How do I clean and unblock kitchen drains in Nairobi?

Blocked kitchen drains are one of the most common household problems in Nairobi. Most are caused by fat, grease, and food debris accumulating in the pipe.

Weekly Drain Maintenance

• Pour a kettle of boiling water down the kitchen drain weekly — this melts and flushes grease before it solidifies
• Follow with a handful of bicarbonate of soda and then a cup of white vinegar — the fizzing reaction breaks down organic material
• Leave 10 minutes, then flush with more boiling water
• Use a drain strainer in the sink to capture food particles before they enter the drain

For a Slow or Partially Blocked Drain

1. Remove and clean the drain cover and trap
2. Use a drain plunger: fill the sink partially with water, place plunger over drain, push and pull vigorously 10–15 times
3. Apply a commercial drain unblocker (Harpic Drain Cleaner or HydroKleen) — follow label instructions carefully as these are caustic
4. Flush thoroughly with water after treatment

For a Completely Blocked Drain

• Use a drain snake/auger — available at Nairobi plumbing supplies; thread into the drain and rotate to break up the blockage
• If the blockage is beyond the S-trap (under-sink U-bend), a plumber may be needed

What to Never Put Down a Kitchen Drain in Nairobi

• Cooking oil or fat — even small amounts solidify in pipes
• Tea leaves and coffee grounds — accumulate rapidly
• Rice and pasta — expand in water and block drains

For comprehensive kitchen deep cleaning including drain maintenance, visit Bestcare Cleaning Services or call 0709004600.