How to Prevent Future Clogs After a Drain Clearing

You’ve just had your drain cleaning done, and everything is working like a dream again. The water flows down smoothly, and you no longer have to worry about those annoying slow drains. But here’s the thing—if you don’t take a few simple steps to prevent future clogs, you might find yourself dealing with the same problem sooner than you think.

So, how do you keep your drains clog-free after a professional clearing? Let’s chat about it. There are some easy things you can do that will make a huge difference. Whether it’s what you put down the drain or how you maintain it, we’ve got you covered with practical tips that are easy to follow and will help keep your plumbing system in top shape.

Understand What Causes Clogs in the First Place

Before we dive into prevention, it’s important to know what causes those pesky clogs to begin with. In most cases, it’s everyday things you might not even think about. Hair in the shower, food scraps in the kitchen sink, grease buildup—these are the usual suspects.

Think about it this way: When you’re cooking and rinsing your plates, some of that grease, oil, or food bits get washed down. Over time, they stick to the walls of your pipes and before you know it, you’ve got a clog. The same goes for hair in the bathroom. We’re all guilty of letting a few strands slip down the drain, but when hair mixes with soap scum, it forms a stubborn clog that can block your pipes.

Understanding the problem is half the battle. Once you know what’s causing your clogs, you can take simple steps to prevent them from coming back.

Use Drain Covers and Strainers

You know what? The easiest way to keep stuff out of your drains is to stop it from going down in the first place. Drain covers and strainers are inexpensive and super effective at catching things like food particles and hair before they become a problem.

Here’s a quick tip: Get a strainer that fits snugly over your sink or shower drain. These little tools catch all the gunk that would otherwise cause clogs. You can find strainers at just about any hardware store, and installing them is as easy as placing them over your drain. Once they catch debris, just clean them out regularly. It only takes a minute, and it saves you from a major headache later.

Be Mindful of What Goes Down the Drain

I know; it’s tempting to rinse everything down the drain when you’re cleaning up in the kitchen. But trust me, some things should never end up there. Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) are notorious for causing clogs. When these substances cool, they harden and cling to the inside of your pipes, narrowing the space for water to flow.

Here’s a good rule of thumb: If it’s something you wouldn’t pour directly down the drain by itself, don’t let it slip in with the rest of the dirty water. Scrape your plates into the trash or compost bin before rinsing them. That goes for coffee grounds too. Even though they seem harmless, coffee grounds tend to clump together in water, forming a dense blockage over time.

In the bathroom, try not to wash down hair, soap, or small objects. It might seem like no big deal in the moment, but these things accumulate. And while we’re at it, flush only toilet paper—no wipes, cotton balls, or other “flushable” items (even if the package says they’re okay).

Flush Your Drains with Hot Water Regularly

Let me tell you a little secret: Hot water is your friend when it comes to keeping your drains clear. After cooking or washing dishes, run hot water down the drain for a minute or two. Why? Because hot water helps break down grease and other gunk before it has a chance to solidify.

You can make this part of your routine without much effort. Just think of it as giving your pipes a quick rinse after they’ve worked hard for you. It’s an easy habit to build, and it can go a long way in preventing future clogs.

Use Natural Drain Cleaners

Honestly, I’m not a big fan of harsh chemical drain cleaners. They can be tough on your pipes, and over time, they might cause more harm than good. Instead, there’s a natural solution you probably already have in your kitchen—vinegar and baking soda.

Here’s a quick and eco-friendly method: Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of white vinegar. Let it fizz and work its magic for about 15 minutes. Then, flush it all down with hot water. This mixture helps break up minor buildups and keeps your pipes fresh without damaging them.

Make this a monthly habit, and you’ll be doing your drains a favor. Plus, it’s cheap and chemical-free, which is a win for both your pipes and the environment.

Schedule Regular Professional Maintenance

Sometimes, no matter how careful you are, clogs happen. And when they do, it’s always better to catch the problem early. That’s where professional maintenance comes in. Even if you’re diligent about what goes down the drain, it’s a good idea to have a plumber inspect your pipes regularly.

A plumber can spot potential issues you might not notice, like slow buildups or pipe damage. Regular maintenance ensures that small problems don’t turn into big, costly ones down the road. Plus, a professional cleaning once in a while can help keep your system running smoothly.

Here’s the thing: While DIY drain care is great for day-to-day maintenance, nothing beats a thorough cleaning from a professional. If you’re in Asheville, NC, and you need help keeping your drains in top shape, Four Seasons Plumbing is ready to lend a hand. Whether it’s routine maintenance or a more serious clog, their team can handle it.

Take a Little Time Now, Save Big Later

Keeping your drains clear doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few simple changes to your habits, you can prevent future clogs and avoid the stress of dealing with slow drains or costly plumbing repairs. From using drain covers to being mindful of what you put down the sink, these small steps go a long way.

And remember, if you ever need professional help, don’t hesitate to call in the experts. They’re there to help keep your home’s plumbing system in great shape.

For more information or to schedule a maintenance check, contact the most reliable Asheville NC plumbers at Four Seasons Plumbing today. They’ve got the tools, expertise, and friendly service you need to keep your drains clog-free for good.