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Ever notice how drains slow down right when you're hosting guests or cooking a big meal? It's no coincidence — the holidays are prime time for clogged drains. From kitchen grease to shower hair, every room in your home faces its own drain challenges.

The good news? With a little routine care, you can keep everything flowing smoothly. In this guide, ARS®/Rescue Rooter® shares expert tips on drain clog prevention— and answers to the questions homeowners ask most.

Drain Tips for the Whole Home

Keeping drains clear and functional doesn't have to be expensive. For overall drain maintenance throughout your entire home, follow these four habits regularly.

1. Install Drain Screens

Curious how to prevent hair from clogging drains? Invest in drain screens. These protect your pipes by catching hair, soap, and other debris before it enters your system.

2. Do Weekly Hot Water Flushes

Pour boiling water down sinks each week to break up grease and dissolve soap scum.

3. Use Baking Soda and Vinegar

To freshen drains and break up clogs, use the baking soda/vinegar hack. Place ¼ to ½ cup of baking soda, plus one cup of white vinegar, down the drain. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then flush with hot water.

4. Schedule Professional Drain Cleaning

Schedule a plumbing inspection every six to 12 months to prevent buildup before it becomes a clog.

Now let's tackle the most common drain issues for each area of your house.

Bathrooms

The common clog culprits in the bathroom include hair, soap scum, shaving cream, and toothpaste buildup.

Tips that work:

• Use a hair catcher or mesh strainer to help prevent bathtub drain clogs. (Available at most hardware stores.)
• Wipe excess toothpaste into the trash instead of rinsing it down the drain.
• Once a week, run hot water for one minute to help keep pipes clear.

Kitchens

Your kitchen drain is a common source of backups and clogs. Items that can ruin your kitchen pipes include fats, oils, coffee grinds, vegetable skins, starches, fruit pits, and other food scraps. For more drain clog prevention, read on.

Tips that work:

• Never pour grease down the sink. Wipe oils out of pans with a paper towel and toss them in the trash.
• Use the garbage disposal properly. Run cold water during and after use.
• Flush the drain with hot water and baking soda regularly.

Laundry Room

Laundry room plumbing can easily get overlooked. Here's how to prevent clogged drains caused by fabric lint, detergent buildup, and more.

Tips that work:

• Don't overload the washing machine.
• If you have an older washing machine, you probably have a removable lint trap near the drum. Remove and clean. (New machines likely have a self-cleaning filter. Your owner's manual can supply details.)

Toilets

Preventing blockages and odors from the toilet bowl requires a bit of care and attention.

Tips that work:

• Flush only toilet paper. (Never put wipes, feminine products, paper towels, or other items in the bowl.)
• Pouring vinegar down the toilet is generally safe in moderation, but it is not an effective solution for major clogs.
• For odor control, use enzyme-based cleaners.

Outdoor Drains

Outdoor drains need attention, too! Removing dirt, debris, and leaves from outdoor areas helps prevent clogs in drains.

Tips that work:

• Sweep away debris before washing cars or patios.
• Use a hose to clear surface drains on a monthly basis.
• For floor drains, pour a gallon of water down every few weeks to maintain the trap seal and prevent odors.

Recapping Common Questions About Drain Maintenance

How do I prevent my drain from clogging?

• Use strainers, flush with hot water weekly, or contact your ARS technician about using DrainRight®.

What can I pour in drains or toilets to prevent blockage?

• Use enzyme-based or safe liquid maintainers, rather than harsh chemicals.[KN1]

What dissolves hair in a clogged drain?

• Baking soda, vinegar, and hot water can help, but a plumber's snake or professional cleaning is most effective.

When to Call the Pros

If you notice recurring clogs, gurgling, or slow drainage, it's time to call in the experts! Our team is always available to help treat and prevent clogs.

Call ARS®/Rescue Rooter® at 866-399-2885 or schedule service online today!