TLDR — Key Takeaways
- Never pour grease down the kitchen drain
- Use drain screens to catch hair in bathroom drains
- Las Vegas hard water accelerates mineral scale buildup in drains
- Avoid chemical drain cleaners — they damage pipes
- Annual professional drain cleaning prevents major clogs
Clogged drains are among the most common plumbing calls we receive at Pro Plumbing Las Vegas. Las Vegas's hard water makes the problem worse than in other cities — mineral scale combines with grease, hair, and soap to create stubborn blockages that ordinary plunging can't clear. Here's how to prevent them.
Kitchen Drain Prevention
- Never pour grease down the drain. Grease solidifies in pipes and catches other debris, creating massive clogs. Pour grease into a container and dispose of it in the trash.
- Use a sink strainer. Catch food particles before they enter the drain. Empty it regularly.
- Run hot water after each use. This helps flush debris through the drain line.
- Use your garbage disposal properly. Run cold water before, during, and after use. Never put fibrous foods, bones, or large quantities of food waste in the disposal.
Bathroom Drain Prevention
- Install drain screens. Hair is the #1 cause of bathroom drain clogs. A $5 drain screen prevents expensive service calls.
- Clean drain stoppers regularly. Soap scum and hair accumulate on drain stoppers. Clean them monthly.
- Flush drains monthly. Pour a pot of boiling water down bathroom drains monthly to dissolve soap buildup.
Why Las Vegas Drains Clog Faster
Las Vegas water contains high concentrations of calcium and magnesium that deposit on the inside of drain pipes, gradually narrowing the flow path. This mineral scale then catches grease, hair, and soap, accelerating clog formation. A water softener reduces scale buildup throughout your entire plumbing system.
When to Call a Professional
If a plunger doesn't clear the clog, or if multiple drains are slow at the same time (indicating a main line issue), call Pro Plumbing Las Vegas at (702) 204.8282. We use professional hydro jetting to clear drains completely without damaging your pipes.
