Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing complaints in Coquitlam — and one of the most preventable. Left untreated, slow drains become full blockages, which can back up into sinks, tubs, and eventually cause sewer backups that require expensive emergency service. Whether you are a homeowner or a business owner, adopting a few simple habits and maintenance routines can save significant time and money.
Understand What Causes Clogs
In residential settings, the most common culprits are hair and soap scum in bathroom drains, grease and food particles in kitchen drains, and non-flushable items in toilets (wipes, cotton balls, paper towels). In commercial settings — restaurants, clinics, and retail spaces — the volume is higher and the consequences of a blockage are more disruptive. FOG (fats, oils, and grease) is the leading cause of commercial drain blockages in the Lower Mainland.
Use Drain Strainers on Every Drain
A simple mesh strainer over every shower, tub, and sink drain catches the majority of hair and debris before it enters the pipe. This is the single highest-impact, lowest-cost prevention measure available. Clean the strainer weekly — a clogged strainer becomes a slow drain itself.
Never Pour Grease Down the Drain
Grease solidifies as it cools in your drain pipes, accumulating on pipe walls over time until the pipe becomes partially or fully blocked. Allow cooking grease to cool in a container, then dispose of it in the garbage. Even "flushable" grease with hot water can solidify further down the line.
Use Enzymatic Drain Cleaners Monthly
Unlike harsh chemical drain cleaners (which can damage older pipes and are harmful to the environment), enzymatic cleaners use bacteria to digest organic buildup inside the pipe over time. Used monthly as a maintenance measure, they prevent the gradual accumulation that leads to stubborn clogs.
Flush Drains with Hot Water Weekly
Running very hot water down kitchen drains for 30–60 seconds after each use helps keep grease and soap moving through the pipe rather than settling. For a deeper flush, pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain once a week.
Know When to Call a Professional
If you have tried a plunger and enzymatic cleaners and the drain is still slow or blocked, it's time to call a professional. Persistent clogs often indicate a blockage further down the line — in the main drain stack or sewer lateral — that requires a professional drain snake or hydro-jetting to clear. Attempting to clear a deep blockage with chemical drain cleaners can damage pipes and rarely solves the underlying problem.
At Hippo Plumbing & Heating, we provide professional drain cleaning services throughout Coquitlam using professional-grade drain snakes and hydro-jetting equipment. For expert assistance and reliable service, contact us at (604) 365-0812 to ensure your drains are always flowing smoothly.