Drainage Guide
How to Prevent Blocked Drains in Your Home
Most blockages are preventable. They build up gradually from everyday habits rather than appearing out of nowhere — which means a few small changes can meaningfully cut down how often you deal with a blocked drain.
In the Kitchen
- Never pour fat, oil or grease down the sink — let it cool and bin it instead
- Use a sink strainer to catch food scraps before they go down the plughole
- Run hot water through the sink after washing up to help clear residue
In the Bathroom
- Only flush human waste and toilet paper — wipes, even "flushable" ones, don't break down the way toilet paper does
- Use a drain guard in the shower or bath to catch hair before it builds up
- Avoid flushing cotton buds, dental floss or sanitary products
Outside
- Clear leaves and debris from external gullies, especially in autumn
- Keep an eye on trees and shrubs planted near drain runs — root ingrowth is a common cause of recurring blockages
- If you notice a gully draining slowly, deal with it before heavy rain turns it into a flooding problem
Routine Checks Worth Doing
If your property has a history of blockages, or older clay drainage common in much of Greater Manchester's housing stock, a periodic professional clean or CCTV check catches developing problems — root ingrowth, partial collapses, joint displacement — before they cause a full blockage.
When Prevention Isn't Enough
Even with good habits, blockages happen — particularly in older properties or shared drainage systems where you don't control everyone else's habits. If you're already seeing slow drainage, gurgling, or smells, it's worth dealing with it before it becomes a full blockage.