By: Melanie Powers, President — Goodberlet Home Services

Dealing with stubborn drain clogs can turn any homeowner’s day from bad to worse in the blink of an eye. Whether it’s the kitchen sink backing up with murky water or the shower drain refusing to cooperate, the frustration of constantly battling clogs is a common homeowner’s woe. 

From misleading “flushable” wipes to the temptation to dispose of everything down the garbage disposal, misconceptions about drain maintenance are everywhere. However, there are things you can do as a homeowner to help keep your drains from getting clogged. 

Common Misconceptions Surrounding Drain Clogs

As the owner of a home services company, I often get questions like, “But, Melanie, how can I prevent my drains from getting clogged?” The first thing I always tell them is to not flush anything (except for toilet paper) down the drain, and even then, I’d be careful. 

Don’t trust the label “flushable” — not everything called flushable truly is flushable. To truly understand this, you need to picture what your drains look like. Whether it’s from the toilet, the sink, or the garbage disposal, all drains have a P-trap, the U-shaped bend in your drains. If you continuously throw waste that’s not dissolvable, it could stay stuck at the bottom of the “U” and become extremely difficult to remove. 

This is also why not everything should go into the garbage disposal. Items like large chunks of food, coffee grounds, and fibrous vegetables can wreak havoc on your disposal unit and contribute to clogs in your pipes. Remember, if it’s not easily dissolvable, throwing it in the trash is most acceptable. 

Another crucial thing to remember is never to dispose of oil or grease down a drain. Despite their liquid form when hot, these substances solidify as they cool, coating the inside of your pipes and creating a sticky trap for other debris. Over time, this buildup can constrict water flow and lead to persistent clogs. To avoid this greasy predicament, opt for alternative disposal methods, such as storing used cooking oil in a sealed container for proper disposal.

By understanding the anatomy of your drain, you can better understand why many items should never go down it. While it seems like the drain does a lot (it does get rid of our waste, after all), it’s more delicate than we might think. 

Root Causes of Repeated Drain Clogs

Understanding the inner workings of what’s going on inside our drain pipes is not just about what you can see on the surface or understanding the P-trap; it’s also about understanding what goes in them and the items we throw down our drains. Even if we use our sinks and toilets appropriately, we also have to consider the factor of time. 

For example, an often overlooked culprit is the accumulation of hair and soap scum in bathroom drains. Every time you shower or wash your hands, strands of hair and residue from soaps and shampoos go down the drain. Over time, these seemingly innocuous substances can form a nasty hairball that obstructs water flow and leads to frustrating clogs.

Additionally, what happens in our yards can impact our drainage systems. Water-seeking tree roots have a knack for finding their way into sewer lines, lured by the promise of moisture and nutrients. Once inside, they can wreak havoc, causing cracks, blockages, and — you guessed it — repeat drain clogs.

By understanding the various factors contributing to drain clogs, you can take proactive steps to keep your plumbing system running smoothly and avoid the headache of repeat blockages. It’s all about staying informed, being vigilant, and treating your drains with the care they deserve.

Practical Tips and Advice for Clog-Free Maintenance

Now that we understand the root causes of drain blockage, here are some tips for clog-free maintenance:

• Mindful disposal practices: We’ve already discussed how a product marketed as “flushable” doesn’t always mean it truly is. Also, remember that not all food should be disposed of in the sink or garbage disposal. 

• Routine maintenance: Incorporate drain cleaning into your routine chores. Consider using a drain snake or enzymatic drain cleaner to keep your pipes clear and free-flowing.

• DIY solutions: You can incorporate many DIY cleaning solutions, such as catching your hair or cleaning your pipes without harsh chemicals. 

• Regular professional assistance: Getting a professional to drain your pipes will save you more money in the long run than just calling them for an emergency. I recommend calling a home services company at least once a year to ensure everything works properly. 

By implementing these practical tips and advice into your home maintenance routine, you can minimize the risk of drain clogs and ensure a smoothly functioning plumbing system for years to come. Like any home maintenance, a little prevention goes a long way in preserving the integrity of your drains and avoiding the headache of repeat blockages.

The battle against clogged drains does not have to be a mystery or a tedious chore. Understanding the root causes of clogs will equip you to tackle the problem head-on. 

By staying proactive and treating your drains with the care they deserve, you’ll find yourself less stressed about clogged drains and strange smells. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and your drains will thank you for it.

— Melanie Powers is an accomplished leader in the home services industry. With a background in Interior Design from Columbia College, she began her career as a project manager in HVAC. Rising as President and CEO of Goodberlet Home Services, Melanie expanded the company’s services to include plumbing and electrical, driving a 600% growth in revenue. Her strategic vision and dedication to excellence continue to inspire success in the field and pave the way for female empowerment in a predominantly male industry.

Published by: Khy Talara