The easiest habit: keep grease and food scraps out of the drain. Most kitchen blockages don’t happen overnight; they build slowly as fats, oils and tiny bits of food cling to the inside of pipes, catching more debris each time until flow becomes narrow.

Start by using a simple sink strainer or mesh over the drain. It catches rice, vegetable bits, tea leaves and other small particles. Empty it into the bin instead of washing it through. For grease, wipe oily pans with a tissue or scrap paper before washing. Never pour leftover oil straight down the drain; collect it in a container and dispose of it separately.

Occasionally running hot water after washing greasy dishes helps too, but it’s not a magic fix if you pour oil regularly. These small changes don’t feel dramatic, but they keep pipes healthier and save you from having to deal with unpleasant clogs later.