Clogged drains can quickly go from a minor annoyance to a major headache. Whether it’s standing water in your shower or a kitchen sink that just won’t empty, blockages are one of the most common (and preventable!) plumbing problems. Luckily, with a few simple habits and some insider tricks, you can keep your drains flowing freely year-round.
Here’s everything you need to know to prevent clogged drains like a pro.
🚿 1. Know What Not to Put Down the Drain
The number one rule in drain care: Not everything belongs in there.
In the Kitchen:
- No grease, oil, or fat – These cool and harden in pipes, creating thick, stubborn clogs.
- Avoid coffee grounds – They clump together and don’t break down easily.
- No eggshells or pasta – They expand and stick to pipe walls.
- Limit food waste – Even with a garbage disposal, fibrous foods (like celery, corn husks, and potato peels) can tangle up blades and clog pipes.
In the Bathroom:
- Hair is the #1 culprit – It binds with soap and forms clumps.
- Avoid flushing wipes, even “flushable” ones – They don’t break down like toilet paper and can jam your sewer line.
- Don’t pour beauty products down the sink – Lotion, toothpaste clumps, and oils can accumulate over time.
🧼 2. Use Drain Screens or Hair Catchers
This one’s simple but super effective:
Install drain guards in sinks, showers, and tubs. These inexpensive screens catch hair, soap bits, food scraps, and other debris before they enter your pipes. Clean them out regularly and you’ll stop most clogs before they start.
💡 Bonus tip: In the kitchen, try a mesh strainer in your sink to catch food particles. In the shower, a silicone hair catcher can save you a ton of headaches.
🧪 3. Flush Drains Regularly With Hot Water or Natural Cleaners
Prevent buildup with regular maintenance:
- Flush kitchen and bathroom drains with hot water once a week. This helps break down grease and soap residue.
- Once a month, pour a natural drain cleaner:
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- Let it fizz for 15 minutes, then flush with boiling water.
- 1/2 cup baking soda
This natural combo is eco-friendly and effective for minor buildup.
❌ Avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners! They can damage your pipes and harm the environment.
🪠 4. Maintain Your Garbage Disposal
If you have a garbage disposal, treat it kindly:
- Run cold water before and after using it to flush scraps down properly.
- Occasionally grind ice cubes and lemon peels to clean blades and freshen the smell.
- Never put bones, pits, grease, or fibrous foods down the disposal.
If it starts smelling bad, try a half cup of baking soda followed by vinegar, let sit, and rinse with hot water.
🧰 5. Check & Clean Your P-Traps
Under every sink, there’s a curved pipe called a P-trap—it traps debris before it clogs your main lines.
Every few months:
- Place a bucket underneath.
- Unscrew the connectors and remove the trap.
- Clean out any gunk and reattach.
It’s a quick job that can make a big difference in how your sink drains.
🧹 6. Keep Toilets for Toilet Paper Only
Toilets are not trash cans! Only flush human waste and toilet paper.
Keep a trash bin nearby to dispose of:
- Wet wipes
- Cotton balls
- Paper towels
- Feminine hygiene products
- Q-tips or floss
Even “flushable” wipes can cause serious blockages and municipal sewer issues.
🕵️ 7. Watch for Early Warning Signs
A clog rarely happens without warning. Look out for:
- Gurgling sounds in drains or toilets
- Slow draining water
- Foul odors from drains
- Water backing up in sinks or tubs
These are signs it’s time to act before a full blockage forms.
🧑🔧 8. Schedule Annual Professional Drain Inspections
If your home is older or you’ve had issues in the past, a yearly inspection can catch early problems. Plumbers can use cameras to look inside your pipes and detect buildup, tree root invasion, or corrosion.
It’s an investment that can save you from thousands in emergency repairs.
✅ Final Thoughts: Prevention Is Key
Clogged drains are frustrating—but they’re also avoidable with the right habits and a little regular care. By being mindful of what goes down your drains, keeping them clean, and spotting issues early, you can keep your plumbing running smoothly for years to come.
If you ever face a clog that won’t budge or keeps coming back, don’t hesitate to call in a pro. Some issues are deeper than DIY can handle—and early intervention can prevent bigger (and messier) problems down the line.