Use this drain maintenance infographic to keep your drains flowing freely. Feel free to share or embed on your website!
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<a href="https://sfdrainandsewerpros.com/drain-maintenance-guide/"><img src="https://sfdrainandsewerpros.com/wp-content/themes/sf-drain-sewer/assets/images/drain-maintenance-infographic.svg" alt="Drain Maintenance Guide by SF Drain and Sewer Pros" style="max-width:100%;"></a><p>Infographic by <a href="https://sfdrainandsewerpros.com">SF Drain & Sewer Pros</a></p>
Drain Maintenance Checklist
Kitchen Drain Care
- Never pour grease down the drain – Let it cool and dispose in trash
- Use a drain strainer – Catches food particles before they cause clogs
- Run hot water after each use – Helps flush away residue
- Weekly: Flush with boiling water – Dissolves grease buildup
- Monthly: Baking soda + vinegar treatment – Natural cleaning and deodorizing
Bathroom Drain Care
- Use a hair catcher – The #1 cause of bathroom clogs
- Clean stoppers weekly – Remove accumulated hair and soap
- Flush drains with hot water – Prevents soap scum buildup
- Avoid harsh chemical cleaners – They can damage pipes over time
Main Line Care
- Know what’s flushable – Only toilet paper and human waste
- Watch for warning signs – Multiple slow drains, gurgling sounds
- Annual professional cleaning – Prevents emergency backups
- Camera inspection every 5 years – Catches problems early
What NOT to Put Down Drains
Kitchen
- Cooking grease/oil
- Coffee grounds
- Egg shells
- Pasta/rice
- Flour
Bathroom
- Flushable wipes
- Cotton balls/swabs
- Dental floss
- Hair
- Feminine products
Never Flush
- Medications
- Cat litter
- Paper towels
- Diapers
- Paint/chemicals
DIY vs. Professional Cleaning
| Situation | DIY OK? | Call a Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Single slow drain | ✓ Try plunging first | If plunging doesn’t work |
| Multiple slow drains | ✗ | Main line issue – call immediately |
| Gurgling sounds | ✗ | Venting or main line issue |
| Sewage backup | ✗ | Emergency – call immediately |
| Recurring clogs | ✗ | Deeper issue needs diagnosis |
| Bad sewer smell | ✓ Check P-traps first | If smell persists |
Professional Drain Cleaning in San Francisco
Annual professional cleaning prevents 90% of emergency drain problems.
Download & Share
This infographic is free to use and share. We only ask that you link back to this page when using it. Great for:
- Property management companies
- Real estate agents (buyer guides)
- Home improvement blogs
- HOA newsletters
- Tenant welcome packets
Last updated: January 2026