PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE – How to avoid your sinks and drains getting blocked.

Who would have thought that your morning cup of coffee could be one of the main perpetrators? A blocked drain is a common problem that most homeowners face – but what isn’t common knowledge is that there are many things you can do to ensure your sinks and drains don’t get obstructed in the future.

Here are our top tips to keep your drains flowing smoothly.

  1. Use a drain gate on your sinks to minimise the chance of hair, food and soap scum from entering the drain. Regularly clean all plugholes in your home to ensure there is no build-up of hair or dirt.
  2. Do not flush wet wipes or sanitary products down the toilet. While wipes may be your best friend if you’ve got children – trust us, they won’t be if you decide to flush them. According to the ACCC, wet wipes are now the number one cause of household blockages in Australia.
  3. Don’t pour oils or fats down your kitchen sink. They will solidify in the pipe – therefore blocking your drain. Instead let them solidify in a tray or bowl and then scrape them into the bin.
  4. Avoid rinsing rice, pasta or any other foods that expand when wet down your sink.
  5. Don’t dump coffee grounds down your drains. The fine consistency of the coffee grounds makes it easy for them to stick to any debris already lingering in the pipes. Consider composting them or spreading them in your garden – they make excellent fertiliser.

Have your drainage systems checked every couple of years to ensure everything is flowing as it should. Blocked drains can be more complicated than they appear, so if you do encounter a blockage – Rowe Plumbing Co is reliable, responsive and ready to solve your plumbing issues and can be contacted on 0439 657 442.