How Can I Prevent Clogged Drains in My Home?

1. The first tip is simple: be careful about what you put down your drains. Some of the most common causes of clogged drains are cooking grease, coffee grounds, hair and soap scum.

2. Buy a drain strainer that covers the drain’s opening. This should catch hair and foreign matter before it can reach the drain and create a blockage.

3. Run very hot water through the sink after you’re done using it. Hot water allows materials such as food or oil to run through the drainpipes instead of amassing together to create a clog.

4. Pour a handful of baking soda down the drain every so often. Then follow it with hot water.

5. You can also pour one cup of vinegar down the drain on top of a cup of baking soda. Let sizzle for about 15 minutes and then rinse with hot water. Repeat as necessary.

6. Avoid using caustic chemical drain cleaners. Over time, these can corrode some pipes—and sometimes they don’t even remove the whole clog.

7. Take care of your sewer lines and septic tank. You can call a plumber to help snake your main sewer on an annual or semi-annual basis. Doing this can remove tree roots that often grow into pipes at the joint and cause sewage backups.

8. If you have a septic tank, get your tank pumped every three to five years and regularly treat with a bacteria additive to keep the system in balance.

There are a lot of basic steps you can take to prevent clogs in your drains, most of which start with making sure the right things are going down the drainpipes. If you’re concerned about your sewage system, it may be beneficial to consult a professional to assess your plumbing. Roto-Rooter is always available—you can simply call 800-768-6911.