How To Prevent Plumbing Backups & Drain Problems

Plumbing backups and drain problems can be a major inconvenience and cause significant damage to your home. It’s important to take proactive measures to prevent these issues to keep your plumbing system working as it should.

In this guide, we share valuable tips to help you prevent plumbing backups and drain problems to maintain a healthy plumbing system and avoid costly repairs.

Proper Waste Disposal Habits

Preventing plumbing backups and clogged drains starts with practicing proper waste disposal habits. Avoid putting these items down the drain:

Non-flushable items: Don’t flush any kind of wipes, feminine hygiene products, paper towels, cotton balls, or other non-biodegradable items down the toilet. These can cause blockages and damage the pipes.
Grease and cooking oil: Avoid pouring grease, cooking oil, or fat down the kitchen sink. These substances can solidify and form clogs over time.
Excessive food waste: Scrape excess food into the garbage before washing dishes. Large food particles can accumulate in the drains and cause blockages.
Coffee grounds: Dispose of coffee grounds in the trash or use them for composting. Coffee grounds can form clumps in the drains, leading to clogs.
Hair: Prevent hair from entering the drains by using drain screens or covers in the bathroom sink, shower, and bathtub. Hair can easily accumulate and cause obstructions in the pipes.
Chemicals: Avoid pouring harsh chemicals, such as bleach or drain cleaners, down the drains as a preventative measure. These chemicals can damage the pipes.

By avoiding putting these items down the drain, you can minimize the risk of plumbing backups and maintain proper water flow throughout your home.

Regular Drain Cleaning

Regular drain cleaning and plumbing maintenance are essential for preventing clogs and maintaining optimal drain flow. Professional drain cleaning techniques, such as hydrojetting and snaking, remove buildup, debris, and mineral deposits from the pipes.

Avoid relying on over-the-counter chemicals, as they can cause long-term damage to your pipes and may not effectively address the underlying problem.

Tree Root Prevention

Tree root intrusion is a common problem in plumbing systems that can lead to drain problems. Tree roots are attracted to the moisture and nutrients in sewer lines and can infiltrate pipes, causing blockages and pipe damage.

To prevent tree root damage, consider strategic tree planting, keeping trees with invasive root systems away from your plumbing lines. Regular root maintenance, such as trimming and removing nearby roots, can also help mitigate the risk. Installing root barriers around pipes can provide an additional layer of protection.

Signs You Need Professional Drain Cleaning

There are common signs that it’s time to hire professional plumbers for drain cleaning services. If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait to call:

Slow draining: If you notice water taking longer than usual to drain from your sinks, bathtubs, or showers, it may indicate a clogged drain that requires professional cleaning.
Foul odors: Unpleasant smells coming from your drains could be a sign of accumulated debris or stagnant water.
Recurring clogs: Frequent or recurring clogs in your drains, despite attempts to clear them, suggest a deeper issue.
Gurgling noises: Strange gurgling or bubbling sounds coming from your drains could indicate a blockage.
Multiple clogged drains: If you have several drains in your home with slow drainage or clogs simultaneously, it could be a sign of a more significant problem.

Schedule Drain Cleaning With Duane Blanton Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Cooling

If you need professional plumbing services, including drain cleaning or maintenance, contact Duane Blanton Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Cooling. We’re a family-operated company offering reliable plumbing solutions since 1988. We provide: