Plumbers get more calls to open clogged drains than for any other service. Many such calls could be prevented by greater care in the use of drains. Preventing this situation can be done by carefully watching what is emptied into the drain and place a strainer over kitchen and bathroom drains if they do not already have one; to prevent hair, pieces of soap, and other debris from clogging drains. Clean the strainer as needed.

It is always best to unclog a drain mechanically rather than chemically. Instead of using corrosive chemical drain cleaners that can damage pipes, pour a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar down your kitchen sink drains every month. For drains in showers, tubs and bathroom sinks, pour two or three gallons of boiling water down each drain about once a month to clear out hair and greasy particles. In addition, every week or two remove sink and tub pop-up stoppers and rinse them off and every three to four months, remove the overflow plate on the tub and clean. Some tubs, showers, and basement floor drains have strainers that are screwed into the drain opening. You can easily remove these strainers and reach down into the drain with a bent wire to clear out accumulated debris.

Finally, keep the sewer pipes from the house free of tree roots that may invade them. If roots are a particular problem in your yard, you may need to call in the professionals at Sun Devil Plumbing once a year or so to clear the pipes with an electric auger to cut out the roots.