How to use it
Pick a day each month, such as the first Saturday, and run through that month's items. The tasks are things a homeowner can do safely without opening the main line. Anything involving the sewer lateral, roots or a camera is for a licensed plumber.
Anaheim's hard water means mineral scale is part of the picture in faucets, showerheads, toilet jets and old metal drains. Some of the tasks below are there for that reason.
The calendar
| When | Task | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Every month | Empty and rinse sink and shower hair catchers | Hair is the main cause of bathroom clogs |
| Every month | Run water in unused sinks, tubs and floor drains | Keeps traps full so sewer gas stays out |
| Every month | Clean the washer pump filter if your machine has one | Lint and debris end up in the laundry line |
| Every quarter | Pull and clean bathroom sink stoppers | Soap and hair collect on the linkage |
| Every quarter | Check the outdoor cleanout cap is present and tight | Keeps out dirt and debris |
| Every quarter | Descale showerheads and faucet aerators | Hard water scale reduces flow |
| Twice a year | Clean toilet rim jets with a small brush | Scale weakens flushing |
| Yearly | Review your drain symptom log | Spot repeat problems early |
| Yearly or as advised | Discuss a camera check if you have older clay or cast-iron lines and past root clogs | Catches root growth before a backup |
Times of year to pay attention
- Holidays
- Big meals mean more grease and food waste. Scrape plates, use strainers and keep fat out of the sink.
- Before guests stay
- Run water in the guest bath and check that the toilet flushes strongly.
- After heavy rain
- Watch for slow drains and soggy spots along the sewer path, and keep the cleanout area clear of debris.
- When trees are planted
- Keep new trees well away from where the sewer lateral runs.
Daily habits that do most of the work
Questions to ask a plumber about maintenance
- Given my pipe material and history, is scheduled cleaning worth it?
- How would we know when maintenance stops being enough?
- Is my cleanout easy to reach, or should it be improved?
Common questions
Do I need professional drain cleaning every year?
Not automatically. Many homes never need it. Homes with past root clogs or old lines may benefit from a schedule the plumber recommends after an inspection.
Does hot water down the drain help?
Hot tap water helps rinse soap film, but it will not dissolve grease that has cooled further down the line.
What is the most effective single habit?
Keeping grease out of the kitchen sink and wipes out of the toilet prevents a large share of household clogs.
General information for Anaheim, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.