Clogged drains don’t just happen overnight — they build up slowly with daily habits that most people don’t even realize are harmful. From kitchen sinks to bathroom drains, prevention is your best defense. As your go-to Plombier Repentigny, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners prevent and resolve drain clogs, and we’re sharing everything you need to know to keep water flowing smoothly through your home.
1. Keep Grease and Oil Out of the Sink
Why it matters: Grease and oil may go down hot and liquid, but they cool inside your pipes and harden, acting like glue for food particles and debris.
Pro Tip: Wipe down greasy pans with a paper towel before washing. Pour leftover oil into a sealable container and toss it in the trash once it hardens.
2. Install Drain Catchers and Hair Traps
Why it matters: Hair, soap scum, and food bits are the most common causes of clogs in bathroom and kitchen drains.
Pro Tip: Use fine mesh drain catchers or silicone traps in your sinks, tubs, and showers. Empty them daily to prevent buildup.
3. Avoid Flushing Anything But Toilet Paper
Why it matters: Items like wipes, feminine hygiene products, floss, and cotton balls don’t break down in water and can clog toilets and main sewer lines.
Pro Tip: Place a covered trash bin next to the toilet so guests and kids aren’t tempted to flush anything that shouldn’t go down.
4. Rinse Drains with Hot Water Weekly
Why it matters: Hot water helps flush out soap residue, oils, and debris before they settle and solidify in your pipes.
Pro Tip: Boil a kettle of water and pour it slowly down each drain once a week, especially kitchen sinks and showers.
5. Use Baking Soda and Vinegar for Natural Maintenance
Why it matters: This safe, chemical-free combo breaks down buildup and deodorizes at the same time.
How to do it: Pour ½ cup of baking soda down the drain, then follow with 1 cup of white vinegar. Wait 15 minutes, then flush with boiling water.
6. Avoid Dumping Coffee Grounds and Starchy Foods
Why it matters: Coffee grounds clump and settle in pipes, and starchy foods (like rice and pasta) expand with water, creating stubborn clogs.
Pro Tip: Compost coffee grounds and scrape plates into the trash or compost bin before rinsing.
7. Clean the Stopper and Overflow Drain Regularly
Why it matters: Hair and gunk love to collect around sink stoppers and overflow holes.
Pro Tip: Once a month, remove and clean stoppers with a toothbrush and a vinegar solution. Don’t forget to flush out the overflow holes.
8. Be Careful with Garbage Disposals
Why it matters: Not everything is “disposal-friendly.” Tough or fibrous items can damage the blades or clog the pipe just past the disposal.
Avoid grinding: Eggshells, celery, potato peels, bones, corn husks, and grease.
Pro Tip: Always run cold water while using the disposal and for 30 seconds afterward to move waste all the way down the drain.
9. Watch Your Landscaping
Why it matters: Tree roots are a leading cause of underground drain and sewer clogs. They grow toward moisture and can crack or block pipes.
Pro Tip: Avoid planting trees near main sewer lines. If your yard has slow drainage or soggy patches, get a camera inspection from your local Plombier Repentigny.
10. Schedule Annual Drain Inspections
Why it matters: Even with perfect habits, debris, mineral buildup, or small tree roots can accumulate inside your pipes.
Pro Tip: Book a professional drain cleaning or inspection once a year. We use safe, non-invasive tools like hydro jetting and drain cameras to keep your system clear.
Wrapping It Up
Taking care of your drains is all about building good habits — and knowing what to avoid. These tips can help you prevent the most common clogs and keep your plumbing running smoothly. But if a clog does sneak up on you, don’t panic. Your trusted Plombier Rive-Nord is always ready to help with fast, reliable service across Repentigny and the surrounding areas.
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