Clogged drains are one of the most common — and most preventable — plumbing problems we see. A little prevention goes a long way.
In the kitchen
- ✓Never pour grease or cooking oil down the drain — it solidifies and traps debris. Wipe pans and pour grease into a can instead.
- ✓Use a sink strainer to catch food scraps.
- ✓Run cold water while using the garbage disposal, and avoid fibrous foods like celery, potato peels, and coffee grounds.
In the bathroom
- ✓Use a drain screen to catch hair in showers and tubs — hair plus soap scum is the #1 cause of bathroom clogs.
- ✓Only flush toilet paper. "Flushable" wipes are a leading cause of sewer-line backups.
- ✓Keep the area around the toilet base clear so small items don't fall in.
Whole-home habits
- ✓Flush drains weekly with hot water to keep buildup moving.
- ✓Avoid chemical drain cleaners — they can damage pipes and rarely fix the real problem.
- ✓For slow drains, a plunger or a drum-style hand auger is safer than caustic chemicals.
When to call a plumber
If multiple drains are slow at once, you hear gurgling, or water backs up into other fixtures, the clog is likely deeper in the line — that's a job for professional drain clearing, not another bottle of drain cleaner.
Questions? Talk to a Local Plumber
Serving the Treasure Coast & Palm Beach County 24/7. Licensed & insured · CFC #1432178.
📞 772-382-9590Frequently Asked Questions
Are chemical drain cleaners safe to use?+
We don't recommend them. Chemical drain cleaners can corrode pipes, are hazardous to handle, and often only punch a hole through a clog rather than clearing it. Mechanical methods or a professional are safer and more effective.