Stop the block before it happens!
One of the most common causes of blocked drains is fat, oil and grease or food particles. You are responsible for keeping your sink clear and dealing with blockages. If you report a repair and we find the drain was blocked due to food waste, you may be charged.
Stop the problem before it happens:
- Scrape your plates into a bin before you wash them
- Collect excess cooking fat, oil or grease in a container. Let it cool then put it in the bin.
- Use a sink strainer to catch scraps
- Clean your drains regularly with hot water and vinegar or a drain cleaner
You can find lots of hints and tips about how to keep your drains clear on the Which website.
Act fast to deal with fat, oil and grease
If you accidentally put fat, oil or grease down the drain, act as quickly as you can to stop a blockage forming. Pour a generous amount of hot water and dish soap down the drain. You can also use baking soda and vinegar to dissolve the grease.
Dealing with blocked sinks
If you think your drain is blocked, you should try to clear it as soon as possible. Smaller blockages might be managed by hot water and dish soap. A larger blockage may require a plunger. You can find advice on how to clear a blocked drain, including a video on how to use a plunger, in our repairs handbook.