The #1 Rule: Only Flush the Three P's
Only three things should ever be flushed down a toilet: Poo, Pee, and (toilet) Paper. Everything else — 'flushable' wipes (not actually flushable), paper towels, feminine hygiene products, cotton swabs, dental floss, medication — will eventually cause a sewer line clog or contribute to the fatbergs that plague LA's sewer system.
Kitchen Drain Do's and Don'ts
Do: run cold water for 15–30 seconds after using the garbage disposal, use enzyme-based drain cleaners monthly, and install a mesh strainer in your drain. Don't: pour grease, oil, or fat down the drain (let it cool and dispose in the trash), put fibrous vegetables (celery, artichokes, corn husks) in the disposal, or flush rice, pasta, or bread that expands with water.
Bathroom Drain Prevention
Hair is the #1 cause of bathroom drain clogs. Install a hair catcher in every shower and tub drain and clean it after every use. Soap scum and shampoo buildup compound hair clogs — a monthly flush with hot water and a small amount of dish soap helps keep bathroom drains flowing.
The Problem with Chemical Drain Cleaners
Chemical drain cleaners like Drano and Liquid-Plumr are corrosive compounds that can: damage PVC pipes, corrode galvanized and brass fittings, harm septic systems, create a chemical hazard when mixed with other cleaners, and cause serious burns if they splash on skin. Professional plumbers virtually never use them. We recommend mechanical cleaning (snaking) or enzyme-based biological cleaners for routine maintenance.
Monthly Maintenance That Works
Once a month: pour a pot of boiling water slowly down each drain to melt grease buildup. Follow with a half cup of baking soda and a cup of white vinegar, let it fizz for 5 minutes, then flush with hot water. This natural treatment maintains enzyme activity and prevents buildup without damaging pipes.
When to Call a Professional
Call Plumbing 405 when: a drain is still slow after plunging and home remedies, multiple drains are slow simultaneously (main line issue), you have recurring clogs in the same drain, there are sewage odors coming from drains, or your drain has not been professionally cleaned in over 2 years.