When a drain backs up in a busy facility (like a restaurant, medical office, or retail store) it’s more than an inconvenience. It can mean lost revenue, health code violations, and frustrated customers.
Emergency drain cleaning services are critical in these situations, but prevention is always the better strategy. If you operate or manage a high-traffic commercial space, the following seven tips from Skips Wastewater Services can help you avoid costly, disruptive drain emergencies.
Factors that Increase the Risk of Drain Emergencies
- High volumes of wastewater strain drainage systems daily.
- Improper disposal of grease, food scraps, or hygiene products.
- Aging infrastructure is more prone to leaks, blockages, and collapse.
- Skipping inspections and cleanings enables minor issues to escalate.
- Poor drain design or installation can hinder proper flow.
- Roots can penetrate underground drain lines, especially older clay or cast iron pipes.
- Heavy equipment or foot traffic above drains can damage buried pipes or lead to joint separation.
- Seasonal weather extremes can cause shifts or blockages in underground lines.
How to Keep Drains Clear in High-Traffic Facilities
- Install Drain Strainers Where Possible
- Use Enzyme Cleaners in Floor Drains
- Avoid Over-Reliance on Chemical Cleaners
- Schedule Preventive Drain Cleaning
- Educate Staff on What Not to Flush or Drain
- Inspect Grease Traps and Oil Interceptors Regularly
- Address Slow Drains Immediately
1. Install Drain Strainers Where Possible
Hair, food particles, and debris are often the root cause of slow drains and backups. A simple drain strainer in kitchen, bathroom, and utility sinks can catch solid waste before it enters your plumbing system. In food service environments, this small step can drastically reduce the risk of clogging in prep sinks and hand-washing stations.
2. Use Enzyme Cleaners in Floor Drains
Floor drains in commercial kitchens, hospitals, and gyms often collect organic matter. Over time, this builds up and leads to slow drainage or full blockages.
Enzyme-based cleaners help maintain these drains without damaging pipes or harming the environment. Using them on a weekly or biweekly basis can prevent buildup and odor without the needs for corrosive chemicals that may shorten the lifespan of your plumbing.
3. Avoid Over-Reliance on Chemical Cleaners
Many facility managers turn to store-bought drain openers at the first sign of a clog. However, these products can corrode pipes, weaken seals, and create more problems in the long term.
Instead of reaching for harsh chemicals, schedule a professional drain cleaning to remove buildup safely using tools like snakes or hydro-jetting. These methods offer a more thorough, lasting solution, especially in commercial facilities where the stakes are higher.
4. Schedule Preventive Drain Cleaning
Waiting for a blockage to occur is never a winning strategy. High-traffic buildings should include routine drain cleaning in their annual maintenance plan.
Professional cleaning helps flush out grease, debris, and buildup before they trigger an emergency. If your facility has had more than one emergency drain cleaning in the past two years, it’s time to build preventive maintenance into your calendar.
5. Educate Staff on What Not to Flush or Drain
In many cases, emergencies result from well-meaning staff members flushing or draining the wrong materials. Remind employees never to flush:
- Paper towels or wipes (even those labeled “flushable”)
- Feminine hygiene products
- Food scraps or cooking oil
- Mop water containing debris
Simple signage in restrooms and kitchens can help reinforce these rules and reduce drain misuse.
6. Inspect Grease Traps and Oil Interceptors Regularly
Grease buildup is one of the leading causes of blocked drains in food service and hospitality settings. If your business uses a grease trap or interceptor, regular maintenance is essential.
Schedule grease pumping at appropriate intervals based on your volume. Skipping this step can quickly lead to a system backup — and may even result in fines or temporary closures.
7. Address Slow Drains Immediately
A slow drain is one of the first warning signs of a developing blockage. If left unaddressed, it can turn into a full backup during peak hours.
Don’t ignore early symptoms. If water is pooling or draining slowly, call in a professional for inspection. Catching the problem early could save you from needing emergency drain cleaning at the worst possible moment.
Keep Your Facility Running Smoothly with Regular Commercial Drain Cleaning
Drain emergencies are disruptive, expensive, and often preventable. By incorporating these simple tips into your regular maintenance routine, you reduce risk and extend the life of your plumbing system.
If your facility needs preventive drain care or fast-response emergency service, Skips Wastewater Services is here to help. We provide commercial drain cleaning and grease pumping services designed to keep high-traffic facilities functioning at their best, 24/7.
To schedule a consultation, or learn more about our preventive maintenance programs, contact us today.
