In a household, there are many things to worry about. From the roof leaking to the pipes bursting, it’s no wonder that homeowners experience so much stress. One problem that often gets overlooked is proper drain maintenance. As drains are used regularly, it is common for them to become sluggish or even completely clogged. This can lead to several issues such as bad odors, wastewater backup, and slow draining. In this guide, we will provide you with some basic tips and tricks to keep your plumbing flowing smoothly.

1. Know What Can and Cannot Go Down the Drain 🚫💦

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is pouring things down the drain that don’t belong there. You might think that small pieces of food are okay, but they can add up and cause a massive clog. Items like grease, coffee grounds, eggshells, and even “flushable” wipes should never go down the drain. Dispose of these items correctly, and you’ll prevent a headache down the line.

A sink full of murky water with food bits floating on it.

2. DIY Drain Cleaning Techniques 🧼🔧

There are several household items that you can use to clean your drains naturally. For a slow drain, one of the most effective techniques is tackling it with a combination of baking soda and vinegar. To do so, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda followed by 1/2 cup of white vinegar into the drain. Let the mixture sit for around 10 minutes, then pour boiling water down the drain. This should break up any buildup in your pipes and help water flow smoothly again.

For a more potent solution, mix 1/2 cup of salt with 1/2 cup of baking soda. Pour this mixture into the drain followed by 1 cup of white vinegar. Let the mixture sit for at least 15 minutes before pouring boiling water down the drain.

A cartoon illustration of a person pouring a mixture of baking soda and vinegar into a drain pipe

3. Invest in a Drain Strainer 🌟🕵️‍♀️

Prevent hair, soap scum, and other debris from accumulating in your drain by investing in a drain strainer. There are several types available, from mesh screens for your shower to drop-in strainers for your sink. They’re inexpensive and easy to find at any hardware or home improvement store. With a drain strainer, you’ll catch all the debris before it goes down the drain, making it easier to dispose of.

A picture of a close-up of a white mesh screen drain strainer.

4. Regularly Clean Your Drains with Boiling Water 💦🔥

One of the simplest ways to maintain your drains is by regularly pouring boiling water down them. Boiling water helps break down grease build-up and any other accumulated debris which may cause clogging. Boil a kettle or a pot of water and pour it down the drain after letting it cool for a few seconds. Do this once a week or more if you have a lot of usage.

Illustration of a kettle pouring boiling water down a sink pipe.

5. Don’t Wait to Address Clogs 🚫👀

If you notice that your drain is taking longer to empty, address the issue immediately. Delaying the task may cause the clog to worsen, making it harder to remove. If hot water, vinegar, and baking soda can’t solve the problem, try using a plunger or a drain snake. If clogging persists, consider calling for professional plumbing service.

A photo of a woman using a plunger to unclog her sink.

By following these simple tricks and tips, you can keep your drains flowing freely, eliminating the risks of any sewer backup or bad odors in your home. Know what you can and cannot put down the drain, use natural DIY cleaning techniques, invest in a drain strainer, regularly clean with boiling water, and don’t wait to address clogs. Incorporating these into your household maintenance routine will keep your plumbing flowing smoothly and make problems less likely to arise.

A snapshot of a well-maintained drainage system in a household.