Dealing with a clogged drain is frustrating. Water backs up, bad smells take over, and sometimes, fixing the problem requires a plumber. The good news? Most drain clogs don’t have to happen. A few simple tips can prevent drain clogs and keep your sinks, showers, and toilets flowing smoothly.
Instead of waiting for a blockage, take steps to prevent one. Here’s what causes drain clogs and the best ways to stop them before they start.
Why Do Drains Clog?
Drains clog for many reasons, but most of the time, it comes down to everyday habits. Things like hair, grease, food scraps, and soap scum slowly build up in pipes, making it harder for water to pass through. Over time, this leads to slow drains or complete blockages.
Ignoring small issues can make things worse. A slow drain today could turn into a full clog that requires professional drain cleaning later. But luckily, there are tips to prevent drain clogs before they become major plumbing headaches. Taking action early can save you a lot of time and money.
Tips to Prevent Drain Clogs
1. Use Drain Strainers in Sinks and Showers
Drain strainers are one of the easiest ways to prevent clogs. These small mesh screens catch hair, food bits, and other debris before they enter the pipes. They’re cheap, easy to clean, and can stop most common blockages before they start.
2. Avoid Pouring Grease, Oil, and Fat Down the Drain
Grease might seem harmless when it’s hot and liquid, but once it cools, it thickens and sticks to your pipes. Over time, this creates a stubborn blockage. Instead of pouring grease down the drain, collect it in a container and throw it away.
3. Be Mindful of What Goes Down the Kitchen Sink
Certain foods cause major plumbing problems. Coffee grounds, eggshells, pasta, rice, and fibrous vegetables like celery don’t break down easily and can clog your sink. Instead of rinsing these down the drain, toss them in the trash or compost.
4. Flush Drains with Hot Water Weekly
Hot water can help break down grease and soap buildup before it becomes a problem. Once a week, pour a kettle of boiling water down your kitchen and bathroom sinks to keep them flowing smoothly.
5. Clean Drains with Baking Soda and Vinegar
A natural way to prevent clogs is by using baking soda and vinegar. Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Let it fizz for a few minutes, then flush it with hot water. This helps remove small blockages and keeps drains fresh.
6. Brush Hair Before Showering
Hair is one of the biggest reasons bathroom drains clog. A simple fix? Brush your hair before getting in the shower to catch loose strands before they go down the drain.
7. Know Your Toilet System Before Flushing Toilet Paper
Some plumbing systems can handle toilet paper, while others clog easily. Before flushing, check if your system allows it to avoid plumbing issues. If you can’t flush toilet paper, always dispose of it in a covered trash bin and empty it regularly to prevent odors, bacteria buildup, and pests like roaches.
8. Schedule Routine Drain Maintenance
Sometimes, even with good habits, buildup happens. If you notice slow drains, bad smells, or frequent clogs, it might be time for professional drain cleaning services. They can remove blockages before they turn into serious plumbing issues.
Prevent Drain Clogs Before They Start with The Flood Team!
Preventing drain clogs at home is easy with simple habits, but sometimes, buildup still happens. If you’re dealing with slow drains, bad smells, or stubborn blockages, The Flood Team is here to help. Their drain cleaning services safely clear out clogs and keep your plumbing running smoothly.
Don’t let small issues turn into costly repairs—book a free evaluation with The Flood Team today!
Final Thoughts
Preventing drain clogs doesn’t take much effort, but it can save you from the hassle of backups and expensive repairs. Small changes—like using a drain strainer, being mindful of what goes down the drain, and flushing pipes with hot water—make a big difference. Take care of your drains, and they’ll keep working smoothly for years to come.
FAQs
How often should I clean my drains?
Flush with hot water once a week and use baking soda and vinegar once a month to help prevent buildup.
Can I use chemical drain cleaners?
It’s best to avoid them. They can damage pipes over time and aren’t good for the environment.
What’s the best way to stop hair from clogging my drain?
Use a drain strainer and brush your hair before showering to catch loose strands before they go down the drain.
Is it okay to put food scraps in the garbage disposal?
Some foods—like coffee grounds, eggshells, pasta, and fibrous veggies—should go in the trash or compost instead.
When should I call a plumber for drain maintenance?
If you have slow drains, gurgling noises, or recurring clogs, it’s a good idea to schedule professional cleaning before the problem gets worse.
