The calendar
| When | Task | Takes |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly | Empty tub and shower hair catchers into the trash | A minute |
| Weekly | Run water in guest showers and floor drains so traps stay full | A minute |
| Monthly | Clean the disposal splash guard; run plenty of water after use | Five minutes |
| Every 3 months | Pull and clean bathroom sink stoppers | Ten minutes |
| Every 3 months | Clean the washer lint trap or pump filter per the manual | Ten minutes |
| Twice a year | Look under every sink for drips at trap joints | Ten minutes |
| Yearly | Check the outdoor cleanout cap and clear plants around it | Ten minutes |
| Yearly | Review last year's clog log for patterns | Five minutes |
Seasonal reminders
- Before Thanksgiving
- Set out a grease jar and a scrap bowl; remind cooks that peels and grease go in the trash.
- December holidays
- Guests mean more showers and flushes. Put a trash can in every bathroom for wipes and products.
- Winter rains
- Watch for slow drains or yard soggy spots after storms; note them in your log.
- Spring
- Check the cleanout and look at trees planted near the sewer path.
- Summer
- Before guests or a long trip, run every drain and confirm nothing is slow.
Adjust for your house
A newer home with plastic drains may need little beyond the weekly and monthly habits. An older Fullerton tract house with cast iron under the slab and a clay lateral under mature trees deserves more attention: an annual look at the cleanout, a record of every backup, and a conversation with a plumber about whether scheduled main-line cleaning makes sense.
If your home has had root backups, write down the date each time. Over a few years the dates usually show a pattern, and that pattern is the best guide to when maintenance would help.
Keep on hand
- Cup plunger for sinks and tubs
- Flange plunger for toilets
- Plastic barbed drain stick
- Hair catchers for each tub and shower
- Bucket and towels for trap cleaning
- Gloves and eye protection
Ask at your next plumbing visit
- Is my home a candidate for scheduled main-line cleaning?
- Which of my lines are cast iron, clay or plastic?
- Is my cleanout in good condition and easy to reach?
Common questions
Does hot water once a week prevent kitchen clogs?
It helps move fresh residue along, but keeping grease out of the sink matters far more.
How do I know if I need scheduled main-line cleaning?
A history of repeat backups, especially from roots, is the usual reason. A plumber can review the camera footage and your dates.
Are enzyme products worth adding monthly?
They can help with organic buildup as gentle maintenance. They are optional and will not clear a real clog.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.