As Houston families get ready for the back-to-school season, most are busy shopping for supplies, organizing schedules and getting kids back into a routine. But one area that gets overlooked during this crazy time—your plumbing.
The return to school means your household will see more early morning showers, packed lunch prep and late night laundry. All of this puts extra stress on your plumbing system. Before the chaos of the school year starts, take some time to make sure your pipes, drains and fixtures are ready for the load.
Here are some smart, practical plumbing tips for Houston families to help you avoid last minute breakdowns and keep everything flowing smoothly this back-to-school season.
1. Check for Slow Drains Now—Not During the First Week of School
Nothing is more frustrating than a slow draining sink or shower when you’re running late to get out the door. If you’ve noticed water pooling around your feet during your morning shower or your bathroom sink taking forever to empty, don’t ignore it.
In Houston, slow drains are often caused by:
Hair and soap scum buildup
Hard water mineral deposits
Tree root intrusion (especially in older neighborhoods)
Before school starts, schedule a professional drain cleaning with Zoom Drain of Houston to remove any blockages and prevent full clogs from forming.
2. Test and Clean Your Garbage Disposal
Busy school mornings and packed lunches mean your kitchen is about to become the most used room in the house. A poorly functioning or smelly garbage disposal can quickly become a problem.
Here’s a quick back-to-school garbage disposal checklist:
Run cold water before, during and after use
Don’t put fibrous foods (like celery or potato peels) down the drain
Clean it by grinding a few ice cubes with lemon slices to eliminate odors
If your disposal is making strange noises, jamming frequently or just smells bad no matter what you do, give us a call. We’ll make sure it’s working properly before the school year stress begins.
3. Inspect Bathroom Fixtures for Leaks and Drips
Houston families have multiple people using the same bathroom each morning—which means any plumbing issues are multiplied fast.
Take a few minutes to check:
Faucets for slow leaks
Showerheads for inconsistent spray* Toilet bases for water pooling
Even a small leak can waste dozens of gallons of water a day and increase your water bill—something no family wants during back-to-school season. If you see anything suspicious, schedule a repair before things get too crazy.
4. Teach the Kids About Plumbing Do’s and Don’ts
Back to school is a great time for a quick “Plumbing 101” lesson with the kids. Teach them a few simple do’s and don’ts and they’ll avoid drain clogs and toilet troubles down the line.
Here’s a quick list to go over:
Don’t flush wipes, paper towels or feminine products
Don’t pour grease or oil down the kitchen sink
Do use a mesh screen to catch hair in the shower
Do tell an adult if water is leaking or draining slowly
These small habits will go a long way in keeping your plumbing system healthy all school year.
5. Flush Out Unused Drains After Summer Travel
Did your family travel a lot this summer? If you have sinks, showers or toilets that went unused while you were away, now is the time to flush them out.
In Houston’s humid climate, unused drains can dry out and allow sewer gases to seep into your home—causing that funky smell you can’t quite locate.
Run water in every bathroom and utility sink for a few minutes and flush all toilets at least once before school starts.
6. Make Sure the Washing Machine is Ready for More Loads
With gym clothes, school uniforms and extracurricular activity gear about to pile up, your washing machine is about to go into overdrive. Now’s the time to:
Inspect hoses for bulges or leaks
Clean the drain trap
Make sure the machine is level to avoid vibration
If your washer is draining slowly or you’re noticing water backup, the issue could be in the drain line—not the machine itself. A quick visit from Zoom Drain can diagnose and fix the problem before laundry day becomes a disaster.
7. Schedule a Professional Drain Inspection
The best way to prepare your plumbing system for the busy school year is with a professional drain inspection. Using high-definition drain cameras, our Zoom Drain Houston technicians can find hidden blockages, leaks or buildup in your pipes—before they become an emergency.It’s an easy and affordable way to have peace of mind and avoid disruptions when you need it most.
Why Families in Houston Choose Zoom Drain
At Zoom Drain of Houston, we provide fast, reliable drain and sewer service for families on the go. Whether you live in The Heights, Bellaire, Sugar Land, Katy, or anywhere in the Houston area, our technicians are here to keep your plumbing flowing.
When the school year starts, your family doesn’t have time for clogs or backups. That’s why we offer:
Same-day service
Honest pricing
Upfront recommendations
Emergency drain cleaning and repair
Go Clog-Free into the School Year
The back-to-school season is busy enough—don’t let plumbing issues slow you down. With a few simple steps, you can prepare your home for a stress-free school year.
📞 Call Zoom Drain of Houston today at ZoomDrain.com/Houston or schedule your back-to-school plumbing inspection online.