Clogged drains are a common household nuisance that can lead to slow drainage, unpleasant odors, and even water damage if left unchecked. Homeowners in Orem, UT, frequently encounter drain blockages due to factors like hard water, food debris, hair buildup, and improper waste disposal. Fortunately, with the right preventative measures, you can keep your drains flowing smoothly and avoid costly plumbing repairs.

This guide provides simple, effective tips to help you prevent clogged drains and maintain a healthier plumbing system.

1. Be Mindful of What Goes Down Your Drains

One of the simplest ways to prevent clogged drains is to be cautious about what you allow to enter them. Many common household items should never go down the drain, as they can contribute to buildup and blockages over time.

Kitchen Sink Tips:

• Avoid pouring grease, oil, and fat down the sink. These substances solidify as they cool and can create stubborn blockages. Instead, collect grease in a disposable container and discard it in the trash.
• Use a sink strainer to catch food scraps, coffee grounds, and other debris before they reach the drain.
• Run hot water down the drain after washing dishes to help clear any minor grease or soap buildup.

Bathroom Sink and Shower Tips:

• Use a drain cover or hair catcher in your shower and sink to prevent hair from going down the drain.
• Avoid washing excess soap scum, toothpaste, and small debris down bathroom sinks.
• Refrain from flushing non-flushable items like cotton swabs, wet wipes, and feminine hygiene products. Even “flushable” wipes can contribute to major clogs.

2. Perform Regular Drain Cleaning

Routine drain cleaning helps clear out minor blockages before they become serious problems.

How to Keep Your Drains Clean:

• Flush with boiling water: Once a week, pour a pot of boiling water down the kitchen sink to help break down grease and flush out buildup.
• Use a vinegar and baking soda solution: Pour one cup of baking soda followed by one cup of vinegar down the drain. Let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing with hot water. This natural cleaning method can help dissolve minor clogs and eliminate odors.
• Try enzyme-based drain cleaners: Unlike harsh chemical drain cleaners, enzyme-based solutions break down organic matter without damaging pipes.

If you notice slow drainage despite regular cleaning, it might be time for a professional drain inspection. Orem Plumbing Masters offers expert drain cleaning and maintenance services to keep your plumbing system in top condition.

3. Dispose of Food Waste Properly

Garbage disposals are convenient, but they are not designed to handle everything. Misusing your garbage disposal can lead to severe clogs in your kitchen drain.

Foods to Avoid Putting in Your Garbage Disposal:

• Fibrous vegetables (celery, corn husks, onion skins) can tangle around the disposal blades and clog pipes.
• Starchy foods (rice, pasta, potato peels) expand when exposed to water, creating sticky blockages.
• Bones, eggshells, and coffee grounds can damage the disposal unit and accumulate in pipes.
• Grease and fatty substances should never be poured down the drain, as they solidify and cause stubborn clogs.

Garbage Disposal Maintenance Tips:

• Always run cold water while using the disposal to prevent overheating and ensure waste is properly flushed.
• Regularly clean the disposal by grinding ice cubes and lemon peels to remove buildup and odors.

4. Protect Your Bathroom Drains

Bathroom drains are especially prone to clogs due to hair, soap scum, and product buildup. Taking proactive measures can help prevent slow drainage and expensive repairs.

Preventative Measures:

• Install a drain screen or hair catcher to trap hair before it enters the drain.
• Rinse sinks and bathtubs with hot water after each use to clear soap residue.
• Limit the use of oily and greasy personal care products that can accumulate inside pipes.

5. Flush Your Drains Regularly

Even if you take precautions, minor residue can still build up over time. Flushing your drains helps maintain proper water flow and reduces the risk of clogs.

How to Flush Your Drains:

• Once a month, fill your bathtub with hot water and let it drain completely to push out debris.
• Run hot water through your bathroom and kitchen drains for at least 30 seconds weekly.
• If you have a basement floor drain, pour a few gallons of water down it every few months to maintain a proper trap seal and prevent odors.

6. Address Small Clogs Before They Worsen

Ignoring minor drainage issues can lead to more severe blockages and costly repairs. If you notice slow-draining water, gurgling sounds, or unpleasant odors, take action immediately.

DIY Methods for Clearing Small Clogs:

• Plunge the drain: A plunger can help dislodge minor blockages in sinks, tubs, and toilets.
• Use a drain snake: A small drain auger can remove debris stuck inside pipes.
• Try a baking soda and vinegar flush: This natural remedy works well for minor buildup.

If these methods don’t resolve the issue, a professional plumber can perform a thorough drain inspection to identify and fix the problem before it worsens.

7. Maintain Your Plumbing System with Professional Help

Even with careful maintenance, professional drain cleaning is essential to keeping your plumbing system in optimal condition. Over time, debris, mineral buildup, and hidden issues can develop in your pipes, leading to unexpected clogs.

When to Call a Professional Plumber:

• Persistent slow drainage despite using DIY cleaning methods.
• Recurring clogs in multiple drains.
• Water backing up in sinks, tubs, or toilets.
• Foul odors coming from drains, indicating trapped debris or sewer issues.

Orem Plumbing Masters provides expert drain cleaning and maintenance to ensure long-lasting plumbing performance.

8. Preventative Pipe Maintenance

Older pipes are more susceptible to clogs, leaks, and corrosion. If your home has aging plumbing, repiping may be necessary to prevent future drainage problems.

Signs You May Need Pipe Replacement:

• Frequent drain clogs and backups.
• Discolored or rust-colored water.
• Unpleasant metallic taste in your tap water.
• Leaks or visible pipe damage.

If you suspect deteriorating pipes, pipe replacement and repiping services can improve your home’s plumbing efficiency and prevent costly water damage.

9. Prevent Water Heater-Related Drain Issues

Your water heater plays a crucial role in maintaining plumbing efficiency. Sediment buildup inside your water heater can lead to rusty water, foul odors, and reduced water flow.

Water Heater Maintenance Tips:

• Flush your water heater once a year to remove sediment buildup.
• Check for signs of rust, leaks, or reduced efficiency.
• Install a water softener to reduce hard water deposits that contribute to drain blockages.

Orem Plumbing Masters specializes in water heater installation and repair to ensure a consistent hot water supply and a well-functioning plumbing system.

10. Contact a Trusted Local Plumber

By following these simple tips, you can prevent clogged drains and avoid costly plumbing repairs. However, if you encounter persistent drainage problems, it’s best to seek professional assistance. Orem Plumbing Masters provides expert plumbing solutions, from leak detection to pipe replacement.

For reliable drain maintenance and repair, contact Orem Plumbing Masters today!