Clogged drains can be a major inconvenience for any homeowner. When water starts backing up, it can cause damage to your property and create a nasty odor. Not to mention the costly repairs that can come along with it. But with a little bit of knowledge and preventative measures, you can avoid clogged drains and save yourself money in the long run. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about preventing clogged drains and avoiding costly repairs.

What Causes Clogged Drains?

Before we dive into preventative measures, it’s important to understand what causes clogged drains in the first place. The most common culprits are:

Hair and Soap Scum

Hair and soap scum are the biggest culprits when it comes to clogged bathroom drains. As you shower or brush your hair, strands of hair and soap residue can collect in your drain, eventually causing a blockage.

Grease and Food Waste

In the kitchen, grease and food waste can quickly accumulate in your drain, leading to clogs. Over time, these materials can build up and create a solid blockage.

Foreign Objects

Foreign objects such as toys, jewelry, and even dental floss can get stuck in your drain and cause a clog.

Preventative Measures

Now that we know what causes clogged drains, let’s look at some preventative measures you can take to avoid them.

Bathroom

• Use a drain strainer to catch hair and soap scum before it enters your drain.
• Avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain.
• Use a plunger to remove minor clogs.
• Once a month, pour boiling water down your drain to help clear out any buildup.

Kitchen

• Avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain.
• Scrape food waste into the trash can and dispose of it properly.
• Use a drain strainer to catch food waste before it enters your drain.
• Once a month, pour boiling water down your drain to help clear out any buildup.

Outdoor Drains

• Install a drain cover to prevent leaves and other debris from entering your drain.
• Regularly remove any debris that collects on the drain cover.
• Have your gutters cleaned regularly to prevent debris from collecting in outdoor drains.

Professional Help

If you’ve tried all of the preventative measures and still have a clogged drain, it’s time to call in the professionals. Here are some signs that it’s time to call a plumber:

• Your sink or shower is draining slowly.
• You hear gurgling noises coming from your drain.
• There is a foul odor coming from your drain.

Conclusion

Clogged drains can be a major headache for homeowners, but with a little bit of knowledge and preventative measures, you can avoid costly repairs. Remember to use a drain strainer, avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain, and have your drains cleaned regularly. And if you do end up with a clogged drain, don’t hesitate to call in the professionals. By taking these simple steps, you can keep your drains clear and avoid clogs in the future.