Your Drain Cleaning and Maintenance Schedule: 7 Things To Do and When To Do Them

Keeping your drains clean and in good shape is a practical move. With regular maintenance, you can prevent small problems from becoming big ones, thus saving you time, stress, and money. With a bit of routine, you can keep everything running smoothly and avoid unexpected issues.

Here are some straightforward tips to help you take care of your drains, plus how Mains Plumbers—professional plumbing Dunedin service providers that locals trust—can support you when you need expert help.

1. Weekly: Keep Your Drains Clear

Making drain care part of your weekly routine doesn’t take long and makes a big difference. Here’s what you can do:

• Flush your kitchen drains with hot (not boiling) water. To clear minor buildups from, you can heat up some water and pour it down the drain. This simple habit can prevent bigger blockages later.
• Clean out sink strainers regularly. Strands of hair, soap scum, food bits, and other kinds of debris collect quickly in the bathroom and kitchen drains. Empty the strainers into the rubbish bin and rinse them clean as needed.
• Avoid chemical drain cleaners unless absolutely necessary. While they can be effective, chemical drain cleaners can corrode your pipes over time. Instead, go for gentle options like baking soda and vinegar or enzyme-based cleaners to maintain a healthy plumbing system.

Staying on top of these tasks helps you avoid stubborn blockages that may need professional attention and expensive fixes. A little effort now can go a long way in heading off headaches later.

2. Monthly: Look for Early Warning Signs

Spending a few minutes each month inspecting your drains can save you from major headaches. Watch out for the following:

• Slow-draining sinks or showers. If the water’s taking too long to go down the drain, it’s time to investigate the possible causes.
• Unpleasant smells wafting up from your drains. Foul odours often signal a build-up of debris, grease, or something more serious.
• Gurgling noises. If your drains make a strange sound when water flows through them, it could mean air is trapped due to partial blockages.

If these issues persist, addressing them sooner rather than later can save you from a plumbing emergency. Also, keep an eye out for any small leaks around pipes or fittings. These can often be repaired quickly before they escalate into bigger problems. If you’re ever in doubt, a quick chat with an emergency plumber in Dunedin can set your mind at ease.

3. Quarterly: Check Gutters and Outdoor Drains

Outdoor drains and gutters work hard, especially with the ever-changing weather in Dunedin and the Otago Region. So, every few months, do the following tasks:

• Clear out leaves, dirt, and debris. These materials can accumulate quickly, especially after a windy day or a downpour. Blocked gutters can result in water pooling, eventually damaging the gutter and even your roof. Keep your drains in good shape by clearing them out at least once a month.
• Test your stormwater drains. Use a hose to test if water flows freely in your drains. If it backs up, there could be an obstruction.
• Keep an eye on how your property drains after heavy rain. Pooling water near external drains could mean they need attention or signal a bigger drainage issue.

For more extensive issues, such as blocked stormwater systems, drainlaying services are your best bet to get everything sorted properly. Professional advice can ensure your outdoor drainage system is ready to handle anything nature throws its way.

4. Bi-Annually: Give Your Drains a Deep Clean

Twice a year, take time to give your drains a deeper clean. You can use a plunger to clear out lingering blockages; you can also opt for a drain snake for more stubborn clogs, but make sure to be careful so as not to damage the pipes. You can also use vinegar and baking soda to break down food-based grime and minor mineral buildups before you conduct a more thorough cleaning.

Also, consider looking at the water pressure in your home during these cleanings as low pressure can sometimes indicate a hidden blockage. Professional services like high-pressure jetting can also provide a more thorough cleaning if you need it. It’s a great way to ensure your pipes are completely clear and running efficiently.

5. Annually: Schedule a Professional Inspection

A yearly inspection by a plumber can catch issues you might not notice, such as the following:

• Tree root intrusion. Tree roots can find their way into pipes, causing cracks or blockages. This is a common issue in older homes surrounded by mature trees, but regular checks can prevent major issues.
• General pipe wear and tear. Pipes, like anything else, age over time and benefit from a little upkeep. Give them an annual check so you can repair or replace them as needed.
• CCTV drain inspections. If you are able, you can use CCTVs or similar technologies to conduct drain inspections to get a clear picture of your plumbing system. It’s the most effective way to spot hidden issues and ensure everything is in top shape.

Regular inspections are especially important to keep everything in top condition if you manage an industrial or commercial property. Larger systems are often more complex and benefit greatly from professional oversight.

6. Seasonal: Prepare Your Drains for Winter

In Dunedin, winters are relatively mild compared to many other places in New Zealand. However, drains can still clog when water becomes extremely cold. 

To protect drains against low temperatures, pour a mixture of warm water and salt down the drain regularly once the cooler weather arrives. This helps prevent freezing by lowering the freezing point of any water that might accumulate in the drain. It’s especially useful for outdoor drains or those in unheated spaces.

Drains are just one concern, however. You also need to protect other parts of the plumbing system, like water pipes and fixtures. For more complex issues, professional winterising services can help safeguard your system.

7. As Needed: Handle Emergencies Promptly



Even with the best care, things can still go wrong. You’ll know it’s time to act if water is backing up from your drains, your sinks and toilets are overflowing, or there are pervasive strong odours around your home. These are all signs that a serious problem could be brewing.

Having a reliable team on speed dial for emergency plumbing services can make a big difference in these scenarios. A quick response at the first signs of trouble minimises the damage, preventing it from spiralling into a big problem. It also gets your plumbing—and your life—back to normal quickly.

Trust Mains Plumbers to Keep Your Drains Flowing

Since 1947, Mains Plumbers has proudly helped the Dunedin community with its plumbing needs. As a family-run business, we have drains and pipes of our own, so we understand why reliable, top-quality service is important. Whether you need someone to do routine maintenance or urgent repairs, we're here for you.

Don’t wait for a problem to arise. Learn more about our plumbing Dunedin services, or get in touch today to book a service. With our experience and expertise, you can be sure we will keep your drains running smoothly and your home worry-free. Your drains deserve the best care—and so do you.