How to stop your drains from blocking

Most blocked drains we clear were caused by something that went down the pipe weeks before. A few habits keep them running.

Never put these down the drain

• Cooking fat and oil. It sets hard in the pipe and catches everything that follows. Let it cool and throw it in the bin.
• Wet wipes, even the ones labelled flushable. They do not break down like toilet paper.
• Coffee grounds and food scraps. They settle in bends and build up.
• Sanitary products, cotton buds and dental floss.

Simple habits that help

• Fit a strainer over the kitchen sink and shower drain to catch hair and food.
• Run hot water for a minute after washing greasy dishes.
• Keep tree roots in mind. Large trees near the sewer line are a common cause of blockages in older Polokwane properties.

When to call a plumber

A plunger is fine for a single slow sink. Call us when:

• More than one drain is slow or blocked at the same time.
• Water comes back up in the shower or bath when you flush the toilet.
• There is a sewage smell outside, or the gully overflows.
• The same drain keeps blocking after you have cleared it.