How can I reduce plumbing service calls in my apartment building?

Reducing plumbing service calls starts with preventing food waste and debris from entering kitchen drain lines. Installing a permanent sink screen creates a first-line barrier that significantly reduces recurring clogs, backups, and emergency plumbing visits in multifamily properties.

Why do tenants keep clogging kitchen sinks?

Tenants frequently allow food scraps, grease, and debris to enter drains, leading to buildup inside branch lines and main stacks. Over time, this accumulation causes recurring blockages and service calls. A permanent drain screen prevents solid waste from entering the plumbing system in the first place.

What is the most effective way to prevent recurring drain backups?

The most effective long-term solution is source prevention. By permanently blocking food solids from entering drain lines, property owners can dramatically reduce clog frequency and maintenance tickets.

How do preventative plumbing upgrades improve net operating income?

Preventative plumbing upgrades reduce recurring service calls, emergency labor costs, and tenant disruption. Lower operating expenses directly improve net operating income and increase overall property valuation.

What is the ROI of installing drain protection in rental properties?

The ROI depends on service call frequency, but properties experiencing multiple annual clog-related visits per unit often see measurable cost savings within the first year after implementing permanent drain protection.

How can I reduce plumbing operating expenses without major renovations?

Small infrastructure upgrades that prevent recurring problems can significantly reduce maintenance costs without large capital expenditures. Preventing drain clogs at the source is one of the most cost-effective plumbing strategies available.

How do I protect aging plumbing in older apartment buildings?

Protecting aging plumbing begins with minimizing debris, grease, and solids entering drain lines. Reducing internal buildup lowers corrosion risk and helps extend the service life of older cast iron and PVC systems.

Can drain strainers help extend the life of drain lines?

Yes. By preventing food waste accumulation inside pipes, permanent drain screens reduce blockages, standing water, and corrosive buildup that contribute to premature pipe deterioration.

How can I avoid costly pipe replacements in multifamily properties?

Avoiding premature pipe replacement requires a preventative strategy. Controlling what enters the plumbing system reduces internal damage, protects aging infrastructure, and helps defer major capital expenditures.

Close-up of water flowing into a sink drain protected by a SemperScreen® permanent sink screen.

Testimonials

"I am very excited about this. I am very impressed with the 12 I installed in 2022. Not only do I want to install in the rest of my properties but I also want to offer the product to my maintenance customers. Clogged kitchen sinks are such a constant in the rental industry."

Jason C, Home Run Maintenance and Properties

"Clogged drain lines in our apartment buildings are significantly reduced after installing SemperScreen® sink strainers. This product pays for itself 5 times over with just the first blockage or repair it prevents. Very few products in the apartment industry have that kind of return."

Patrick and Robert, BLVD Capital

"High quality"

Anna M, CWH Wholesale Hardware and Apartment Supply

"Nice"

Cristian C, Target

SemperScreen® FAQs

Find answers to common questions about SemperScreen® products, their uses, installation, and more.

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What is the SemperScreen® sink strainer, and who is it for?

The SemperScreen® sink strainer is a permanently installed drain screen designed to prevent clogs and protect plumbing systems by stopping debris before they cause damage.

Homeowners love it for the long-term protection and peace of mind.
Professionals trust it to reduce emergency calls, protect properties, and provide added value to their services.

What kind of sinks will it fit in?

The SemperScreen® strainer will fit all kitchen sinks that come with standard 3.5" drain hole openings. This drain hole size is standard for almost all kitchen sinks on the market today. The SemperScreen® strainer is approved for installation and has been tested per the standards of ASME A112.18.2-2011 and CSA B125.2 for plumbing waste fittings.

ASME Testing Report - IAPMO

ASME Testing Report - TPL

How do I install the SemperScreen® strainer?

The SemperScreen® strainer is very easy to install yourself, however, we recommend that you use a licensed plumber for all installations. Detailed installation instructions are included with each SemperScreen® strainer. You can also find instructions below:

What do I do if my sinks have garbage disposals?

Each SemperScreen® sink strainer can be used as a direct replacement for a standard garbage disposal. They are specifically designed to serve the same purpose as garbage disposals by restricting larger food waste from entering the building's plumbing system. However, unlike garbage disposals, the SemperScreen® strainer is low cost, requires no maintenance, and uses little water. SemperScreen® recommends that you always refer to local building codes when modifying a building's plumbing system.

How do I clean it?

Just scoop it out! Unlike traditional single-wall kitchen basket strainers or dangerous garbage disposals, the SemperScreen® sink strainer is ergonomically designed for easy cleaning and it cannot injure you. It is also made of high-grade stainless steel and is safe to use with all your normal residential cleaning products.

How is the SemperScreen® strainer different from store-bought drain covers or traps?

The SemperScreen® strainer is not a disposable or DIY solution. It's a durable, stainless steel screen that’s permanently installed flush with the drain for a seamless, secure fit.

For homeowners: It looks better, lasts longer, and performs far better than plastic traps or flimsy inserts.
For pros: It’s a permanent upgrade that minimizes repeat clog calls and improves customer satisfaction.

Will the SemperScreen® sink strainer slow down drains?

Not at all. It's engineered for optimal water flow while still blocking clog-causing debris. Because the SemperScreen® strainer uses proprietary double-walled technology, the perforated holes on each strainer actually amount to more surface area than the pipe that connects to it. What this means is that the SemperScreen® strainer will be the last thing to slow down operations.

Homeowners: Enjoy fast drainage without backups.
Professionals: No callbacks for slow drains or clogged sinks.

Does it come with a stopper?

No, each SemperScreen® strainer is built to commercial specifications and they are used heavily in rental properties. One of the major benefits of this product is that once properly installed, there are no parts to remove, misplace, or maintain. If a stopper is desired, you can purchase one of our custom-made SemperStoppers™ here.

What if my property has old sinks that are abnormally thick?

The SemperScreen® sink strainer will fit almost every kitchen sink available today. However, sometimes properties have abnormally thick sinks that are remnants of older construction eras. These sinks have basins that are made of materials like ceramic and older cast-iron.

If you are interested in retrofitting these sinks with a SemperScreen® strainer, we offer an easy modification suggestion that has worked well in most cases. The modification process only takes approximately 5 minutes per strainer. See instructions below:

Modified Installation Instructions

Learn about us and the origin of our products

SemperScreen® permanent sink screens were invented literally to save our investment in a 33-unit apartment building in Los Angels, CA. Read about us and our story.

Property Solutions—Professional Quality. Permanent. Simple to Install

Testimonials

SemperScreen® FAQs

Learn about us and the origin of our products