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As the new school year begins, college students are unpacking boxes, setting up dorm rooms, and adjusting to campus or off-campus living. The last thing on their minds? Drains and sewers. But without proper care, clogged sinks, slow showers, or overflowing toilets can quickly turn into messy, stressful, and costly situations.
Whether you’re a student, a dorm supervisor, or a property manager, following these back-to-school drain and sewer tips can help keep things flowing all semester long.
1. Create a Basic Drain Toolkit
Every student apartment or dorm room should have a few essentials for tackling small clogs and backups before they turn into bigger problems. A drain toolkit might include:
- A plunger
- A small bucket
- Pliers and an adjustable wrench
- A basic drain snake or auger
- Rubber gloves
Tip for Students: Knowing how to properly use these tools is just as important as having them. Misusing a snake or plunger can make a clog worse—or damage pipes—so when in doubt, call for professional drain and sewer service.
2. Plunger 101: Mastering the Basics
A plunger is the first line of defense for minor toilet or sink clogs, but it only works if used correctly.
Helpful Tips:
- Make sure the plunger forms a tight seal before plunging.
- Use brisk, consistent motions for 20–30 seconds to create enough suction.
- For sinks, partially fill the basin with water to improve the seal.
- For stubborn clogs, pour a baking soda and vinegar mixture down the drain to help loosen buildup before plunging again.
If the clog won’t budge, a professional drain cleaning is the next step.
3. Watch for Low Water Flow
Shower heads and faucets in older dorms or rentals often have mineral buildup that slows water flow.
Quick Fix:
- Remove the shower head or faucet tip and soak it in a vinegar-and-water mixture for 30 minutes to loosen mineral deposits.
- Wipe clean and reattach.
If low flow persists, the issue could be a deeper drain or sewer blockage—professional inspection may be needed.
4. Garbage Disposal Do’s and Don’ts
For students in apartments with garbage disposals, a little know-how goes a long way:
- First, check the power connection and reset button if it stops working.
- Never put grease, pasta, or fibrous foods like celery in the disposal.
- Use cold water when running it to solidify any oils for easier grinding.
- If the unit jams, use the wrench from your toolkit to gently check the bottom. If that doesn’t work, call for help rather than forcing the system—it can cause expensive damage.
5. Use Drain Catchers
Hair is one of the top causes of clogged showers in student housing. Installing inexpensive drain catchers can prevent major blockages and keep things running smoothly.
6. Know Who to Call When There’s an Emergency
Even with the best care, drain and sewer emergencies can happen. Dorms and apartment complexes may have on-site maintenance teams, but for after-hours issues, severe backups, or emergencies, Zoom Drain’s 24/7 emergency service is available to help—day or night.
7. Avoid Problems Before They Happen
Property managers and facility supervisors can avoid most emergency calls by scheduling routine maintenance and drain inspections. A simple video inspection or routine cleaning can catch issues like tree root intrusion, buildup, or broken pipes before they become costly repairs.
Stay Clog-Free This School Year
The best semester is one without unexpected drain and sewer disasters. Whether you’re a student looking to avoid messy situations or a property manager aiming to prevent late-night emergency calls, Zoom Drain has the expertise to keep your wastewater systems flowing.
Contact us today to schedule a routine check or learn more about our maintenance plans—because even during the busiest school season, your drains should never fail the test. Get Your Life Flowing Today!®
