A blocked drain is one of those problems that can go from “minor inconvenience” to “major headache” in no time. While some blockages happen due to pipe damage or tree roots, many are caused by everyday household items that should never go down the sink, toilet, or shower drain in the first place.

Here are 9 of the most common culprits and what you can do to keep your drains running freely.

1. Cooking Oil, Grease and Fat

When poured down the sink, oil and grease cool and solidify inside your pipes, creating a sticky build-up that traps other debris.
How to avoid it:

• Pour cooled grease into a jar or tin and put it in the bin.
• Wipe greasy pans with a paper towel before washing them.

2. Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds don’t break down in water — instead, they clump together and stick to the inside of pipes.
How to avoid it:

• Compost them or use them in the garden as fertiliser.
• Dispose of them in the rubbish bin rather than rinsing them down the sink.

3. Hair

Hair is a major cause of bathroom drain blockages, especially in showers and bathtubs. It tangles together and traps soap scum, forming a stubborn clog.
How to avoid it:

• Use a drain strainer to catch hair before it goes down.
• Clean the strainer regularly.

4. Soap Scum

Soap contains fats that can mix with minerals in water, creating a hard residue that builds up inside pipes.
How to avoid it:

• Switch to liquid soap or soap-free body washes.
• Regularly flush drains with hot water to help break down residue.

5. Baby Wipes and Wet Wipes

Even if the packaging says “flushable,” wipes don’t break down like toilet paper and can cause serious blockages in pipes and sewer systems.
How to avoid it:

• Always dispose of wipes in the rubbish bin.

6. Food Scraps

Small pieces of food can stick inside pipes, especially when combined with grease or oil. Over time, they create a nasty-smelling blockage.
How to avoid it:

• Scrape plates into the bin or compost before washing.
• Install a sink strainer to catch any stray scraps.

7. Cotton Buds and Cotton Balls

Cotton products absorb water and expand, making them perfect little drain-pluggers.
How to avoid it:

• Keep a small bathroom bin handy for cotton buds, pads, and balls.

8. Sanitary Products

Tampons and pads are designed to absorb liquid — which means they swell up and easily block pipes.
How to avoid it:

• Wrap them in toilet paper and place in the bathroom bin.

9. Dental Floss

It might seem harmless, but floss can tangle with other debris in pipes, creating a net-like blockage.
How to avoid it:

• Throw dental floss in the bin rather than flushing it.

How to Avoid Future Drain Issues

Keeping your drains clear is mostly about prevention. Here are a few habits that will help:

• Use sink and shower strainers to catch solids before they enter the drain.
• Avoid pouring fats, oils, and grease into sinks.
• Educate everyone in your household about what can and can’t go down the drain.
• Schedule regular professional drain inspections if you live in an older home.

Final Thoughts

A little care goes a long way when it comes to preventing blocked drains. By keeping these 9 items out of your pipes, you’ll save yourself the cost and hassle of an emergency plumber — and keep water flowing where it should.