Routine
- Every week
- Empty hair catchers in tubs and showers. Rinse the kitchen sink strainer.
- Every month
- Pull and clean bathroom sink stoppers. Empty the washer hose lint catcher. Run plenty of cold water through the disposal after use.
- Every season
- Look at the sewer cleanout cap and clear plants around it. Check under sinks for drips or damp cabinets.
- Every year
- Review your drain log. Test that fixture supply valves turn. Check whether any drain has become slower.
- As needed
- If the main line has clogged more than once, ask about a camera inspection rather than waiting for the next backup.
Seasonal notes for Cypress
| Season | What to watch |
|---|---|
| Holidays | Heavy cooking and guests: keep grease out of the sink and remind guests about wipes |
| Rainy months | Note any slow drains after storms; tell a plumber if backups track with rain |
| Spring and summer | Active tree growth; repeat main-line clogs may point to roots |
| Any time hard-water scale builds | Clean strainers and stoppers that collect mineral crust |
Yearly drain check, tick when done
When maintenance is not enough
- IfA drain clogs again within weeks of cleaningThenThe cause is past the trap; have the line cleared and ask why.
- IfThe main line clogs more than once a yearThenConsider a camera inspection for roots or defects.
- IfSeveral drains slow down together over monthsThenBuildup in the main line or old cast iron may be the cause.
Tools to keep on hand
- Bathrooms
- Flange plunger and hair catchers
- Kitchen
- Cup plunger and basket strainer
- Laundry
- Lint catcher for the drain hose
- Everywhere
- Gloves, bucket and a small hand auger
Common questions
Should I have my main line cleaned every year?
Not by default. If the line is healthy, it may not need it. If it clogs regularly, a camera inspection is the better next step.
Does hot water help keep drains clear?
Hot water alone does not remove grease; it moves it further down the line. Keeping grease out is what helps.
Is the disposal part of drain maintenance?
Yes. Run cold water with it and avoid fibrous or starchy waste that builds up in the line.
General information for Cypress, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.