Drain Lines: How To Prevent Clogs and Backups

Most drain problems build up slowly. The good news is that most are preventable.

What not to put down the drain:

1. Grease, fats and oil. They cool and harden inside the pipe.

2. Coffee grounds, eggshells and food scraps, even with a garbage disposal.

3. So-called flushable wipes, paper towels, and feminine products. Only toilet paper belongs in the toilet.

4. Hair. Use a drain strainer in showers and tubs.

Good habits: run hot water for a few seconds after using the sink, and clean strainers and stoppers regularly. Avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners. They can damage older pipes and rarely fix the real cause.

Warning signs of a main drain problem: several fixtures draining slowly at once, gurgling sounds, water backing up in a tub or floor drain, or a sewage smell. These point to a clog or damage in the main line, not just one sink.

If you see those signs, stop using water and call a plumber. We can clear the line and use a camera to find the cause, so the clog does not keep coming back.