Prevent & maintain
What you should never put down the drain
The cheapest blocked drain is the one that never happens. Most blockages come down to a handful of things that should never go down the sink, toilet or floor waste.
In the kitchen
Never pour fats, oils or grease down the sink, they cool and set hard inside the pipe. Let them cool and bin them instead. Scrape plates into the bin and use a sink strainer to catch scraps and coffee grounds.
In the bathroom and toilet
Only flush the three Ps: pee, poo and toilet paper. Wet wipes (even flushable ones), sanitary products, cotton buds and dental floss do not break down and cause chokes. A hair catcher in the shower stops the most common bathroom blockage.
Outside
Keep an eye on trees near drains and downpipes, and clear leaves from gutters and stormwater grates, especially before storm season.
Common questions
Are flushable wipes safe to flush?
No, despite the name. They do not break down like toilet paper and are a leading cause of blocked drains and sewer chokes. Bin them.
Does pouring boiling water down the sink help?
Hot water can shift fresh grease, but once fat has set, or for a real blockage, it will not clear it, and boiling water can damage some pipes and fittings.
Need a hand with this?
Tell us what is going on, photos welcome, or call if it is urgent.