7 Simple Ways to Prevent Clogged Drains (From a Plumber Who's Seen It All)

After 18 years and thousands of drain cleaning jobs, we've seen every type of clog imaginable. The good news? Most of them were completely preventable.

Here are seven simple habits that will save you from calling us for a clogged drain:

1. Use Drain Screens on Every Drain

A $3 mesh drain screen catches hair, food particles, and debris before they enter your pipes. Use them in showers, bathroom sinks, and kitchen sinks. Clean them weekly.

2. Never Pour Grease Down the Kitchen Sink

Grease solidifies as it cools, coating the inside of your pipes and trapping other debris. Pour cooking grease into a can or jar and toss it in the trash.

3. Run Hot Water After Every Use

After using the kitchen sink, run hot water for 15-30 seconds. This helps flush oils and food particles through the pipes before they can settle and accumulate.

4. Don't Treat Your Toilet Like a Trash Can

Toilets are designed for human waste and toilet paper — nothing else. "Flushable" wipes are the #1 cause of toilet and sewer line clogs we see. They don't break down like they claim.

5. Clean Your P-Traps Quarterly

The curved pipe under your sink (the P-trap) catches debris by design. Unscrew it, clean it out, and reinstall it every few months. It takes 5 minutes.

6. Use Enzyme-Based Drain Cleaners Monthly

Skip the chemical drain cleaners (they damage pipes). Instead, use enzyme-based cleaners monthly as maintenance. They break down organic buildup without harming your plumbing.

7. Schedule Annual Drain Maintenance

Professional drain cleaning once a year prevents major blockages. We use hydro-jetting to clear buildup you can't see — think of it as a tune-up for your plumbing system.

Already dealing with a slow drain? Don't let it turn into a full clog. Give us a call and we'll have it flowing freely in no time.