Drain Maintenance: 8 Tips to Prevent Blockages

Our technicians see it every day: most blockages could have been avoided with a few regular maintenance habits. Here are the 8 habits that make the difference.

1. INSTALL DEBRIS-CATCHING DRAIN COVERS

The most cost-effective investment in prevention: a few euros for years of peace of mind.

Where to install them:

• Shower : Hair catcher (the most important)
• Kitchen sink : Removable basket or fine mesh cover
• Basin : Cover matched to the diameter
• Bathtub : Filter on the drain

Budget: 2 to 10 EUR per cover at hardware stores or online. Replace every 1-2 years.

2. MONTHLY BAKING SODA CLEANING

A simple, eco-friendly preventive treatment that dissolves deposits before they form a blockage.

The recipe:

1. Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda into each drain
2. Add 1/2 cup of white vinegar
3. Let it foam for 15-30 minutes
4. Rinse with warm water (not boiling)

Do it once a month for all your plumbing fixtures. 5 minutes of prevention can save you a 100 EUR emergency.

3. NEVER POUR GREASE DOWN THE SINK

Grease is enemy number 1 of your drains. Liquid when hot, it solidifies as it cools and creates a sticky coating that traps everything else.

What to do with grease:

• Let it cool and throw it in the bin
• Use a jar or bottle to collect used oil
• Take large quantities to a recycling centre

4. HAIR: THE GOLDEN RULE

Second most common cause of blockages after grease. An adult loses 50 to 100 hairs per day. In a family, that's a lot of hair in the drains.

Good habits:

• Brush your hair BEFORE showering : You'll lose less during washing
• Clean the drain cover after each shower : 5 seconds to remove visible hair
• After shampooing : Run your finger over the cover to remove accumulated hair

5. WEEKLY HOT WATER

A simple step that dissolves small grease and soap deposits before they build up.

The method:

1. Boil 1 to 2 liters of water
2. Pour slowly into each sink and basin
3. Wait 5 minutes before using the fixture

Warning: Avoid boiling water on old PVC pipes (risk of deformation). Use very hot tap water instead.

6. WHAT GOES IN THE BIN, NOT THE TOILET

Toilets are not bins. Only toilet paper and bodily waste should go in.

7. CHECK TRAPS REGULARLY

The trap is the first defence against blockages. It's also where the first deposits accumulate.

Every 3 months:

1. Place a basin under the trap
2. Unscrew the inspection cap or the trap
3. Empty and clean the inside
4. Reassemble while checking the seal

If you're not comfortable with this, have it done during a maintenance visit.

8. ANNUAL PREVENTIVE FLUSHING

For main drain lines (kitchen drain, building main stack), annual professional flushing prevents major blockages.

Why it's worth it:

• Preventive flushing : 239 EUR (planned, stress-free)
• Emergency drain cleaning : 239 EUR + stress + potential damage

High-pressure flushing cleans the walls and removes deposits that build up even with good daily maintenance.