Clogged kitchen drains are fairly common, but most blockages are preventable with a few proactive habits. Here are some tips that will keep your drains flowing smoothly: Avoid putting food scraps, grease and coffee grounds down the drain. These materials are among the biggest culprits behind kitchen drain clogs. Always scrape food waste into the trash or compost before rinsing dishes. Use a sink strainer. A mesh or slotted strainer helps catch debris like rice, pasta and vegetable peels before they enter your plumbing system. Empty the strainer regularly to keep it working effectively. Don’t rely on your garbage disposal for all waste. While disposals can grind up small food particles, they’re not designed to handle fibrous vegetables, bones or large amounts of food at once. Use them sparingly and in combination with good drain habits. Perform monthly maintenance with natural cleaners. Flush your sink once a month using the following routine: ●	Boil a pot of water and pour it down the drain. ●	Add 1/2 cup of baking soda followed by 1 cup of vinegar. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes. ●	Finish with another pot of hot water to help clear out loosened buildup.

How to Avoid Clogged Kitchen Drains

By Sergio Ledezma Office Manager of L &amp; S Plumbing Diamond Certified Expert Contributor