5 Tips To Prevent Clogged Drains

How Do I Keep My Drains Clean?

Clearing a clogged drain can be frustrating, time-consuming, and expensive. Whether it's a slow-draining sink or a full sewer backup, clogs can quickly disrupt your home or business — which is why prevention is the better strategy. A few simple habits can save you from major plumbing issues down the line.

1. Use Drain Strainers in Sinks and Showers

Strainers are your first line of defense. These inexpensive tools trap hair, food particles, and other debris before they go down the drain. Place them in your kitchen sink, bathroom sink, shower, and tub drains, and clean them out every few days.

2. Keep Soap Chunks Out of Your Drains

A small piece of soap doesn't just dissolve and disappear — soap can build up over time, especially in bathroom drains, and combine with hair and residue into a stubborn clog. Use a soap saver or mesh bag to catch the last bits, and toss soap scraps in the trash instead.

3. Flush Only Toilet Paper — Nothing Else

Cotton balls, sanitary wipes, dental floss, and paper towels aren't safe to flush, even when the label says "flushable." These items don't break down properly and can clog your sewer line. Stick to toilet paper only.

4. Watch What Goes in the Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals handle food scraps well, but not everything. Avoid grease or cooking oil, eggshells, meat scraps or bones, and fibrous vegetables like celery or corn husks — all of which can jam the disposal or build up in your pipes.

5. Try a Natural Drain Cleaning Solution Every Few Months

Pour ½ cup of baking soda down the drain, slowly add ½ cup of vinegar, and let the mixture fizz for 5–10 minutes before rinsing with hot water. This eco-friendly method helps break down buildup and keep drains smelling fresh, without harsh chemicals.

When Prevention Isn't Enough

Even with the best habits, clogs can still happen. Our licensed and insured Tampa plumbers proudly serve Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties, with tools like cable machines and hydro jetting equipment ready to handle any drain cleaning job. We're available 365 days a year, and financing is available through GreenSky for larger repairs.