Prevention starts with understanding what causes clogs in the first place. In your kitchen, avoid putting grease, food scraps, and coffee grounds down the drain. Run cold water when using your garbage disposal, and keep it running for 30 seconds after the grinding stops.
For bathroom drains, use drain screens to catch hair and soap buildup. Don’t flush anything other than toilet paper—no wipes, feminine products, or cotton swabs, even if they’re labeled “flushable.”
Most importantly, schedule annual professional drain cleaning services. This removes buildup before it becomes a problem and lets us spot potential issues early. Given Brookhaven’s tree population and older infrastructure, regular maintenance is the best investment you can make in your home’s plumbing system.