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A small amount of diluted bleach is okay to pour down a garbage disposal. As part of your weekly garbage disposal maintenance, use 1 teaspoon of bleach with your concoction of ice cubes and lemon peels. Turn on the disposal and run the water until the blades chop up the ice cubes.

Any more bleach in your disposal can harden oils and greases in your drain, which can cause problems. Always wear gloves when working with bleach, and know that you really don’t need bleach at all—vinegar, baking soda, salt, and ice should do the trick.

Anything from debris, rust, ice, and even poor installation can cause clogs in your plumbing vents. Some signs of a clog include slow drains, gurgling sounds in drains and toilets, and bad odors. The bad odors are the most concerning, as these can include methane and hydrogen sulfide. Contact a plumber to come take a look if you notice any of these signs.

You should inspect and clean your French drain at least once per year to keep it in good working order. Regular maintenance can help identify clogs, buildup, and damage before they become bigger problems, which increases the lifespan of your drain. The frequency with which a drain clogs can depend on factors like the amount of debris, the quality of the installation, and the type of filter used. If your drain accumulates a lot of sediment, it may require more frequent cleaning. It's also a good practice to check the access and exit points after heavy storms. If you notice reduced drainage or any signs of a clog, clean the drain as soon as possible.

For homes with a septic tank, harsh chemicals like those found in drain cleaner or bleach aren’t recommended. Some chemical drain cleaners can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the septic tank or damage your pipes. For homes with a septic tank, you can choose drain cleaners specifically formulated for use with septic tanks or go with a drain snake. When in doubt, make sure you know who to call for a clogged drain.