Learn how to care for your home’s drains: early warning signs, easy do-it-yourself tips, what to avoid, and when to call a pro.
1) What is the drain system and why does it matter?
Your drain system is the “highway” that carries dirty water from sinks, showers, toilets, the washer, and kitchen to the outside. When that highway gets clogged or damaged, you’ll get bad smells, gurgling sounds, or even water backing up.
2) Early warning signs (fix these sooner, not later)
- Slow draining at the sink, shower, or tub
- Gurgling in the toilet or nearby drain when another one is used
- Bad smells that come and go, especially in kitchen/bath
- Water stains or damp spots on ceilings or walls (possible leak)
- Backups of dirty water (urgent)
- “Bubbling” sounds when the washer drains or during heavy water flow
3) Simple, safe things you can do yourself
- Warm water + dish soap (not boiling) down the kitchen sink weekly to move grease along.
- Clean strainers and grates: remove visible hair and food pieces.
- Clean the P-trap (sink/faucet): place a bucket, loosen the trap, empty, clean, re-install with the gaskets.
- Run water weekly in rarely used bathrooms to keep traps from drying out.
- Plunger basics: For light clogs in toilet/sink, make sure the rubber is covered by water and do 10–15 firm pumps.
4) What not to do (these cause more trouble)
- ❌ Pour oils/grease down the kitchen sink (they harden and clog)
- ❌ Dump bones, peels, coffee grounds or stringy foods
- ❌ Pour paint, solvents, chemicals (bad for pipes and the environment)
- ❌ Use lye/caustic soda at random—dangerous and can damage pipes
- ❌ Fish around with wire hangers—easy to puncture or loosen fittings
5) When it’s time to call a professional
- The clog returns days after you “fixed” it
- Multiple fixtures back up at once (could be the main line)
- Persistent odors even after cleaning traps and seals
- Growing water stains or swollen ceilings/walls
- Buying/remodeling an older home: schedule a camera inspection to avoid surprises
Mando’s Group uses pro-grade tools (cameras, jetting, augers) to diagnose the real cause, clear the line safely, and help you prevent repeat issues.
6) Quick preventive checklist (print-friendly)
- ☐ Kitchen sink: warm water + soap weekly
- ☐ Low-use bathrooms: run water 1–2 min weekly
- ☐ Strainers/P-traps: clean monthly
- ☐ Washer: check hose and lint trap every 2–3 months
- ☐ Patio/garage: clear leaves/dirt from floor drains monthly
- ☐ Yearly: professional inspection of main line and vents
7) Fast myth-busting
- “Soda pops unclog drains.” → Myth. Might loosen light scale, won’t fix grease plugs or solids.
- “Mask smells with air freshener.” → Myth. You’re hiding the symptom, not the cause.
- “If it still drains, it’s fine.” → Myth. Slow drainage usually means a clog is forming.
8) Your starter “emergency plan”
- Stop using the problem fixture (avoid overflow).
- Try the plunger properly.
- Check/clean P-trap at the sink.
- If multiple drains are affected or there’s sewage backup, call a pro immediately.