Simple Tips for Preventing Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing issues homeowners face. They're inconvenient, can cause water damage, and often lead to emergency plumbing calls. The good news? Most clogs are preventable with some simple habits and preventative measures.
In the Kitchen
Never Pour Grease Down the Drain
One of the biggest culprits behind kitchen drain clogs is cooking grease and oil. While it might be liquid when hot, it solidifies as it cools, coating your pipes and catching food particles until a blockage forms.
Instead:
- Pour used grease into a disposable container and let it cool
- Throw the container in the trash when it's full
- Wipe greasy pans with paper towels before washing
Use Your Garbage Disposal Correctly
Your garbage disposal isn't designed to handle everything. Avoid putting these items down the disposal:
- Fibrous vegetables (celery, corn husks, artichokes)
- Pasta, rice, and bread (they expand with water)
- Coffee grounds (they accumulate and form a thick paste)
- Eggshells (their membranes can wrap around disposal blades)
- Hard items like bones and fruit pits
Use Sink Strainers
Place mesh sink strainers over your drains to catch food particles and other debris. Clean them regularly.
In the Bathroom
Install Hair Catchers
Hair is the primary cause of bathroom drain clogs. Install inexpensive drain covers or hair catchers in your shower and bathtub drains to prevent hair from entering the plumbing.
Watch What Gets Flushed
Only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet. Never flush:
- "Flushable" wipes (they don't break down like toilet paper)
- Feminine hygiene products
- Cotton balls or Q-tips
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
Keep Soap Scum Under Control
Soap scum builds up over time and can contribute to clogs. Use liquid soap instead of bar soap when possible, and clean your shower and tub regularly to prevent buildup.
Regular Maintenance
Flush Drains with Hot Water
Once a week, pour a large pot of hot (not boiling) water down your kitchen and bathroom drains to help flush away small buildups before they become problematic clogs.
Use Natural Drain Cleaners
For preventative maintenance, try this natural cleaner once a month:
- Pour ½ cup baking soda down the drain
- Follow with ½ cup white vinegar
- Cover the drain for 5-10 minutes while they fizz
- Flush with hot water
Schedule Professional Drain Cleaning
Even with the best prevention, some buildup in your pipes is inevitable. Consider having a professional plumber clean your drains annually to keep them flowing smoothly.
Already dealing with a stubborn clog? Don't use harsh chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage your pipes. Contact Yuba City Plumbing Pro at 530-434-5604 for professional drain cleaning that's safe for your plumbing system.