How to Prevent the Need for Drain Cleaning

Slow or clogged drains are among the most frustrating household problems. The inconvenience of a backup and the cost and stress of emergency plumbing service can quickly turn a simple day at home into a headache. At Evergreen Plumbing & Mechanical LLC, we understand how disruptive plumbing issues can be. As a family-owned company serving Salem, Oregon, we take a respectful, hands-on approach with every home and business, helping customers prevent problems before they happen.

Prevention is simpler—and cheaper—than an expensive emergency visit. Adopting a few consistent habits and understanding how your drains get clogged can keep your pipes flowing smoothly and avoid unnecessary drain cleaning.

If you need drain cleaning service, contact us at (503) 714-7004.

What Causes the Worst Residential Clogs?

Most household clogs are predictable. Identifying the common causes helps you prevent problems before they occur.

In residential plumbing, the "Big 3" are:

• Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) – Often from cooking, FOG may seem harmless when poured down the drain, but it solidifies inside pipes and traps other debris, gradually forming stubborn blockages.
• Hair and soap scum – Common in bathrooms, hair binds with soap residue to create dense clumps. These clumps can snag other particles, reducing water flow and eventually causing a complete clog.
• Foreign objects – Baby wipes, cotton balls, dental floss, and paper towels are frequent offenders. Even products labeled “flushable” can accumulate in pipes and obstruct flow.

Avoiding these three types helps maintain your plumbing's health. Just being aware and forming small habits can prevent problems.

Your Kitchen: Simple Habits for a Happy Garbage Disposal

The kitchen sink is the most common starting point for FOG-related clogs.

You can prevent many problems with consistent, mindful habits:

• Keep FOG out of the drain – Collect leftover cooking oils, bacon grease, or butter in a container, let it solidify, and throw it away in the trash.
• Run cold water with your disposal – Cold water helps solidify any small grease particles so they can be chopped up and flushed out, rather than coating your pipes.
• Be selective about what goes down the disposal – Avoid coffee grounds, eggshells, and starchy foods like potato peels that can clump together or create sticky residue.
• Maintenance flush – Once a week, flush your drains with hot water and vinegar. This flush doesn’t dissolve major blockages but helps keep minor buildups at bay.

These habits might seem minor, but regularly practicing them helps prevent slow-draining sinks and cuts down on costly service calls.

Your Bathroom: Keeping Hair Out of the Pipes

Bathroom drains are vulnerable to hair, soap residue, and small personal-care debris.

Protecting these pipes doesn’t require complex solutions:

• Mesh drain screens or hair catchers – Simple, inexpensive, and easy-to-clean devices can intercept hair before it enters the pipes.
• Mind your soap and hygiene products – Avoid flushing chunks of soap, dental floss, or cotton swabs down the drain.
• Regular cleaning – Gently wipe down the drain stopper and overflow plate to remove trapped hair or residue before it causes problems.

Important: Avoid using chemical drain cleaners. Although they may provide a temporary fix, these products can harm pipes, worsen buildup, and pose safety risks at home. Gentle, mechanical methods and professional maintenance are safer options for long-term prevention.

An Effective Way to Prevent Clogs? Partner with Your Plumber.

While DIY habits are helpful for routine maintenance, some problems require a professional inspection. Buildup inside pipes, hidden blockages, and subtle system issues often go unnoticed until they become emergencies.

Evergreen Plumbing & Mechanical LLC offers an ongoing care membership (VIP Plan) for long-term prevention. Our experienced team detects and fixes potential issues early by providing regular inspections and system checks.

Combining straightforward at-home habits with professional preventative care enables you to reduce the need for emergency drain cleaning, safeguard your plumbing investment, and enjoy peace of mind.

Preventing clogs doesn’t have to be complicated. Recognizing the leading causes, adopting easy kitchen and bathroom routines, and partnering with a trusted local plumber for professional maintenance can keep drains clear and your home running smoothly. We help Salem homeowners protect their plumbing and avoid the stress of unexpected drain problems.

Contact us at (503) 714-7004 to request a service.