Keep clog-causing items like hair and food scraps from going down your drains in the first place. Use a strainer in your drains, toss food rather than using a garbage disposal, and install a lint catcher on your washing machine hose. Also remember that liquids that solidify—latex paint, grout, cement, and even grease—can easily plug plumbing. Flushing your pipes periodically also helps prevent clogs: flush a five-gallon bucket of water down your toilets, and flush hot water and dish detergent down your sinks and bath tubs. If you do have a problem, read our blog for tips on unclogging a backed up drain.