The fireworks have fizzled out, the novelty 2026 glasses are in the bin, and your “no snacks after 8pm” resolution has already collapsed under the weight of a biscuit. It happens. But here’s some good news: there is one New Year’s promise you can keep without suffering, sweating, or negotiating with your willpower…

Keeping your drains clear.
Sexy? No.
Useful? Absolutely.
Easier than going to the gym? A thousand times yes.

So, as we step into 2026 with optimism and slightly tighter waistbands, here are the top drain care tips to make sure your home stays as fresh and free-flowing as your best resolutions.

Your Sink Is Not a Culinary Graveyard

Your kitchen sink works hard. It handles dirty dishes, rogue crumbs, and that mysterious sauce you swear you didn’t spill. But here’s the problem: many of us treat the sink like it’s auditioning for a competitive eating show.

Leftover bolognese?
Coffee grounds?
Half a tin of beans you forgot existed?

Your drain doesn’t want them.

In drainage terms, fats, oils and grease (FOG – the villains of the pipe world) are responsible for most clogs. They harden inside pipes like a block of concrete wearing a greasy winter coat, clinging to the walls and collecting everything behind them. Over time, they form a mini fatberg that would make your sink weep if it had feelings.

2026 rule: Scrape plates into the bin or compost, not the drain.

Your pipe, and your plumber will thank you.

Hair: Your Drain’s Public Enemy No. 1

Bathroom drains are the silent sufferers of modern grooming. Shampoo, conditioner, beard trimmings, long hair, short hair, pet hai, your shower drain sees it all.

If you’ve ever stood ankle-deep in your own shower water, you’ve already witnessed the horrors of hair buildup. It doesn’t just block drains, it knits itself into a soggy rope of doom.

Solution? A drain cover.
It’s cheap, it’s easy, and it’s basically a hairnet for your pipes.

Clean it regularly (yes, it’s gross, but so is stepping into an accidental bath every morning). Your drains will run faster, and your shower floor will stay blissfully puddle-free.

The Toilet: A Privilege, Not a Bin

Let’s talk toilets.
And yes, we need to be blunt.

Here’s what shouldn’t go down your loo in 2026 (or any year):

• “Flushable” wipes (spoiler: they are not flushable)

• Cotton pads

• Nappies

• Dental floss

• Kitchen roll

• Anything that wouldn’t naturally fall off a human

Your toilet isn’t a portal to another dimension, it’s a direct path to your drains. If you wouldn’t flush it at someone else’s house, please don’t flush it at yours.

Golden rule for life and plumbing: Only toilet paper and human output. Nothing more.

Grease: Hot Going Down, Hellish Later

It’s tempting. You’ve fried something delicious. The pan is still warm. The grease is runny. Surely pouring it down the drain is fine?

Sadly, no.

Because the moment grease cools inside your pipes, it solidifies faster than your enthusiasm for 6am jogs on January 3rd.

Better method:

• Pour grease into a container

• Let it cool

• Bin it

If you already poured some down the drain (oops), flush with hot water and washing-up liquid as damage control. It’s not perfect, but it might stop a blockage forming, at least temporarily.

Know When to Call the Experts

When your drain starts gurgling like it’s trying to speak, or water begins appearing where water should never appear… it’s time.

And no, sticking a bent coat hanger down the drain is not the heroic solution the internet claims it is.

Chemical drain cleaners? They can corrode pipes.
DIY hacks? Often make it worse.
Googling “Is it bad that my sink is making whale noises?”? Not helpful.

Call Rapid Drainage.
We’ve seen every blockage imaginable, from fatbergs to toy dinosaurs—and we’re not easily shocked.

Professional help saves:

• Time

• Money

• Your plumbing

• Your sanity

Drain Care FAQs for 2026

What causes most blockages?
Grease, hair, wipes, soap scum, and food scraps. Same culprits every year.

Are chemical cleaners safe?
Not really. Occasional use is fine, but overuse damages pipes. For big blockages, call us instead.

How often should I clean my drains?
Weekly rinse (hot water + soap).
Monthly bathroom drain clean.
Call a professional if you smell something questionable.

Signs of a serious blockage?
Slow drainage, odours, gurgling, or water backing up. If your home sounds like it’s digesting something, call us.

Start 2026 With a Clear Path Ahead

Like any good resolution, drain maintenance is all about consistency. A little effort now prevents big (and expensive) disasters later. And if things do go wrong?

Rapid Drainage has your back.

Call us: 020 3488 6280
Book online: https://rdrainage.co.uk/contact-us/

Why Choose Rapid Drainage in 2026?

• 24/7 emergency callouts

• High-pressure jetting

• CCTV drain surveys

• Honest pricing

• Engineers who show up with solutions, not judgment

With us on your side, a blocked drain will be the least of your worries this year.

So here’s to a happy, healthy, clog-free 2026.
And remember: a clear drain is a happy drain.