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How to Prevent Clogged Drains

1. Avoid Pouring Grease Down the Drain

Grease, oil, and fats can solidify in your pipes as they cool, forming a sticky residue that clings to pipe walls. Over time, this can accumulate and cause major clogs. To avoid this, pour used grease into a container, let it cool, and dispose of it in the trash. For small amounts left in pans, wipe it away with a paper towel before washing.

2. Use Drain Screens in Sinks and Showers

Drain screens are an inexpensive way to prevent clogs. By covering drains with screens or mesh filters, you can catch hair, food scraps, and other debris before they enter your plumbing system. These screens are especially effective in bathrooms, where hair and soap scum are common culprits. Make it a habit to clean the screens regularly for continued effectiveness.

3. Dispose of Food Waste Properly

Even if you have a garbage disposal, it’s essential to scrape food scraps into the trash or compost before rinsing dishes. Garbage disposals can’t handle everything, and items like coffee grounds, eggshells, and fibrous vegetables (like celery) can still clog pipes. Composting or throwing food scraps away instead of putting them down the drain can prevent future blockages.

4. Flush Drains with Hot Water Regularly

A simple and effective habit to keep pipes clear is to flush your drains with hot water weekly. This helps dissolve minor grease and soap scum buildup before it becomes an issue. For a kitchen sink, boil a pot of water and pour it down the drain slowly. Just be cautious with PVC pipes and avoid boiling water, as it can cause damage. Hot tap water should suffice for most household drains.

5. Don’t Flush Non-Flushable Items

Toilets are designed for human waste and toilet paper only. Even items labeled as “flushable,” such as wipes, don’t break down easily and can lead to clogs. Keep a small trash can in the bathroom for items like cotton swabs, sanitary products, dental floss, and even wipes. This simple step can significantly reduce the risk of costly and inconvenient toilet clogs.

6. Use Baking Soda and Vinegar for Regular Cleaning

An easy and natural solution to prevent drain clogs is the classic baking soda and vinegar mixture. Every month or so, pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of white vinegar. The mixture will fizz and help dissolve minor clogs and freshen up the drain. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then flush with hot water to clear out any lingering debris.

7. Limit Soap Scum Build-Up

Soap scum can gradually narrow your pipes, leading to clogs over time. To limit this, try switching to liquid soap instead of bar soap, which tends to leave more residue. If you prefer bar soap, make sure to rinse drains with hot water periodically to break down any soap buildup. In showers, cleaning drain covers regularly will prevent soap and hair from accumulating.

8. Install a Water Softener if You Have Hard Water

Hard water, which contains minerals like calcium and magnesium, can create scale deposits inside your pipes. These mineral deposits build up over time, restricting water flow and increasing the risk of clogs. If your water is hard, consider installing a water softener. This system filters out these minerals, reducing buildup in pipes, faucets, and showerheads, while also making your water gentler on plumbing and appliances.

8. Clean Drain Stoppers and Pop-Up Plugs Regularly

Drain stoppers in sinks and showers are excellent at trapping hair and soap, which can lead to clogs if not cleaned regularly. Take the time each week to remove and clean stoppers, wiping away any debris. You can use an old toothbrush to scrub off any residue or soak the stoppers in vinegar to dissolve stubborn grime. Keeping these clean reduces blockages and helps water flow freely.

9. Avoid Frequent Use of Chemical Drain Cleaners

While chemical drain cleaners might seem convenient for unclogging, their harsh chemicals can damage pipes over time, especially with repeated use. If you’re dealing with a minor clog, try using a natural method like baking soda and vinegar or a plunger. For more stubborn clogs, a plumber’s snake can often do the trick. Regular maintenance and avoiding chemicals will keep your plumbing in good shape longer.

10. Educate Family Members on Drain Etiquette

It only takes one person flushing or washing inappropriate items down the drain to cause a clog. Educate household members, especially children, on what can and can’t go down drains and toilets. Simple changes, like scraping food into the trash or keeping wipes out of the toilet, can make a big difference in preventing future plumbing issues.

11. Schedule Routine Drain Inspections

If you live in an older home or have had drain issues before, consider scheduling regular plumbing inspections. A plumber can identify any early signs of clogging, such as slow drains or minor buildups, and take preventive measures before they become serious. Regular inspections are especially helpful for households with high water usage, ensuring that all pipes are in good working order.

Conclusion

If  you encounter more complex problems, it’s always best to contact a professional plumber. At My Plumbing Services, we’re here to help with all your plumbing needs. Get in touch with us today for expert advice and reliable service.

What some of our happy customers have to Say

Our high quality service is based on the quality of our team members. All technicians are certified and licensed plumbers
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Rang yesterday and Caleb said he would be there between 10 and 12. He was running late so he rang to tell me he was on the way. Caleb arrived and accessed the gas hot water system. Caleb made 1 phone call and arranged for new system to be installed today. Shannon arrived and installed the new system. Both young men were courteous, helpful and friendly. Felt very comfortable around them, lovely chats with both of them and a real pleasure to have at my home. Highly recommend My Plumbing Services and I will be calling on them again.
Adam attended my property and services my leaking tapsVery happy with his serviceAnd very great pricingThanks Adam 😊
Adam is amazing. Fixed hot water supply ..Very knowledgeable..... Highly recommend. ..
sw always professional and hish excellent customer servicewill definitely recommend to use againA+
koda is the best worker highly recommendhish very professional A+++
My Plumbing Services did an excellent job in replacing all my taps. Their staff were very efficient and super helpful.
Highly recommend My Plumbing Services. Sam and his team were punctual, polite and did a fantastic job on our kitchen appliances. So very happy with the work done!
Sam @ My Plumbing Services Melbourne was AMAZING! Thank You So So Much. You made my day!It was 3am whenbi discovered my hot water service gushing out water.Not only did he take my call at this ungodly hour of the night but he was kind enough to patiently walk me through how to turn it off till he could tend 2 it so it's not costing me any more $ than it already has not 2 mention wasting water resource. He was out here 1st thing in the morning already with the parts needed 2 fix it.Too my surprise the price was extremely affordable compared 2 what i was expecting.Super professional! I know where I'm going in the future for any plumbing needs. HIGHLY RECOMMEND
Shannon and Adam came out and fixed my gutters. Great service and communication skills. Highly recommended
Response from the owner: Thanks for the great feedback Peter! We're happy to hear Shannon and Adam provided top-notch service. We appreciate the recommendation and look forward to helping you again in the future.
We replaced two existing toilet suites with two back to wall ones. The wall tile behind them needed to be cut for that reason. Previously three other plumbers refused to remove the wall tile, scared that they will end up damaging the plaster, creating a hole. Adam from My Plumbing Services was very confident and attentive. He nicely removed both wall tiles without damaging the plaster and perfectly installed the new toilet suites in very short time.Well done mate 👍Highly recommendSeriously
Response from the owner: Thank you for sharing your experience! We train each of our team members to make sure they provide the best service with confidence. It’s fantastic to hear everything was done perfectly and quickly.We appreciate your recommendation and are here whenever you need us!
GREAT SERVICE, HIGHLY RECOMMEND :( Adam and Shannon dedicate countless hours to ensuring that every aspect of their work shines with perfection. Their meticulous attention to detail transforms even the most challenging tasks into pristine outcomes, showcasing their unwavering commitment to excellence. Anyone looking for reputed plumber don’t hesitate to call My Plumbing Service. They even solve the minor issues without hesitation as their intention is to prioritise the customer satisfaction. Highly recommend this guys and will hire them in the future if required. THANKS
Response from the owner: We're glad to help Chand! We appreciate your recommendation and are thrilled that we we're able to assist you. We look forward to helping you again in the future!
My plumbing services Melbourne were wonderful. Eden was so helpful on the phone. Michael who came out is a legend. He was so professional and went above and beyond to fix plumbing issue. Would recommend them. Will definitely call them when needed. Thank you.
Response from the owner: Thank you for your kind words! We're so glad Eden and Michael made your experience a great one. Michael always goes the extra mile, and it's wonderful to hear he delivered exactly what you needed.We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to being your go-to plumbing team in Melbourne!
Adam came out straight away - took the time to explain in detail the extent of m ly inlaws gas leak and was able to have the issue resolved with 5 star customer service provided. Highly recommend Adam and My plumbing Services for all plumbing needs. Thank you so much Adam! Ill def be passing on your details and calling again if we ever need your services!
Response from the owner: Thank you so much for the fantastic feedback! We’re thrilled to hear Adam provided the five-star service you deserved. We’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to him.We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to helping you and your family with any future plumbing needs.Thanks again Cansu!
I initially had some concerns after a callout that was apparently attended by a subcontractor; but have since been swiftly, amicably and professionally assisted by Sammy from My Plumbing Services.Without hesitation, Sam has been proactive in addressing my issues, and completely set my mind at rest.Without reservation, I would recommend Sam for his honesty and integrity; I have found my Plumbing service, and strongly recommend them.Thank you Sam.
Response from the owner: Thanks for the awesome feedback! We're glad Sammy could address your concerns promptly and professionally. Thank you for choosing My Plumbing Services and for recommending us. We look forward to being your trusted plumbing team whenever you need us.
Adam and Shannon came to do the job identified the gas leak and fixed the issue pretty quick and efficiently.
Response from the owner: We're very happy to help you Akshat! Our plumbers are indeed experts in what they do. If you ever need assistance in the future, don't hesitate to give us a call.
Caleb was great and fixed my toiletLater in the year they replaced my hot water system and it is working great
Response from the owner: That's awesome to hear Ashwin. We look forward in helping you again in the future.
A young man named adam attended my property as i had a blocked drain he then proceeded to unblock my drain and find what the problem was.Was very happy with his service.Thank you adam
Response from the owner: Thank you for sharing your experience! We're pleased to hear Adam was able to unblock your drain and identify the issue. It’s great to know you were happy with his service. We'll be sure to pass along your thanks to him.
Had Caleb out today for the second time to help us and he has been really great both times! Lovely to work with, super helpful, and does a great job. Would definitely call him again if in need.
Response from the owner: Thanks for your kind words! We're thrilled Caleb could assist you again and provide such a positive experience. We'll be here whenever you need help again.
Had Caleb install a new hot water system today, good communications and a very professional job was done, no hesitation to use your guys again.
Response from the owner: We're very happy to help Craig! We're glad to hear Caleb did an awesome job. We look forward to helping you again in the future.
Adam was amazing when I needed to install a new dishwasher, vanity unit and a few odd jobs as part of our laundry reno. Highly responsive, honest, on time, professional, reasonably priced services and more importantly good work and attention to detail. No unnecessary call out fees for quoting. Also ensured he scheduled work when i needed to get it done and cleaned up the area place well after the job was done. I am absolutely thrilled with his work and I will have no hesitation on using this company for plumbing work again.
Response from the owner: Thank you for the wonderful review. We appreciate your feedback on our no call-out fee policy and are glad he left the area tidy after the job. We look forward to assisting you with any future plumbing needs!
Over the space of about a week, these guys have helped me out of a couple of stressful jams quickly. Happy with their work and will continue using them when I need a plumber
Response from the owner: Thank you for your kind words Troy. Your satisfaction means a lot to us, and we look forward to assisting you again whenever you need a plumber!
We had Caleb come to fix an urgent issue in our new house. Great timing and knowledge. Thanks!
Response from the owner: Thank you for your review Tannawh. We’re pleased to hear that Caleb was able to assist you promptly. If you need any further help, feel free to reach out. We're just a call away!
Arrived at work to a blocked toilet and no way to fix. Chose the company due to its no call out fee and nice phone customer service. Caleb came to the site and fixed it right up in no time. Fast, efficient and really nice guy!
Response from the owner: Thanks for your feedback! We're glad to hear that Caleb was able to fix the issue quickly and that you had a positive experience with our team. If you need help again, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Caleb is a wizard! He was efficient, honest, and incredibly helpful! He explained everything I needed to know, found the problem (blocked drain), sorted it in no time, offered advice and options (shiny new toilet!) and was so friendly! Not only was he an efficient expert he saved me from a competitor company that was giving me misleading advice and inflated prices! I will 100% be saving Caleb and "My Plumbing Services Melbourne" for my future go to. Thankyou Caleb!
Response from the owner: Thank you so much for your amazing review! Our team is glad we were able to help you out. We'll be sure to pass on your kind words to Caleb. If you ever need us again, our team will be here to help. Thanks for choosing us!
A very polite young man from My Plumbing Service came out on the weekend to help with my daughter’s hot water service. I would highly recommend this company they are prompt, efficient and very easy to deal with.Thanks so much :)
Response from the owner: We're thrilled to have met your expectations, Bernadette. Thank you for trusting us. If you need a plumber again, we'll be ready to assist!
Thanks Adam and Shannon for your great work and attending my emergency call out! My plumbing services were fantastic, very professional, great price, attended on time and completed the job in the estimated timeframe given. I recommend this company for any plumbing services..
Response from the owner: We're thrilled to hear that Adam and Shannon provided excellent service and met your expectations. We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to assisting you with any future plumbing needs!
Prompt, efficient same day service. Caleb arrived and solved my hot water service problem and replaced the part quickly. Very easy and friendly to deal with. Would recommend Caleb.
Response from the owner: Thanks so much for your feedback! It's always great to hear our team is easy to deal with and helpful. Your recommendation means a lot to us.
We contacted "My Plumbing Services" to help assist with my Father-in-law's Bonaire heating system as he had somehow disconnected the connection from the remote to the unit receiver and therefore was unable to turn the heater on.Mark was attentive, very knowledgeable, friendly, and worked very efficiently to fix the issue quickly. Prior to calling Mark, my Father-in-law had been without a heater for a few days and now he is finally warm again.Thanks Mark - you were so attentive and so willing to help. We would I'll definitely be using "My Plumbing Services" again and would definitely highly recommend Mark.Thanks again.Maria.
Response from the owner: Thank you so much, Maria, for your kind words! We're so happy to hear that you're happy with our service. We'll be sure to pass on your praise to Mark. We look forward to assisting you again in the future. Thanks for recommending us!
Fast efficient service from the word go. Caleb came in and fixed my sink tap with the minimum of fuss.Definitely highly recommend this top tradie.
Response from the owner: Appreciate the 5 star Brizza! We're very happy to provide you the best service. Don't hesitate to give us a call if you need help in the future. Cheers
If I had six starts to give I would have.Great dealing with guys who are reliable and enjoy what they do. I am not a plumber but Sam and Kaylieb certainly are. They guided me made suggestions and everything worked out very well.A very happy customer who lost his voice:))))👍👍👍👍👍👍
Response from the owner: Thank you so much for your amazing review! We're thrilled to hear that you're happy with our service. Sam and Kaylieb are true pros, and we're glad their guidance made everything work out smoothly for you. We appreciate your kind words and hope to help you again in the future.
Adam and Sam are very professional plumber with proper customer service. Very experienced plumber and fix the things! Keep doing the great work guys.
Response from the owner: Thanks for the review Hamza! We will surely keep on providing the best plumbing services. If you need help in the future, our team is always here for you.
Thank you Sam and Crew. To ALL involved, 'Job well done'. Waste water plumbing replaced from house outlets to easement branch.
Response from the owner: Thanks for the 5 stars Nijole! Our team is always happy to assist your customers and guarantee 100% customer satisfaction on all our services. Our team is here should you need further assistance.
I had a water emergency, Sam guided me remotely to troubleshoot the problem, very friendly and professional service. Highly recommend.
Response from the owner: Thanks heaps for the 5 star George. Surely Sam also had fun helping you out. You can always count on our plumbing services. Call us anytime if you need assistance.
Adam is a Wonderful, Professional, Clean, Neat and Honest Young and upcoming plumber. Very good service and fair Prices. My job was emotionally complicated and he managed it with great maturity. He will be a force to be reckoned with, in any of his chosen endeavours.Thanking you ever so much My Plumbing Services.P.S. Eden is top notch rep. front of house as well!
Response from the owner: Thank you Andreas! We're glad Adam and Eden was able to help you with everything you need. We'll surely tell them about this. Don't hesitate to reach out should you need help.
Excellent job! Arrived early, didn't stop and finished replacing all the house guttering. We are very pleased. Cleaned site & took rubbish away!
Response from the owner: Thank you for the awesome review Neil! Our team always clean up after themselves. If you need a plumber in the future, hit us up!
I recently had Sam and his team renovate my bathroom. Sam was very professional and helpful throughout the whole process of the renovation. We were very pleased and happy with the quality of work done by the contractors and would definitely recommend them again.
Response from the owner: Thank you for trusting our team Sheik. We always aim to provide high-quality services and exert our best efforts from beginning to end of the process. We're glad you loved it! If you need us for any future work, just give us a call.
Great customer service from Caleb. He was very helpful and efficient, providing me with all the information regarding what to do next as the issue was a Yarra Valley Water problem. Thanks again.
Response from the owner: You're welcome Lauren! It's great to hear we we're able to assist you with what you need. We'll surely pass this to Caleb. Our team is always here to help you if you need us again.
Sam at his team were professional every step of the way. The best around! Thank you again for all your help with our bathroom
Response from the owner: We're happy to help Dib! Thank you for leaving 5 stars, we appreciate it. Should you need a plumber again in the future, our team is here to assist you.
I had shannon attend my house to replace three toilets he did a great job very happy with his work at a great price. 😊
Response from the owner: We're happy to help out! Our team is known for our commitment in providing fair price to our customers. Please don't hesitate to contact us in the future if you need assistance.
Wife booked Sam with a few days notice, very accomodating with time and day that we needed new gas log heater installed, professional, honest and polite, cleaned up installation mess after completing work and extremely happy with works done, highly recommend.
Response from the owner: Thank you for your feedback! We're glad to hear that Sam could accommodate your schedule on short notice. Your recommendation means a lot to us.
Great experience. Thank you.Quick response. Caleb was punctual and installed my hot water system quickly and left the place clean. He did a good job. The price was good too. I wouldn’t hesitate to call this company again in the future.
Response from the owner: Thanks Suma! We appreciate you taking the time to leave such an awesome review. Our team always aim to make it hassle-free for our customers. We look forward in helping you again in the future.
I am pleased to leave a 5-star review for the exceptional service provided by Calebs work! His dedication, efficiency, clear communication, and professionalism were truly commendable. I am highly satisfied with the results and would not hesitate to recommend his services to others. Thank you for the outstanding work! Thank you sam for also being a productive dedicated worker.
Response from the owner: Thank you for your 5-star review! We're thrilled to hear that Caleb's professionalism made a positive impact. Your satisfaction is our top priority. We appreciate your recommendation Kiara! If you need any more assistance, please feel free to reach out.
I thought I'd never find a plumber especially so late in the afternoon, Sam was on his way home and stopped at our place to take a look at our hot water system. I cant thank you enough for your hard work and dedication. I highly recommend. Thank you again!
Response from the owner: That's a dedication we're very proud of! Thank you for your kind words. We’re happy to hear Sam could help you out. Your recommendation means a lot to us. If you need anything else, please let us know.
We had Sam come out to do some work on our hot water system. He was very punctual and professional. He guided us throughout the whole work progress. He did an amazing job repairing our hot water system. We are really happy with the quality of work he did and would not hesitate to recommend My Plumbing Services at all! Thanks again Sam!!!
Response from the owner: That's awesome to hear! We always strive to take our clients through the whole process of our work. Thanks for the recommendation Jose, we look forward to helping you again in the future.
From booking the appointment it was all quick and easy. Upon installing a new water urn and then discovering a gas leak, very affordable too. I will be passing your information to friends and family and definitely be using your business for any future problems. Thank you Sam
Response from the owner: We appreciate you taking the time to leave such a good review. It's good to hear that we we're able to help you! Thanks for the recommendation Maria. We look forward to assisting your family as well.
Our hot water system needed replacement. I contacted Sam who offered a competitive price.. service was excellent, thank you again. I highly recommend
Response from the owner: That's great to hear Ethan! Thanks for contacting us first. We appreciate your recommendation. If you need more help, please contact us anytime.
Very quick response time!! I called my plumbing services for a gas leak and they came out very quickly. Very detailed in explaining the work they're going to be doing. Highly recommend.
Response from the owner: Thank you for your kind review Baris! We're glad to hear that you appreciated our quick response time and detailed explanations. Your recommendation means a lot to us. If you need any further assistance, don't hesitate to call.
I had a gentleman call Caleb call out to my property today Wednesday 5th June. Polite, professional and pleasant, good service too. He even took his work boots off before stepping into my unit.
Response from the owner: Thank you for your kind words Angie. We're delighted to hear that Caleb provided a pleasant service. We appreciate your recognition of his attention to detail. If you need any further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out.
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