How Often Should You Clean Your Drains?

April 19, 2025 | Robert Wolfe |

Drain clogs rarely happen all at once. Grease, hair, food waste, and soap buildup slowly coat pipe walls until water can’t move freely. Regular drain cleaning is one of the easiest ways to prevent costly plumbing problems, but how often should you actually do it?

At CPR – Complete Pipe Repair, we’ve helped hundreds of Miami Valley homeowners get ahead of clogs with routine maintenance. Here’s what you need to know.

Monthly: Quick DIY Maintenance

At home, you can keep your drains flowing smoothly by doing a quick clean once a month:

  • Flush kitchen drains with hot water and baking soda
  • Use a hair trap in the shower drains
  • Avoid pouring grease or food scraps down the sink
  • Limit chemical drain cleaners — they can harm your pipes over time

These simple steps help reduce buildup between professional cleanings.

Annually: Professional Drain Cleaning

Most homes benefit from a professional cleaning once a year, especially if your home is:

  • Over 20 years old
  • On a septic system
  • Surrounded by trees (root risk)
  • Prone to slow or smelly drains

Depending on the type and severity of the buildup, our team offers both hydro jet drain cleaning and mechanical cleaning.

Hydrojetting is ideal for grease, sludge, and roots, while mechanical methods are best for softer clogs and older, fragile pipes.

More Frequently If…

You may need cleanings every 6 months if:

  • You run a home-based food service or commercial kitchen
  • You have frequent clogs or backups
  • Your plumbing is already known to have root intrusion
  • Your sewer line is aging and has had previous problems

If you’re unsure what your system needs, a video pipe inspection can tell us exactly what’s happening.

Prevent Backups Before They Start

Keeping your drains clean protects your plumbing, prevents water damage, and reduces foul odors. It’s one of the most effective forms of proactive home maintenance.

For more prevention tips, check out our post on how to avoid drain backups in Dayton.

Schedule a Cleaning in the Miami Valley

We provide fast, affordable drain cleaning to homeowners in Troy, Dayton, Piqua, and the entire Miami Valley.

Need help now? Call CPR or (937) 703-1811 to schedule a drain cleaning appointment.

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