How to Maintain Your Drains and Prevent Clogs

Why Drain Maintenance is Important

Proper drain maintenance is key to ensuring your plumbing system runs smoothly and efficiently. A little effort on your part can prevent serious issues, saving you money on repairs, avoiding unpleasant backups and how to prevent drain clogs.

For homeowners in Green Bay, maintaining drains should be part of your regular home care routine. Clogs, slow drains, and water damage can be avoided with proactive measures.

1. Regularly Clean Your Drains

Regular cleaning is essential for preventing clogs before they start. Here's what you can do:

• Use a drain strainer: Place strainers or filters over your sink, shower, and bathtub drains to catch hair, food particles, and debris.

• Rinse with hot water: Once a week, pour a pot of boiling water down your drains to clear out grease, soap scum, and other build-ups.

• Use baking soda and vinegar: For natural cleaning, pour ½ cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by ½ cup of vinegar. Let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing with hot water. This method can help break up minor clogs and neutralize odors.

  
  

For more tips on drain cleaning and maintenance, check out The Spruce’s Guide on Drain Cleaning.

2. Avoid Pouring Grease Down the Drain

Grease and oil can solidify inside your pipes, leading to serious blockages. It’s best to pour grease into a container and dispose of it in the trash. While small amounts of grease may seem insignificant, over time they can accumulate and cause a major clog.

For more information on how grease can affect your plumbing, see this article by Family Handyman.

3. Keep Hair Out of Drains

Hair is one of the most common causes of clogs in showers and bathtubs. Even a small amount of hair can bind with soap and shampoo to form thick, stubborn clogs.

To avoid hair buildup:

• Use a hair catcher: These simple mesh or silicone devices catch hair and prevent it from going down the drain.

• Clean the hair catcher regularly to prevent debris accumulation.

  
  

Learn more about how hair impacts your drains in this YouTube video on drain clogging causes.

4. Use Drain Cleaners Sparingly

While chemical drain cleaners can be effective in the short term, they often damage your pipes over time. They are harsh on your plumbing, corroding metal pipes and breaking down PVC. Instead, try natural cleaning methods (like baking soda and vinegar) or contact a professional plumber for help with stubborn clogs.

5. Know When to Call a Professional

If you notice that your drains are slow to empty, gurgling, or emitting unpleasant odors, it may be time to call a professional plumber. Early intervention can prevent further damage and more expensive repairs later.

Some situations where you need a professional plumber include:

• Multiple drains backing up: This could indicate a larger plumbing problem, like a sewer line clog.

• Standing water in your sinks: Persistent slow drainage could be a sign of a deep clog that requires professional tools.

Prevent Clogs with Routine Drain Maintenance

Routine drain maintenance is crucial for a healthy plumbing system. By incorporating these simple tips, you can keep your drains in top shape and prevent costly repairs.

If you’re dealing with a major clog, or simply want a professional drain cleaning service, contact a Green Bay plumber for expert help.

For a complete guide to keeping your drains clean and avoiding clogs, visit our full guide:Drain Cleaning: Expert Guide for Green Bay Homes.