How to prevent blocked drains
Small daily habits make the difference between a drain that flows freely and one that ends in a breakdown. Here are the most common causes of blockages and how to reduce the risk.
Published 2026-02-10 · Updated 2026-02-10 · Author: JE24 team
Blockages rarely appear overnight. They are usually the result of a gradual build-up of grease, food scraps, hair, soap or limescale inside the pipes, which slowly narrows the usable diameter until water stops flowing normally.
Knowing what should and should not go down the drain, combined with simple regular cleaning, helps keep pipework in good condition and avoids urgent call-outs at the worst possible moment.
Main causes of blockages
- Cooking fats and oils poured down the sink
- Unfiltered food scraps
- Hair and soap residue in the bathroom
- Wet wipes and non-biodegradable items flushed down the toilet
- Limescale build-up in older pipework
Simple habits that help
Fitting a strainer or grille over the kitchen sink and shower drain noticeably reduces the amount of solid waste entering the pipe. Letting oil cool and disposing of it in a separate container, rather than pouring it down the sink, is another habit that makes a real difference over time.
In communities of owners and commercial premises, where usage volumes are higher, it is also worth arranging periodic checks of shared drainpipes to spot build-ups before they cause a wider blockage.
When to call a professional
Some symptoms indicate that a home fix is no longer enough:
- Water drains very slowly in several parts of the home at once
- Persistent odours are coming from the drain
- Blockages keep recurring in the same spot despite cleaning
- Gurgling noises are heard from pipes or toilets
Frequently asked questions
Are chemical drain cleaners recommended?
Frequent use can damage older pipes or certain materials, so they should be used sparingly, and a professional should be consulted if in doubt.
How often should drains be cleaned?
It depends on how the property is used, but periodic visual checks and cleaning filters help catch problems early.
Can a blockage affect more than one home?
Yes, when the problem lies in a shared drainpipe it can affect several homes, so it is worth notifying the community of owners.
If a blockage persists or there is a risk of water damage, it is best to act sooner rather than waiting for it to get worse.
Contact and fault reporting
For emergencies, call or message us on WhatsApp. For everything else, send the form and we will get back to you.
Is it an emergency? Call us directly.
+34 600 000 000WhatsAppWith the experience of JourEliten Sweden