How to keep your drains blockage-free (a plumber's checklist)

Most blocked drains are entirely preventable. A few simple habits will keep the water flowing and the plumber away.

Blocked drains are one of the most common — and most avoidable — plumbing call-outs we attend. With a handful of good habits you can keep your drains clear and dodge the inconvenience entirely.

In the kitchen, never pour fats, oils or grease down the sink. They solidify as they cool and are the number-one cause of kitchen blockages. Scrape plates into the bin and use a sink strainer to catch scraps.

In the bathroom, fit drain covers over shower and basin wastes to catch hair, and clear them weekly. Hair combined with soap scum is what clogs most bathroom drains.

Only ever flush the three Ps — pee, poo and (toilet) paper. Wet wipes, cotton buds and sanitary products don't break down and are a leading cause of blocked toilets, even the ones labelled 'flushable'.

Outside, keep an eye on trees near your drainage lines. Roots are drawn to the moisture in pipes and can crack and invade them over time. If you notice slow drains across multiple fixtures, a CCTV drain inspection can catch root intrusion before it becomes a full blockage.