Bathroom drains do a lot of work behind the scenes. It’s easy to forget about them—until water starts backing up. The good news? A few simple habits can help stop clogs before they start. Soap scum, hair, and hard water buildup are common troublemakers, but they’re easy to manage once you know what to look out for. Keep reading for 5 bathroom drain maintenance tips you can try at home to keep your drains fresh and clear!
5 DIY Tips for Bathroom Drain Maintenance
If you’ve ever stood ankle-deep in water during a shower or watched your sink drain slowly after brushing your teeth, you know how frustrating a clogged drain can be.
Here are some expert tips from Twin Cities’ trusted plumbing pros that’ll help keep your bathroom drains flowing freely:
1. Purchase a Shower Drain Screen
A simple drain screen can catch hair and debris before it enters your pipes. They’re easy to find online or in stores and come in different sizes, styles, and materials—just choose one that fits your shower or tub.
Pro Tip for Bathroom Drain Maintenance:
Empty the drain screen daily to prevent hair and debris from accumulating and creating a clog just above the drain.
2. Watch What You Put Down The Drain
Even with a drain screen in place, some substances can still slip through. Soap scum, hair products, and mineral buildup can all contribute to clogged pipes over time.
Bar soap, in particular, tends to leave behind residue that sticks to pipe walls. Switching to a liquid body wash can help reduce buildup. Also, avoid pouring harsh chemicals, oils, or products that aren’t meant for the drain—they can do more harm than good.
3. Throw Out Excess Hair When Showering
Loose hair is one of the biggest culprits behind bathroom drain clogs. After brushing or washing hair, throw it in the trash instead of letting it rinse down the drain.
Pro Tip for Bathroom Drain Maintenance:
The recommendation from plumbing pros is to remove hair from the drain cover or surrounding area after every shower. A quick daily cleanup helps prevent buildup that can lead to stubborn blockages over time.
4. Bathe Your Pets Outside When Possible
Pet fur is thicker and denser than human hair, which can create serious clogs. If the weather cooperates, wash your pets outside with a hose. If you need to use the bathtub, place a drain screen or cloth over the drain to catch fur.
Afterward, dispose of the collected pet hair in the trash rather than rinsing it down the drain.
5. Skip the Harsh Drain Chemicals
Chemical drain cleaners can seem like a quick fix, but over time, the acids they contain may corrode your pipes. Corrosion can cause metal to flake off inside your plumbing, potentially making clogs worse and eventually leading to leaks. For more information on chemical hazards and safer cleaning alternatives, explore the Environmental Protection Agency’s guide to household cleaning products.
Natural options, like baking soda and vinegar, are much gentler and can still be effective for minor clogs and buildup. Follow our guide under Monthly Drain Maintenance below.
Pro Tip for Bathroom Drain Maintenance:
For regular maintenance, enzyme-based drain cleaners are another safe option. These cleaners use natural bacteria and enzymes to break down organic materials in your pipes—such as hair, soap scum, and toothpaste—without damaging your plumbing. They’re ideal for monthly use and especially helpful in preventing clogs before they start.
How Hard Water Affects Your Drains
Many homes in St. Paul have hard water, which means the water contains a high concentration of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. Hard water is safe to use, but the minerals it contains can cause problems for your bathroom drains and plumbing over time.
What Hard Water Does to Your Drains
Hard water contains minerals that can cause hidden damage to your bathroom drains over time. Here’s what happens when those minerals build up inside your plumbing:
Minerals build up inside your pipes and drains.
This buildup, known as scale, narrows pipes and slows water flow.
Soap and shampoo don’t rinse away well, leaving more residue behind.
Slow drains, unpleasant odors, and clogs can occur more frequently.
Understanding these effects can help you take steps to protect your drains and keep water flowing smoothly.
How a Water Softener Helps with Hard Water
A water softener is a device that removes minerals from your water before it goes into your home. It replaces calcium and magnesium with safe minerals like sodium or potassium.
Benefits include:
Stops scale buildup in pipes and drains
Helps soap and shampoo rinse away better
Keeps water flowing freely
Protects your plumbing and appliances
Leaves skin and hair feeling softer
If you notice slow drains or buildup in your bathroom, hard water might be the cause. Testing your water is the first step to finding out. A plumber in St. Paul can help test your water and recommend the right softener system for your home.
Monthly Bathroom Drain Maintenance
Regular maintenance can go a long way in keeping your bathroom drains clear and odor-free. Once a month, try one of these simple habits:
Pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1 cup of vinegar. Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes, then rinse with warm water. This gentle reaction helps break down buildup, such as soap scum and toothpaste.
After washing your hands or brushing your teeth, run warm water for a few seconds to better flush daily residue down your plumbing.
Pro Tip for Bathroom Drain Maintenance:
Always rinse with warm water, not boiling water. Boiling water can damage certain pipe materials, especially plastic. Warm water is safer for your plumbing while still helping to dislodge loosened debris.
Bonus Tip for Bathroom Drain Maintenance:
Don’t love the vinegar smell? A splash of lemon juice afterward can freshen things up.
Call a Plumber When You Need Bathroom Drain Maintenance
Sometimes, even the best at-home efforts can’t break up a stubborn clog. If water is draining slowly or backing up regularly, it may be time for professional help.
Our expert plumbers at McQuillan Bros are ready to help with all your drain clearing and repair needs. We’ve served St. Paul homeowners for generations, and we’re proud to continue offering dependable service—plus limited-time specials to thank our loyal customers. Learn more about our special offers!
Need help with a tough clog? Contact McQuillan Bros today to request a free estimate or explore our latest special offers.
