There is no denying the fact that blocked and clogged drains are a maintenance nightmare, and can result in severe household damage if not addressed. However, there are many ways in which to avoid drain blockages as you go about your daily routine.

1. How to Avoid Drain Blockages
There is no denying the fact that blocked and clogged drains are a maintenance nightmare, and can
result in severe household damage if not addressed. However, there are many ways in which to
avoid drain blockages as you go about your daily routine – from taking note of the materials which
you choose to flush down the toilet, to being aware of what oil and fat does to your drainage
system. At the same time, it is also important to understand the risks associated with a drainage
system that is not properly maintained or a drainage system that is exhibiting signs of wear and tear
– what are the risks to your home, and are you covered with the relevant household insurance in the
event that you find yourself in six inches of sewage?
Not only does a clogged drain bring with it inconvenience and the possibility of damage, but it is also
a reason for a number of health concerns for humans and animals alike. Regardless of whether
you’re experiencing a blockage in your kitchen drainage system or that of your sewage and
wastewater system, it is important to ensure that you address the issue before it becomes
detrimental to your environment. In an effort to ensure that your home remains free of blockages,
be sure to take a look at the following ways in which to avoid them:
What Goes Down, Must Come Up
It is important to remember that, when considering the design, our household drainage systems are
created to handle certain types of matter. Once you begin to distort the type of matter that travels
through the system, it begins to show signs of wear and tear due to the fact that it has to work that
much harder to dispose of the material. Similar to the fact that ‘what goes up, must come down’,
foreign materials that are thrown or flushed down a drainage system must eventually come up.
While a drainage system is designed to handle liquid and soft solids, other objects like compressed
fibres, plastic, hair, food and oil can all play a role in causing a blockage. In order to avoid a clogged
or blocked drain, avoid disposing of any foreign objects, food particles, hair or plastic into the
system.
Understand the Effects of Different Compounds
While our drains are designed to handle tough compounds and chemicals, it is important to ensure
that you understand the effect that they have on the drainage system. For example, hair clogs the
drain by creating a string-like effect on soluble items. It also has a tendency to clump together,
affecting the efficiency at which the drain is emptied. Another example is that of oil which separates
from water, making it tough to properly dispose of. Oil tends to gather within the bottom curves of
drainage pipes, collecting debris that is too heavy or dense to move through the pipes. In an effort to
avoid blocked drains, be sure to read up on the effects that different compounds have when flushed.
Maintain and Clean on a Regular Basis
Although it may not be a job for the faint of heart, it is an imperative process to ensure that your
drainage system remains clean and clear. Once a week, be sure to lift up all of the stoppers – in
basins, the sink, and in the bath – and clear away any debris that may be attached to them. Throw
the debris away and rinse the stopper before returning it. If this process makes you feel nauseous,
be sure to invest in mesh screens or stoppers that will prevent the build-up of debris automatically.
It is also important to ensure that you invest in an antibacterial drain cleaner to assist in breaking

2. down grime and build-up, and aerating your drainage system. Once a week, be sure to boil the kettle
and pour a kettle-full of boiling water down each plug, followed by a dose of drain cleaner. Just
remember to follow the instructions on the bottle before using it.
For more tips and advice on dealing with household emergencies, such as blocked drains and pipes,
be sure to download the new MiWay eBook entitled ‘The Household Emergencies Handbook’.