Blocked drains are a common problem for property and homeowners, mostly because people don't know that certain objects aren't meant to go down the drain. Though some blockages will require a licenced plumber to clear, you can protect your drains by learning about these common causes.

Monitor Tree Roots

As trees grow older, their roots extend further and further. They sometimes go so far as to impale water pipes and cause severe blockages. High-pressure water jets are used to cut tree roots, so be sure to contact a professional if you think one of your trees could cause you problems in the future.

Throw Out Toiletries

Wipes, sanitary pads, and cotton swabs may seem small enough to flush, but doing so could result in a clogged drain and an extremely unfortunate overflow. If it's not toilet paper, always opt for the bin.

Teach Responsible Flushing

Children are perhaps the worst perpetrators of clogged toilets. They love to flush foreign objects like toys and toothbrushes down the toilet, so be sure to have a talk with them about responsible flushing habits.

Safely Dispose of Cooking Oil

Both cooking oil and cooking grease should always be poured into the bin, never into the sink. These substances aren't harmless liquids. They start to congeal once they cool off, so keep that in mind next time you're cooking bacon for breakfast!

Dispose of Food Scraps Properly

One of the easiest ways to avoid blocked drains is to dispose of your food in a compost pile rather than letting it go down the drain. Food waste can build up and solidify in your pipes, even after having gone through a garbage disposal.

Use a Water Softener

A water softener will help filter out certain minerals from your water, which will otherwise collect into insoluble masses. These masses can clog your pipes, cause an overflow, and be quite costly to remove.

Use Natural Soaps

The fat and grease contents of most soaps can build up in your pipes and block your drains. Unsure if soap buildup is the cause? Professional plumbers use CCTV cameras to inspect drains, which will help you determine whether or not you need to try out some new soaps.

Buy a Drain Catcher

A drain catcher to keep your hair from going down the drain is essential. Otherwise, you may end up with blocked drains, a bad smell, and the unpleasant task of fishing the hair out yourself.

Maintain Your Gutters

The buildup of natural debris like leaves and soil after a storm can clog up your pipes and block your drains. Keeping your gutters clean will help prevent your pipes from getting overloaded.

Throw Out Cat Litter

Always put cat litter in a bag and throw it in the bin. Pouring it down the drain will result in its contents clumping up and clogging the pipe. The blockage and resulting smell are not worth whatever convenience there may be in tossing it into the sink.

In Too Deep? Get Professional Help

Already experiencing blocked drains or that awful overflow stench? If so, it might be time to hire some outside help. Please note, you should ensure that anyone who works on your drains is licenced for drainage work, is insured, and offers a reliable workmanship guarantee.