Only flush toilet paper, and keep grease, coffee grounds, wipes, and food scraps out of drains. Most clogs we clear come from a short list of repeat offenders that are easy to avoid.
Toilets: a short approved list
Toilets are designed for human waste and toilet paper — nothing else. Wipes labeled flushable, paper towels, cotton products, and dental floss do not break down the way toilet paper does and are responsible for countless clogs.
Kitchen drains: grease is the enemy
Cooking grease goes down as a liquid and hardens inside the pipe as it cools, coating the line and catching everything that follows. Let it cool and put it in the trash instead. Coffee grounds and starchy food scraps cause similar trouble.
A simple drain screen in the kitchen and bathroom catches hair and debris before they become a clog.
Already dealing with a clog?
Our clogs and drain cleaning service clears drains across Berkeley and the East Bay. Need a hand? Call Clogbusters at (510) 689-8733 or request service. We are open 24 hours a day, every day except Wednesdays, and we do it right the first time.
Frequently asked questions
Are flushable wipes really that bad?
Yes. Despite the label, they do not break down like toilet paper and are one of the most common clog causes we see.
Is a garbage disposal safe for food scraps?
Small amounts of soft scraps are fine, but grease, fibrous vegetables, and starches should still go in the trash or compost.