A clogged or slow drain might not seem like a big deal — until it suddenly is. At Ham Plumbing, we’ve seen it all: kitchen sinks that won’t drain, showers that back up, and main sewer lines that decide to fail at the worst possible time.

To help you avoid costly repairs and keep everything flowing smoothly, here are five drain care tips every Clarksville and Nashville homeowner should know.

1. Be Careful What Goes Down the Drain

Grease, coffee grounds, and food scraps are some of the biggest causes of kitchen clogs. Instead of rinsing them down the sink, toss them in the trash or compost.

Even if you have a garbage disposal, avoid fibrous foods like celery, onion skins, or potato peels — they can wrap around the blades and create buildup over time.

2. Flush Drains with Hot Water Weekly

Once a week, run hot water down your drains for a minute or two. This helps break down grease, soap scum, and minor buildup before it turns into a major blockage.

For a natural refresh, pour one cup of baking soda followed by one cup of vinegar down the drain. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then flush with hot water. It’s an easy, chemical-free way to keep drains clean.

3. Avoid Harsh Chemical Drain Cleaners

Store-bought drain cleaners may promise quick fixes, but over time they can damage pipes — especially in older homes.

Instead, try natural methods or call a professional who can safely clear the line without harming your plumbing system.

4. Keep Hair Out of Bathroom Drains

Hair and soap residue are the leading cause of slow shower and tub drains.

Install a simple drain strainer to catch hair before it goes down the pipe, and clean it out regularly to prevent buildup.

5. Schedule Preventive Maintenance

Even if everything seems to be draining fine, routine professional maintenance can prevent larger issues down the road.

At Ham Plumbing, we offer camera inspections, hydro jetting, main line clearing, and maintenance plans designed to keep your plumbing system working at its best year-round.

The Bottom Line

Your drains work hard every single day — a little preventative care goes a long way.

And when clogs happen (because eventually they do), you can count on Ham Plumbing for fast, professional service delivered with the Southern hospitality you expect.

📍 Proudly serving Clarksville, Nashville, and surrounding Middle Tennessee communities.

📞 Call or text Ham Plumbing today to schedule your service!