A blocked drain is an annoying problem and one that can have serious effects if you can't clear the blockage. If your drain has become solidly blocked, there's a chance you may have to call a professional to unblock it for you if you can't manage to fix it yourself.

As with many household problems, prevention is a far better option than cure. In the case of drains, keeping them free-flowing can be as simple as changing a few habits and remembering to be sensible.

Keep an eye on the draining speed

If you're able to spot a problem developing at an early stage, there's a good chance you can deal with it before it becomes serious. Make sure you take a few moments to watch the speed at which water drains down your various plug holes, and note any changes. If you notice it slowing down, you may be able to reverse the damage with a commercially available drain unblocking product.

Don't pour fat down the sink

The oils and grease used in cooking can quickly solidify when they cool down. Because of this, they can build up easily and cause a significant blockage. Pouring fat into your kitchen sink is a surefire way to block it up in the future and should be avoided. Find an alternative way to dispose of it instead.

Use your bathroom bin

It's tempting to flush all sorts of things down the toilet, whether it's for convenience or because it feels like a hygienic way to dispose of waste. If you do this with items like dental floss, wet wipes and feminine products, you'll most likely find yourself with a blocked drain in no time. Use the bin instead.

Get a hair trap

When you bathe or shower, loose hairs get caught up in the plug hole and washed down into the drain. Mixed with soap scum, this can eventually lead to a large mass inside the drain that will stop water flowing freely. A hair trap is a simple way to stop hairs entering the drain and just needs to be cleaned out periodically.

Rinse it through

As an extra precaution, it's a good idea to rinse your sinks and drains through regularly with hot water. If you have the time, you can do this every time you use them, especially after showering or washing dishes. This will help keep them in top condition and absolutely minimise your chances of blockages.