Keep cooking waste out of the sink
Scrape plates and pans before washing up. Let cooking fat cool and dispose of it appropriately rather than pouring it into the drain. Hot water does not make grease safe for pipes: it cools further along the system and can contribute to build-up.
Use strainers and remove hair
A suitable sink strainer catches food scraps, while a shower strainer can collect hair before it enters the waste. Clean these regularly. Avoid pushing debris deeper into an opening with an improvised tool.
Only flush suitable toilet waste
Use a bin for wipes, cotton pads and sanitary products. Thames Water advises that toilets are for pee, poo and toilet paper; even products labelled flushable can cause problems. Make sure this is clear to everyone using the property.
Pay attention to repeat symptoms
A regularly slow sink, bubbling from nearby fittings or recurring smells may need investigation. More chemical cleaner is not a reliable solution to an unidentified fault. Tell the plumber how often it happens and which fittings are affected.
Build prevention into rental handovers
Leave simple disposal instructions and a clear route for reporting slow drainage. Responding to an early report can help establish the problem before a fitting becomes unusable. Avoid blaming occupants before the cause has been assessed.
Arrange the next step
For a current problem, see standard household unblocking. Landlords can include suitable checks in an agreed maintenance visit.
Further guidance: Thames Water: bin it, don’t block it.
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