Most people call a Boston plumber once there’s a problem. But as with most things, an ounce of prevention can be worth a pound of cure.

Here are some other ways to keep your pipes and fixtures in optimal shape:

Kitchen sink: Probably the hardest-working piece of plumbing in the house, the kitchen sink collects food and grease, even with the best of prevention. Some plumbers recommend sending boiling hot water infused with a grease-cutting detergent down the drain every couple months.

Garbage disposal: Use only for food items recommended by the owner’s manual. Some fibrous materials like celery and cornhusks may not be recommended for disposal. Foods to be ground should be packed loosely. Run cold water to “lubricate” the disposal while in use. Continue to run it for 30 seconds after the disposed items are gone.

Toilet: Keep an eye on the kids, and try to keep anything that isn’t naturally eliminated away from the toilet; this is no place for feminine products, crayons or makeup.

Bathroom sink: The rules that apply to the kitchen sink, toilet and bathtub, apply here.

Bathtub: Probably the biggest problem with the bathtub is the hair that collects in the pipe. Use a screen trap to catch hair, and clean it out weekly.

Pipes: Before winter arrives, make sure the pipes are properly insulated. When it’s especially cold, open the cabinet doors below your sink so the warmth from the house can circulate around them.

Sewer systems: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends that the system undergo inspections by a highly rated plumber every three years, at minimum. That inspection should include a check for leaks; backups; and working condition of mechanical components, as well as measurement of scum and sludge layers. Additionally, it may need to be pumped every three to five years.