Centerville Homeowner’s Guide to Preventing Clogged Drains Year-Round

By Right Way Plumbing

on February 6, 2026

Plumber clearing a kitchen drain with professional tools in a Centerville home

No homeowner in Centerville wants the chaos of a clogged drain. It’s like having a traffic jam in your kitchen or bathroom—everything backs up, and suddenly your daily routine comes to a standstill.

At Right Way Plumbing, we know a few simple habits can keep your home’s plumbing running smooth. Let’s break down how Centerville residents can prevent clogged drains, season after season.

Why Drains Clog in Centerville 🚰

Even the best plumbing systems face tough challenges, especially here in Centerville, UT. But why do clogs happen in the first place?

Hard Water Minerals

Centerville’s water is known for being “hard”—meaning it has a high concentration of minerals like calcium and magnesium. Over time, these minerals build up on pipe walls. It’s like cholesterol in arteries: eventually, the flow slows or stops completely.

Food, Grease, and Soap Scum

Kitchen and bathroom drains are the usual suspects. Grease from cooking, bits of food, and soap residue don’t just disappear. They cling to pipes, making a sticky mess that grabs anything else going down the drain.

Seasonal Debris

Fall leaves, spring runoff, and even dust from Centerville’s windy days can find their way into outdoor drains. These natural materials can bunch up and block water flow, especially if drain covers are missing or damaged.

Everyday Habits

Let’s face it—sometimes clog problems start with us. Flushing wipes, pouring coffee grounds, or rinsing hair down the shower can set the stage for trouble.

Everyday Habits to Prevent Clogs

Think of your drains like arteries: what you put in matters. Good habits now mean fewer headaches later.

What Not to Flush or Pour

Grease and Oil: Never pour these down the sink. They solidify and cling to pipes.
“Flushable” Wipes: Despite their name, these don’t break down like toilet paper. Toss them in the trash.
Coffee Grounds: They clump together and trap other debris.
Hair: Use a drain catch in the shower to keep hair out of your pipes.
Food Scraps: Scrape plates into the trash or compost, not the sink—even with a garbage disposal.

Use Proper Drain Covers

Install mesh screens or drain grates in sinks, tubs, and outdoor drains. They’re inexpensive and catch the big stuff before it becomes a problem.

Regular Hot Water Flushes

Once a week, pour a kettle of hot (not boiling) water down each drain. This helps melt away grease and soap buildup. It’s a quick, easy step that keeps things moving.

Be Gentle With Chemical Cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners can erode pipes, especially in older Centerville homes. Stick with mechanical options like plungers or drain snakes for minor clogs.

Seasonal Clog Risks in Centerville

Centerville’s seasons bring unique clog threats. Stay ahead with these timely tips.

Fall: Leaves and Outdoor Drains 🍂

Clear gutters and downspouts before leaves pile up.
Check outdoor drain covers for damage.
Remove leaves around basement or driveway drains to prevent blockages.

Winter: Freezing Pipes

Insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing (and bursting).
Run a trickle of water on cold nights to keep water moving.

Spring: Runoff and Rain

After snowmelt, inspect basement and yard drains for mud and debris.
Make sure sump pumps are working—test them before the rainy season hits.

Holidays: Kitchen Overload

If you’re hosting, ask guests to go easy on the garbage disposal.
Keep a trash can nearby for food scraps.
Remind family not to flush wipes or paper towels.

When to Use Professional Cleaning

Sometimes, no matter how careful you are, clogs happen. Here’s when it’s time to call in a professional plumber:

Stubborn or Recurring Clogs: Tried everything and water still drains slowly? That’s a sign of a deeper blockage.
Foul Odors: Persistent bad smells from drains often mean trapped waste or a broken pipe.
Multiple Slow Drains: If more than one drain is slow, the problem could be in your main sewer line.
Standing Water: Water backing up into sinks, tubs, or the basement signals a major issue.

DIY methods work for minor, isolated clogs. But if you’re reaching for a plunger every week, or if chemical cleaners have no effect, it’s time for professional drain cleaning.

Safe DIY vs. When to Call a Pro

DIY Is Safe When:

The clog is recent and localized (like hair in a shower drain).
You can clear it with a plunger or a hand-crank drain snake.
There’s no sign of leaks, foul odors, or water damage.

Call a Pro When:

You notice water stains, bubbling paint, or musty smells (could signal leaks behind walls).
The toilet overflows repeatedly, even after plunging.
You hear gurgling from drains when using other fixtures.
There’s sewage backup or standing water in your basement.

Remember: safety first. If you’re dealing with raw sewage, gas odors, or water near electrical outlets, leave it to the pros immediately.

What Plumbers Do When They Arrive

Here’s what to expect from a professional drain cleaning in Centerville:

Assessment: We ask about symptoms and inspect the affected fixtures.
Camera Inspection: For deep or hidden clogs, a small camera checks inside your pipes.
Mechanical Cleaning: We use augers, snakes, or hydro jetting to remove stubborn blockages.
Leak Detection: In Centerville, UT, leak detection is critical—hidden leaks can cause bigger problems.
Prevention Advice: After clearing the clog, we’ll recommend steps to avoid repeat issues.

All work follows local building codes and safety guidelines from organizations like the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO).

Prevention & Maintenance Tips

A little regular attention goes a long way. Here are some easy ways to keep drains clear all year:

Monthly: Clean sink and tub stoppers, and pour hot water down all drains.
Quarterly: Check outdoor drains for debris; flush kitchen and bathroom drains with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, followed by hot water.
Annually: Schedule a preventative drain inspection and cleaning with a licensed plumber.
After Heavy Storms: Inspect basement and yard drains for blockages.

Costs & Time Factors

Every home’s plumbing is different, so there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Generally:

DIY fixes (plunging or using a hand snake) take minutes and cost very little.
Professional drain cleaning can take 1–2 hours, depending on the clog’s location and severity.
Camera inspections and major repairs may take longer.
Preventative maintenance is less costly than emergency visits.

Ignoring slow drains or recurring clogs can lead to bigger, more expensive repairs down the road.

When It’s an Emergency

Emergency plumbing means you need help—now.

Sewage backing up into tubs or sinks? That’s a health hazard.
Burst pipes or major leaks? Shut off water at the main valve and call us ASAP.
Flooding or standing water in the basement? Don’t enter if there’s a risk of electrical shock.

In these cases, don’t wait. The faster you act, the better you can protect your Centerville home.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if a clog is in my main sewer line?
If multiple drains are slow or toilets gurgle when you run water, it could be a main line issue. Call a plumber for a camera inspection.

Are chemical drain cleaners safe for my pipes?
Frequent use can damage older pipes. Stick with mechanical methods or call a pro for stubborn clogs.

How often should I schedule professional drain cleaning?
For most Centerville homes, once a year is a good rule of thumb—especially if you have hard water or mature trees near your sewer line.

Is it safe to use a plunger on every drain?
Yes, but use the right kind: cup plungers for sinks, flange plungers for toilets. Never use excessive force.

Local & Seasonal Considerations 🌦️

Centerville’s unique mix of hard water, mature trees, and changing weather means homeowners need to stay alert.

Before winter, clear outdoor drains and insulate exposed pipes.
During windy spring months, check for debris in yard drains.
After heavy summer rains, inspect basement sump pumps and window wells.
With mature trees, consider sewer line inspections to check for root intrusion.

The Utah Division of Drinking Water and local building codes provide guidance on safe, effective plumbing practices—worth reviewing for any home improvement project.

Looking for more ways to keep your Centerville home’s plumbing in top shape? Check out our drain cleaning services, as well as help with kitchen plumbing and bathroom plumbing.

Don’t let a clogged drain disrupt your home or peace of mind. Call Right Way Plumbing now — or reach us anytime at (385) 433-4773 . We’re here to help Centerville homeowners keep things flowing, the right way.