Catch it before it goes down
One of the easiest ways to prevent blockages is to use a plug strainer in your sink. These inexpensive kitchen accessories catch food scraps and other debris before they disappear down the drain.
Get into the habit of emptying the strainer into the bin after washing up. It only takes a few seconds and can stop a surprising amount of waste from building up where it doesn't belong.
Keep fats and grease out of the sink
Cooking fats and grease may look harmless when they're still warm and liquid, but they can cause problems once they cool.
Rather than pouring them down the sink, allow it to cool and solidify, then dispose of it in the bin. It might seem like a small step, but it's one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of a blockage.
Don't treat the drain like a food disposal
Many common foods can cause trouble once they enter the drain. Rice, pasta and cereals absorb water and expand, while diced vegetables can accumulate over time.
Tea leaves and coffee grounds are also frequent offenders. Although they seem small enough to wash away, they can collect inside drains and contribute to stubborn blockages.
Scrape plates before washing
Before washing dishes, take a moment to scrape leftover food off your plates.
It might seem like a small thing, but those scraps can quickly add up if they're regularly rinsed down the sink. Taking a few seconds to clear plates, bowls and pans before washing helps reduce the amount of food waste entering the drain and lowers the risk of a blockage developing over time.
It's a simple habit that's easy to adopt and can make a big difference in keeping your sink flowing freely.
Prevention is easier than a cure
A blocked sink can be messy, inconvenient and often difficult to clear. Fortunately, preventing one is usually straightforward.
Using a plug strainer, disposing of fats and oils correctly, keeping food waste out of the drain and scraping plates before washing are all simple habits that can help keep your sink working as it should. Sometimes, the best solution is simply stopping the problem before it starts.
