How to Prevent Blockages in Your Home
A Practical Guide for Bathroom, Kitchen & WC Drain Care
Blocked drains are one of the most common (and avoidable) household issues. They can cause unpleasant odours, slow drainage, water damage and unnecessary repair costs. By following a few simple habits, you can significantly reduce the risk of blockages and help keep plumbing systems working efficiently.
This guide explains how to prevent blockages in the bathroom, kitchen and WC, what to do if a drain becomes slow, and who is responsible.
Bathroom: Sink, Shower & Bath
Hair is the leading cause of bathroom drain blockages. When combined with soap residue, it forms dense clumps that restrict water flow.
How to prevent bathroom blockages
Always place a hair sieve or drain catcher over shower, bath and sink plugholes
Empty and clean the sieve regularly
Dispose of hair in the bin – never in the toilet
Avoid washing small items (e.g. jewellery caps or packaging) down the sink
If ignored…
Hair build-up can cause standing water, unpleasant smells and eventual pipe blockages that may require professional intervention.
Kitchen Sink: What Must Never Go Down the Drain
Kitchen drains are particularly vulnerable to blockages caused by grease and food waste. Even liquid oil cools and hardens inside pipework, trapping other debris.
Do NOT pour the following down the sink
Cooking oil, grease or fat
Food scraps
Rice, pasta or noodles
Coffee grounds
Best practice
Wipe greasy pans with kitchen roll before washing
Pour cooled oil into a sealed container and place it in the bin
Use food waste bins where provided
Repeated misuse can cause blockages that affect multiple flats, not just your own.
WC & Saniflo Systems: Flush Toilet Paper Only
Saniflo systems are efficient but highly sensitive and must be used with care. Flushing incorrect items can damage the internal macerator and motor, leading to serious blockages and mechanical failure.
Please be aware that the cost to replace a Saniflo unit is typically £700 or more, and may cost much more for any associated works. In many cases, misuse causes the Saniflo motor to overheat and burn out, meaning the unit cannot be repaired and must be fully replaced.
Only toilet paper should be flushed when using a Saniflo system. Items such as wet wipes (including those labelled “flushable”), sanitary products, nappies, cotton buds, and any other foreign objects must never be flushed.
Never flush
Sanitary pads or tampons
Wet wipes (even if labelled “flushable”)
Nappies
Cotton buds or dental floss
Any heavy or non-toilet-paper items
Tenant Responsibility
Tenants are expected to use Saniflo systems correctly and in a tenant-like manner at all times. If a blockage, breakdown, or motor failure is found to be caused by the flushing of inappropriate items, the tenant may be held responsible for the full cost of repair or replacement.
Correct use of the Saniflo system helps prevent damage, disruption, and unnecessary expense for all parties.
What to Do If a Drain Is Not Draining Properly
If you notice slow drainage in your bathroom or kitchen, taking early action can often prevent a minor issue from developing into a full blockage.
Recommended Steps
Keep drains clear at all times by regularly removing hair and visible debris from the plughole or drain cover.
Use a suitable drain-cleaning product at the first signs of slow drainage or minor issues, before a blockage develops.
Use a plunger to help dislodge minor blockages where appropriate.
Report the issue to your landlord or property manager, or contact a qualified plumber, if the problem persists.
Regular attention to slow drainage helps maintain your plumbing system, reduces disruption, and may avoid the need for more extensive repairs later.
Using drain-cleaning products
When using any drain-clearing product:
Always read the label carefully and follow the manufacturer’s instructions
Ensure the product is appropriate for your plumbing system, particularly in flats or properties with specialised drainage
Use products sparingly and as part of regular maintenance, rather than as a last resort
Many residents find KILROCK drain-cleaning products effective for routine drain maintenance when used correctly.
If you wish to review the product specifications or source them conveniently, they are available online here:
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My Own Experience
Many of you know that I recently purchased my own home and, as part of the refurbishment, I created my dream bathroom. Unfortunately, while the bathroom itself looks fantastic, the shower drainage has proved to be less than ideal. Due to the way the drainage was installed, the pipes were moved to a point further away in the bathroom, resulting in a very shallow drainage angle. As a result, the shower drain tends to slow down and partially block every three to four months.
Each time I notice the first signs of slow drainage, I take early action. I pour approximately half a bottle of KilrockPRO Rhino Bathroom Drain Unblocker into the drain and leave it overnight. By the following day, the shower drains are working like new again.
This experience has reinforced how important it is to act at the first signs of slow drainage. Regular maintenance and early intervention can prevent more serious blockages, avoid unnecessary disruption, and reduce the likelihood of costly repairs.
Who Is Responsible for Blockages - Tenant or Landlord?
Responsibility for blockages depends on what caused the issue, not simply where it occurred.
Landlord’s Legal Responsibilities
Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (Section 11), the landlord is responsible for repairs and maintenance of the property’s structure, including drains, pipes, sanitary fittings (sinks, baths, toilets) and general plumbing systems.
Further, landlords must ensure the property remains habitable throughout the tenancy, including proper water supply and drainage – a duty reinforced by the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018.
Therefore, if a blockage arises because of structural issues, wear and tear, defective plumbing, or pre-existing faults, then it is normally the landlord (or managing agent) who must arrange and pay for the repair.
Tenant’s Responsibilities
Tenants are expected to use the property and its facilities in a “tenant-like manner”. This means disposing of waste correctly (not flushing inappropriate items, not pouring grease or fat down sinks) and performing basic cleanliness/maintenance (e.g. clearing hair from sieves).
If a blockage is caused by misuse or negligence – for example, flushing sanitary products, wet wipes, nappies, or disposing of grease/food waste down sinks – then the tenant may be held responsible and asked to cover the cost of clearing the blockage.
What This Means in Practice – And What We Recommend
If you experience a blocked drain that seems to arise from structural issues, old or damaged plumbing, or gradual wear and tear, please report it to us immediately. We will assess and, if appropriate, arrange for a qualified plumber to clear the blockage at our expense.
If blockage appears to result from incorrect use (e.g. grease poured down sink, sanitary items flushed), we may ask the resident responsible to cover the cost.
To avoid misunderstanding, you are encouraged to read your tenancy agreement: some agreements include more detailed clauses about drain use, cleaning, or maintenance obligations. But note – statutory obligations under the Landlord and Tenant Act cannot be overridden by a tenancy agreement.
Why Prevention Matters
Taking simple preventative steps to look after drains benefits everyone in the building and helps maintain a positive living and management experience.
Reduces disruption and inconvenience
Preventing blockages helps avoid unpleasant odours, slow drainage, and unexpected loss of bathroom or kitchen facilities.Protects plumbing systems and appliances
Regular care reduces strain on pipework, pumps (including Saniflo systems), and fittings, helping them function efficiently for longer.Helps control maintenance and repair costs
Addressing minor issues early can prevent more serious problems, reducing the likelihood of emergency call-outs, costly repairs, and avoidable disputes.Supports a high standard of living and property care
Well-maintained drainage systems contribute to a cleaner, safer, and more comfortable home environment for residents, while also helping landlords protect the long-term condition and value of the property.
Preventative care is a shared responsibility and, when followed consistently, helps ensure a smooth tenancy and a well-managed property for all.
In Summary
Looking after drains is a shared effort and small, everyday actions can make a significant difference.
Use hair sieves in bathrooms to prevent hair and soap residue from entering the pipework.
Keep grease, fat and food waste out of kitchen sinks, disposing of them in the bin instead.
Flush toilet paper only, particularly where Saniflo systems are installed.
Act early if drainage slows, as addressing minor issues promptly can help prevent full blockages.
Understand your responsibilities under UK law, including using the property in a tenant-like manner and maintaining the structure and services appropriately.
Most importantly, if you notice any drainage issues, leaks, or unusual behaviour, please report them promptly to your landlord or property manager. Early reporting allows issues to be assessed and resolved quickly, helping to minimise disruption, avoid unnecessary costs, and maintain a good standard of living for everyone.
By following this guidance and communicating openly, residents and landlords can work together to keep homes – and the wider building – safe, comfortable, and well maintained.
Disclaimer:
This content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not replace professional advice. No warranty is given as to accuracy or completeness. Property maintenance, safety obligations, and legal responsibilities depend on individual circumstances and applicable law. Readers should always consult qualified professionals, landlords, managing agents, or local authorities. The author accepts no liability for any loss, damage, or injury resulting from reliance on this information. References to UK regulations are provided in simplified form and should not be interpreted as legal advice.