Clogged drains come with the territory of being a homeowner and are almost impossible to avoid altogether. However, we have some drain clog prevention tips that can seriously better your chances—take a look!

Monthly Enzyme Treatments

Using enzyme treatments (or bacterial drain cleaners) is a great way to prevent clogged drains and treat them. Plus, they’re safe for septic systems and won’t damage your pipes—unlike chemical drain cleaners.

These treatments are available at most hardware stores and come in various forms, from liquids to sticks. They work by feeding on organic matters—like food and algae—and reproduce, spreading “good” bacteria throughout your drainage system.

Put Grease In The Trash

Pouring any form of grease down your sink is a big no, as it thickens and other things stick to it. The best way to dispose of grease is to wait until it hardens and throw it in the trash.

Pour Boiling Water Down Your Drain Pipe

Boiling water is a simple and easy way to prevent sink clogs produced by soap scum and build-up. We recommend using this tip once a week.

Flush Your Pipes with A Bucket of Water

Forget the plunger; throwing a bucket of water down your toilet is less messy and often more effective. The pressure from the water combined with the narrow-shaped pipe helps to push everything through.

Baking Soda and White Vinegar

This trick might become your new best friend! Pour half a cup of baking soda down the sink, followed by one cup of vinegar. Leave for ten minutes, and tip a bucket of boiling water down the plughole. If your sink is still draining too slow, repeat the process.

How does adding vinegar to baking soda unclog a drain? The chemical reaction creates carbon dioxide gas, which helps to lift dirt and freshens the smell. You can also use this trick to unclog a toilet.

Clear Your Pop-Up Stopper

Sink pop-up drain stoppers are great at catching hair and debris, but frequent cleaning is essential to prevent build-ups.

Switch to Composting

As convenient as a garbage disposal is, they do make you more clog-prone. The likes of coffee grounds, eggshells, and bones are all common culprits.

Saving your food scraps for composting comes with many benefits:

• There are fewer chances of clogs
• You’re creating food for your garden
• A reduction in landfill waste
• And more!

Only Flush Toilet Paper

You’d be surprised by some of the things we pull out of customer’s drains! The best way to avoid problems with your plumbing is only to flush toilet paper—this is especially important with older plumbing systems.

Add A Lint Catcher to Your Washing Machine

You’re probably familiar with the lint catcher on your dryer, but did you know you can add them to washing machines too? Installing a lint trap (or lint filter) will prevent lint, hair, and debris from clogging your washing machine’s pipes.

Like the filter on your dryer, you do need to monitor your trap and empty it regularly.

Avoid Rinsing Building Materials

Did you know that cement, grout, and joint compound can still set underwater? Instead of rinsing them in a sink, keep a water bucket and clean your tools as you work. Alternatively, you can try the below.

Brush Your Hair Before You Shower

A simple way to stop so much hair from going down the drain? Brush it first! This will remove any loose hairs before you shower, preventing clogs from forming. It also leaves a cleaner shower!

Need more than a couple of drain cleaning tips?

It’s impossible to stop every block from forming, and sometimes these DIY tricks may not work. In these moments, make sure you contact the team at Spencer and ask about our clogged drain services. We offer camera inspections and drain cleaning for just $99 each!

If you have regular clogs, we highly recommend a drain scope to see what is causing this recurring issue.

For example, you may have:

• Tree roots growing through your pipe
• A partially collapsed line
• Rotten cast iron, allowing the soil to seep through

We have multiple ways to repair or replace your line—including trenchless pipe repairs. We will work alongside you to find the best solution and even offer financing options.

Need a hand with your plumbing? Call us today on 978-293-5770