How to Prevent Drain Clogs

How to Prevent Drain Clogs

The best way to deal with a clogged drain is to help prevent the clog from developing in the first place. Most drain problems don't happen overnight. Grease, food residue, soap residue, hair and other material can gradually accumulate inside drains until water begins flowing more slowly or the drain becomes blocked.

A combination of good drain habits and regular enzyme drain maintenance can help reduce buildup and keep drains flowing properly.

What Causes Drain Clogs?

Different drains tend to develop different types of buildup.

In kitchen sinks, common causes include:

• Grease and cooking fats

• Oils

• Food particles

• Coffee grounds

• Other organic residue

Bathroom sinks, showers and tubs commonly collect:

• Hair

• Soap residue

• Body oils

• Other organic material

As residue accumulates along the inside walls of the drainpipe, additional material can stick to it. Over time, this can restrict water flow and contribute to a clog.

Keep Grease Out of Kitchen Drains

One of the easiest ways to prevent kitchen drain problems is to avoid pouring grease, fats and cooking oils down the drain.

Grease may be liquid when it's hot, but it can cool and stick to the inside of plumbing. Additional food particles and residue can then become trapped in the buildup.

Dispose of cooking grease appropriately instead of intentionally washing it down the sink.

Use Drain Screens

A simple drain screen can prevent a surprising amount of material from entering your plumbing.

Use screens or strainers where appropriate to catch:

• Food particles

• Hair

• Larger debris

Empty and clean the screen regularly rather than allowing accumulated material to wash into the drain.

Be Careful What Goes Down the Garbage Disposal

A garbage disposal doesn't mean that everything can safely go down your kitchen drain.

Avoid putting excessive amounts of food waste, grease, fats and fibrous materials into the disposal. Use the disposal according to the manufacturer's instructions and allow sufficient water to flow when operating it.

Good garbage-disposal habits can also help reduce buildup farther down the drain line.

Remove Hair From Bathroom Drains

Hair is one of the most common causes of bathroom drain problems.

Use a drain screen or hair catcher in showers and tubs whenever possible. Remove accumulated hair from the drain opening regularly rather than allowing it to move farther into the plumbing.

Because hair creates a physical obstruction, removing it mechanically is generally more effective than expecting a drain-maintenance product to dissolve it.

Don't Wait Until the Drain Is Clogged

A drain that is becoming progressively slower is giving you an early warning.

If you notice water taking longer to drain, address the problem before the drain becomes completely blocked.

Remove visible debris and begin addressing organic buildup while water is still flowing.

Use an Enzyme Drain Maintainer Regularly

An enzyme drain maintainer can help manage organic material that accumulates inside drainpipes.

Enzymes help break down organic residue such as grease, food material, oils and other buildup before it becomes a larger drain problem.

Unlike an emergency drain opener that is typically used after a clog develops, a drain maintainer is designed to become part of an ongoing preventive-maintenance routine.

How Often Should You Maintain Your Drains?

There's no single schedule that's appropriate for every drain.

A heavily used kitchen sink may require more frequent attention than a guest bathroom that is rarely used. Restaurants, commercial kitchens and other high-use locations may also experience organic buildup more quickly than typical household drains.

The most important thing is consistency.

Follow the directions for your drain-maintenance product and pay attention to early signs such as:

• Slower drainage

• Unpleasant drain odors

• Recurring buildup

• Water beginning to pool around the drain

These can indicate that the drain needs attention.

Can Regular Drain Maintenance Prevent Every Clog?

No. Not every clog is caused by organic buildup.

Foreign objects, large accumulations of hair, damaged plumbing, tree roots and other physical obstructions may still require mechanical removal or professional plumbing service.

Regular maintenance is primarily about reducing the everyday buildup that can contribute to preventable drain problems.

Preventing Clogs Is Easier Than Dealing With Them

A few simple habits can make a significant difference:

• Keep grease and cooking fats out of drains.

• Use drain screens and strainers.

• Remove hair and visible debris regularly.

• Be careful what goes into the garbage disposal.

• Address slow drains early.

• Maintain drains regularly with an enzyme-based product.

The goal is to keep organic material from accumulating to the point where it begins restricting water flow.

Natural Armor Drain Maintainer with Enzymes

Natural Armor Drain Maintainer with Enzymes is an all-natural enzyme-based formula designed for ongoing drain and septic maintenance.

When used according to the product directions, it helps:

• Clean drains

• Deodorize drains

• Neutralize odors

• Help prevent clogs

• Maintain drains and septic systems

Instead of waiting until a drain becomes slow or clogged, Natural Armor Drain Maintainer with Enzymes can be incorporated into a regular maintenance routine to help keep drains clean and flowing properly.

Shop Natural Armor Drain Maintainer with Enzymes →