Clogged drains are one of the most common — and frustrating — plumbing issues faced by homeowners. While they’re usually easy to fix, they can lead to water damage or unpleasant odors if ignored. The good news? Most clogs are preventable with a few simple habits.

1. Watch What You Put Down the Sink

Grease, coffee grounds, and food scraps should never go down the kitchen drain — even if you have a garbage disposal. Instead, scrape food into the trash and pour used cooking oil into a sealed container.

2. Use Drain Screens

Install mesh drain screens in your bathroom sinks and shower to catch hair, soap scum, and debris. Clean them out weekly to keep water flowing smoothly.

3. Avoid Flushing the Wrong Things

Toilets aren’t trash cans. Only flush toilet paper and waste — never wipes (even the “flushable” ones), feminine products, cotton swabs, or paper towels.

4. Run Hot Water Regularly

Once a week, run hot water down your bathroom and kitchen sinks to help loosen any grease or soap that might be building up inside the pipes.

5. Try a Natural Drain Cleaner

A mix of baking soda and vinegar followed by hot water can help clean out minor buildups. Avoid chemical cleaners — they can corrode your plumbing over time.

Bonus Tip:

If you notice recurring slow drains, that could be a sign of a bigger issue, like a sewer line problem. In that case, it’s best to bring in a professional plumber to inspect your system.

Keeping your drains clear is mostly about being mindful — a few small changes can go a long way in avoiding clogs and costly repairs.