Blocked drains can be a real pain in the neck and cause serious plumbing problems in your home. They can range from a simple toilet blockage caused by an inquisitive toddler to a full pipe collapse. 

There are several ways to clear a blocked drain. One method is to use a snake. Another is to try the baking soda and vinegar method. 

1. Don’t put grease down the drain 

The best way to keep your drains healthy and avoid clogs is to be mindful of what goes down them. Grease, oils, coffee grounds, food scraps and other foreign objects can cause serious damage to pipes and drains. It is best to dispose of these in the trash instead of washing them down the drain. 

It is also a good idea to use a drain cleaner on a weekly basis to break down any buildup. But the most important thing to remember is that grease should never be poured down the drain. Even though it looks liquid when poured, it will eventually cool and solidify in the pipe and can clog your whole plumbing system. This will lead to a foul-smelling and slow-draining drain that can be difficult to clean. 

2. Don’t put food waste down the drain 

Putting food waste down the drain isn’t just inconvenient, it also breeds mildew and causes pipes to corrode. It’s best to dispose of food scraps in the garbage can instead. 

Grease, oils and fats may look liquid when washed down the drain but they harden and stick to the inside of the pipes over time. This can cause a major clog that will take some effort to clear out. 

Flour is another culprit that can quickly build up and clog the drain. Eggshells, shellfish and coffee grounds don’t decompose easily either and can clog your drain. All of these items should be disposed of in the garbage can. 

3. Don’t put hair down the drain 

It’s a well-known fact that long hair, such as a beard or head hair can easily clog your drain. You should comb and shave your hair outside of the shower or tub to avoid this. If you notice that your drain is slowing down or producing a gurgling sound, these are early warning signs of a blockage and should be addressed as soon as possible. 

Try using a straight metal coat hanger (with rubber gloves) to fish out any hair that’s caught in the drain and then rinse the pipes with hot water. You can also use natural or chemical cleaners, however, these should only be used as a last resort as they can sometimes make a blockage worse. Alternatively, it is best to call in the professionals. 

4. Don’t put soap down the drain

If you hear gurgling from your drains, it’s usually because there is a partial blockage in the piping system. It is best to avoid putting anything down the drain that could clog it. These include medications, wet wipes (even those labeled as flushable), condoms, potato peels, rice and other starchy foods, eggshells, and seafood shells. 

Installing a kitchen sink strainer, using a hair catcher in the shower and cleaning out pop-up stoppers periodically will also help to prevent blockages. It is also a good idea to teach kids what can and cannot go down the drain to keep them from making mistakes that could cause a clog. Preventing a clog is a lot easier than trying to fix one! So, be smart and follow these 13 simple tips. 

5. Don’t put toys down the drain 

If you’ve got kids, it is best to avoid putting toys down the drain. Even if they aren’t playing with the toy, it may be stuck in the drain and can cause a clog. Make sure to teach children what can and cannot be flushed down the toilet – only bodily waste and toilet paper, and nothing else. 

If you do realize a toy has been flushed down your drain, put on some rubber gloves and try using a coat hanger or a pair of needle-nose pliers to snag it. It is always a good idea to avoid using a plunger in this situation, as it can push the toy further down the drain. It may also damage your pipes. Instead, try running hot water down the drain. Blocked drains may need professional help to unclog what is blocking the drain. If you are online searching for a “blocked drain plumber near me”, make sure you are looking for reputable plumbing contractors.