How to Prevent Clogged Drains (Plus Easy Fixes & When to Call a Pro)
Slow-moving drains are annoying enough, but when the problem won’t go away, you can’t help wondering if something bigger is happening behind the scenes. That’s usually your cue to take action before a small issue becomes a costly repair.
Quick Take
In this guide, you’ll learn how to prevent clogged drains by building simple habits that keep water moving—like watching what goes down the sink, catching debris before it enters the pipe, and giving your drains regular care.
Already dealing with clogged drains? DIY steps can handle a minor slowdown, but recurring clogs that smell bad or affect multiple drains usually require professional attention from Conway Services.
Need Help Now? Call 901-248-1961
What Causes Most Clogs? (Know the Culprits)
As your local plumbing experts, we’ve seen every type of blockage—from simple sink backups to the occasional clogged sewer line—and that experience gives you a clear advantage. Understanding the main causes helps you focus on smart habits and effective home drain clog prevention.
Most clogs come from everyday buildup you don’t notice until water slows to a crawl. The most common culprits include:
- Hair buildup is a major cause of bathroom clogs, especially in showers and tubs.
- Soap scum combines with minerals to create thick residue inside pipes.
- Grease and fats cool and harden in kitchen drains.
- Food scraps, especially coffee grounds, eggshells, and fibrous vegetables, can cause clogs.
- Wipes and hygiene products are often culprits, as even “flushable” items can block pipes.
- Foreign objects, such as small toys, jewelry, and other surprises that slip through.
Understanding what causes blockages is your first step in knowing how to prevent drains from clogging before problems escalate.
10 Proven Ways to Prevent Clogs (Everyday & Seasonal)
Here are 10 effective drain clog prevention methods to help prevent future plumbing issues, from minor repairs to sewer line replacement.
1. Use Strainers in Sinks & Tubs the Right Way
Use a drain screen in every sink and tub to catch hair, soap scum, and food scraps before they enter your pipes. Empty it daily and clean the screen regularly to keep water moving and prevent drain clogs.
2. No Grease Down Drains: Use a Grease Jar
Don’t pour grease down the drain. Let it harden after cooking and scoop it into the trash, or pour leftover fats, oils, and grease into a disposable container to keep them from solidifying in your pipes.
3. Scrape Plates; Avoid Coffee Grounds & Starchy Foods
Scrape plates before washing to prevent food scraps from clogging your pipes. Skip rinsing coffee grounds, pasta, rice, or potato peels down the drain—these expand, clump, and create stubborn blockages over time.
4. Use a Monthly Enzyme Drain Cleaner (Non-Corrosive)
A non-corrosive enzyme cleaner helps break down organic buildup inside your pipes without damaging them. Using it once a month is an easy, safe way to support routine drain care and reduce slow-drain issues.
5. Do a Hot Water Flush After Greasy Cooking
Pour boiling water down the drain after greasy cooking. It’s a simple daily habit that helps melt residue, flush your pipes clean, and prevent buildup that can slow water flow over time.
6. Use These Hair-Catching Habits
Brush your hair before showering to remove loose strands, and use a drain screen to catch what’s left. These small habits keep excess hair out of your pipes and help prevent slow-drain issues.
7. Limit Disposal Use & Run Cold Water Longer
Use your disposal sparingly—large amounts of food can overwhelm the plumbing system. When you do use it, use cold water and let it run a little longer to help push debris fully through the line.
8. Use Laundry Lint Filters & Space Out Loads
Attach a lint filter to your washing machine’s drain hose to catch fibers before they enter your plumbing. Spacing out laundry loads also helps prevent backups by giving your drains time to clear between cycles.
9. Hard-Water Treatment (Scale Prevention)
Mineral-heavy water leaves scale inside your pipes, narrowing the passage and slowing drainage over time. Using a water softener or descaling system helps reduce buildup and keeps your plumbing running more efficiently.
10. Annual Drain Inspection & Cleaning
Yearly inspections help you stay ahead of buildup and keep your plumbing in good shape. If you’re focused on how to prevent drains from clogging, routine sewer and drain cleaning delivers professional benefits, from improved flow to fewer surprise blockages. If it’s been a while since your last cleaning, give us a call at 901-248-1961.
Basic DIY Fixes for Minor Clogs (Safe, Simple)
Now that you know how to prevent clogged drains, here are a few safe DIY steps you can try when a minor blockage slows things down. These simple methods help clear everyday buildup without risking damage to your plumbing:
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Hot water flush: Carefully pour boiling or very hot water down the drain to loosen light buildup. Skip this step if you have PVC pipes, since extremely hot water can soften or damage them. Never use water heated over 140°F.
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Dish soap + hot water: Great for greasy kitchen clogs; the soap helps break up residue before you flush it away.
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Plunger: Use a sink or tub plunger and create a tight seal for the best results.
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Hair tool or small drain snake: Gently remove hair or debris without relying on chemical drain openers.
Be sure to protect your hands and eyes, and never mix cleaning products. Work slowly around standing water, keep tools away from kids and pets, and stop immediately if you smell chemicals or notice unusual gurgling from other fixtures.
Need a hand? Call 901-248-1961 for fast, professional help.
When to Call a Plumber
Even when you know how to prevent clogged drains, some problems go beyond DIY fixes. A professional plumber can diagnose what’s happening deeper in the line and prevent bigger issues from developing.
Call Conway Services when you notice:
- Repeated slow drains: Symptoms return even after basic clearing steps
- Foul odors: Smells coming from sinks, tubs, or floor drains
- Water backing up: Multiple fixtures affected simultaneously
- Gurgling noises: Signs of venting or sewer line trouble
- Standing water: Drains that won’t clear at all
- Visible leaks: Moisture or water damage around plumbing
Conway Services is always ready to clear even the most stubborn clog and restore proper flow. If you’re dealing with ongoing issues or want professional help sooner rather than later, call 901-248-1961 or schedule online today.