The Homeowner's Guide to Drain Maintenance
Most drain clogs are preventable. Here's what to do — and what to stop doing — to keep your drains flowing.
Kitchen Drains
The number one cause of kitchen drain clogs is grease. Never pour cooking oil or grease down the drain. Use a strainer to catch food particles. Run hot water for 30 seconds after each use.
Bathroom Drains
Hair is the enemy. Use a drain cover or hair catcher in every shower and tub. Clean it weekly. For slow bathroom sinks, the pop-up stopper is usually the culprit — pull it out and clean the gunk.
What NOT to Use
Chemical drain cleaners (Drano, Liquid-Plumr, etc.) damage your pipes over time. They can corrode old metal pipes and weaken PVC joints. Use a plunger or a drain snake instead.
- No chemical drain cleaners
- No "flushable" wipes (they're not really flushable)
- No coffee grounds down the drain
- No eggshells in the garbage disposal
Annual Maintenance
Once a year, have your main drain line professionally cleaned. This prevents buildup from becoming a blockage. Our maintenance plans include this service.