it is worth doing in the long run.

Get Regular Drain Inspections

The simplest way to prevent blocked drains is to have a professional look at them, ideally once a year, and advise you about your risk of a blockage. All plumbers will be able to inspect your drain, and some offer high-tech CCTV drain investigations which will allow you to get a proper look at what's going on in your drains. They will also be able to advise you about any changes you could make to keep your drain healthy, as well as perform any cleaning and unblocking you need. Speak to a local plumber about drain inspections to find out exactly what they have to offer.

By taking the time to learn about what you can put down your sink, schedule regular inspections and maintain your drains, you can lower your risk of a blocked drain on your property. Contact a plumber who offers blocked drain service for more information.