Keep Your Drains Clear: A Hawaii Homeowner's Guide

Most clogged drains don't happen overnight. They build up a little at a time until one day the sink won't empty. A few simple habits prevent most of them.

In the kitchen

Grease and oil are the biggest offenders. They pour as liquid, then cool and coat the inside of the pipe, catching everything that follows. Wipe greasy pans with a paper towel before washing, and collect cooking oil in a can for the trash. Rice, pasta, coffee grounds and fibrous scraps belong in the trash or compost, not the disposal.

In the bathroom

Hair and soap scum are the usual culprits in showers and sinks. An inexpensive drain screen catches most of it. And despite what the package says, "flushable" wipes don't break down like toilet paper — they're a leading cause of toilet and main line clogs.

Outside the house

In older neighborhoods, tree roots can work their way into cracked sewer laterals looking for water. Recurring backups in the lowest drain of the house, especially after heavy rain, can be a sign of roots in the line.

Skip the harsh chemicals

Caustic drain cleaners can damage older pipes and rarely clear a serious clog completely. A plunger or hand snake handles simple clogs; anything that keeps coming back deserves a pro.

When to call

Several slow drains at once, gurgling sounds, sewage odors or water backing up into a tub or shower all point to a main line problem. Tell us what's happening through the form below and a local pro will contact you within 24 hours.