Use this drain maintenance infographic to keep your drains flowing freely. Feel free to share or embed on your website!

Drain Maintenance Infographic - How to Keep Your Drains Clear

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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.

(510) 485-9113

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  • Property management companies
  • Real estate agents (buyer guides)
  • Home improvement blogs
  • HOA newsletters
  • Tenant welcome packets

Last updated: January 2026

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