5 Tips to Prevent Clogged Drains

Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing calls we get across the Bay Area. The good news? Many blockages are preventable with a few simple habits.

1. Keep grease out of the kitchen sink

Pouring cooking oil or grease down the drain is a fast track to a clog. Let grease cool and scrape it into the trash instead.

2. Use drain screens

Hair and soap scum are the top causes of shower and bathroom sink clogs. A inexpensive drain screen catches debris before it enters your pipes.

3. Flush drains with hot water

Once a week, run hot water through kitchen and bathroom drains for 30 seconds. This helps melt light grease buildup before it solidifies.

4. Be careful what goes in the garbage disposal

Avoid fibrous foods (celery, corn husks), coffee grounds, and starchy pasta — they can jam or clog your disposal and downstream pipes.

5. Schedule professional cleaning before emergencies

If your drains are slow or you have had recurring clogs, a professional drain cleaning can clear buildup in the line before it becomes a backup.

When prevention is not enough, ASAP Plumbing Pros is available 24/7 for drain cleaning across San Francisco and San Mateo County.