Slow drains are one of the most frequent—and frustrating—plumbing issues that homeowners encounter. From a slow sink, clogged shower, or kitchen drain odor, clogs can ruin your day and cause costly plumbing repairs if left to accumulate in their early stages. Most clogged drains are preventable with easy and effective habits. Explore how to keep plumbing flowing freely and prevent repeated plumber visits.
Watch What You Put Down the Drain
The easiest way to avoid clogs is to pay attention to what you send down your drain to begin with. Food bits, grease, and coffee grounds are kitchen villains. Hair, soap scum, and dental floss are bathroom culprits.
Quick Tips:
Never pour grease or oil down the drain, but pour it into a container and dispose of it with the trash.
Squeeze hair and food particles in the sink prior to going down the drain.
Do not flush wipes, sanitary products, or cotton balls—regardless of whether they are “flushable.”
Run Hot Water Frequently
Hot water loosens and flushes away soap scum, oils, and small food particles that can stick to your inside pipe walls. Hot water for 30 seconds per use, particularly for kitchen sinks.
Plumber Tip: Each week, pour a pot of hot water down each drain to break up tiny buildups so it won’t become a clog. It is easy, chemical-free drain maintenance.
Clean with Natural Products
Chemical drain cleaners may work, but their regular use kills your pipes and the environment. Use natural cleaning products like vinegar and baking soda instead.
How To:
Pour half a cup of baking soda down the clogged drain.
Add half a cup of white vinegar.
Plug the drain and let it stand for 15–30 minutes.
Run hot water.
This method clears out small clogs and freshens your drains without destroying your plumbing system.
Clean Drain Stoppers and Strainers
Hair, dirt, and soap accumulate in drain stoppers under sinks and in tubs over time. They will clog and hinder water if not cleaned periodically.
What to Do:
Clean and remove stoppers on a weekly basis.
Scrape off dirt with hot, soapy water and a toothbrush.
Clean gently prior to reinstalling.
Regular maintenance like this can prevent the surprise plumber visit.
Install Mesh Screens
Inexpensive mesh drain screens work wonderfully to catch trash like hair, food bits, and other solids from going into your drain. They are especially useful on kitchen sinks and shower drains and can be taken out and cleaned easily.
Handle Garbage Disposals with Care
If your sink has a garbage disposal, remember that it is not a trash can. Some foods will make life hell for your plumbing.
Avoid Putting These Down Your Disposal:
Fibrous vegetables (such as celery, and onion peels)
Potato peels
Eggshells
Rice and pasta (which absorb water and swell)
Always use cold water when running the disposal to harden and flush out particles more effectively.
Set up Professional Drain Cleaning
Even with preventive care, some buildup is inevitable—especially in older homes or high-traffic households. A yearly or bi-yearly drain cleaning maintenance by a certified plumber in Marana, AZ, prevents larger build-up and identifies issues before they create bigger issues.
Why it is Worth It:
- Preventing large clogs and backups.
- Extending the life of your plumbing.
- Increasing drainage speeds.
- Removing foul odors of decaying waste.
Trained plumbers use technology like hydro-jetting and video inspections to thoroughly clean and test your pipes—something no in-home fix can do.
Educate Your Family
Clog prevention is a family affair. Get your entire household on the same page about the basics of what can and cannot go down the drain. A little knowledge keeps your plumbing system running and emergency calls low.
Final thoughts
Clogged drains are more than just a nuisance—they can cause costly damage if ignored. Fortunately, you can prevent most blockages by practicing good habits and investing in regular maintenance. From two-second hot water flushes to professional drain cleaning in Marana, AZ, low-maintenance now can pay big later.
If you are dealing with persistent drain issues or want expert advice on long-term prevention, don’t hesitate to contact a licensed plumber in your area. A clean, clear plumbing system is just a few smart habits away.