The Importance of Drain Cleaning

Drains are the starting point to maintaining a healthy plumbing system. Neglected for too long, and your drains may start to clog and cause other extensive problems deeper within your plumbing system. Although drain health isn’t something that is on the forefront of every homeowner’s mind, cleaning and maintaining your drains can help you avoid more expensive issues in the future.

Soap scum, hair, food particles, and other debris can build up over time within your piping. Too thick, and your drains may begin to slow or completely clog. This collection of organic material will eventually need an intense intervention for adequate removal. If it is left alone, not only will your drains be slow, but your pipes may corrode faster and experience frequent leaks as well.

Although commercial drain cleaners are readily available, some are ineffective don’t deliver on their promises. What’s worse is that some of these cleaning solutions can actually do more harm to your pipes, negating their unclogging benefits. Besides using a professional for safe and effective drain cleaning, there are steps you can take as a homeowner to prevent major drain clogs and plumbing issues.

What Are The Benefits of Drain Cleaning?

Plumbing can often be out of sight, out of mind, but there are advantages to keeping your drains clean on a weekly, monthly, and yearly basis. Supporting the individual drains around your house will help maintain the main drain that directs wastewater away from your home.

When you take steps to keep your drains clear of buildup, our plumbers will:

  • Experience fewer clogs.
  • Stink less.
  • Avoid bacterial growth and bug infestations.
  • Require fewer repairs.
  • Avoid frequent replacements.

By maintaining your drainage system, you can keep your pipes and your family safe and healthy. Not to mention, you can also avoid water damage from leaky pipes and sudden bursts. Once per year professional cleaning is recommended for a thorough cleaning and system inspection. You can also run hot water down your drains once per week and address smaller clogs on an as-needed basis between these service checks.

You don’t have to wait until there is an issue with your drains, sinks, and toilets to call a plumber. In fact, you can save money in the long run by scheduling yearly maintenance on your plumbing and catching potential issues before they create big messes. 

Preventing Drain Clogs

If your drains are already clogged, you may need help from a professional to clean your drains. They will use methods that are safe for your plumbing and will completely rid your pipes of debris buildup.

After your drains are cleaned, you can take the following steps to prevent future clogs and issues:

  • Avoid dumping harmful substances down drains such as chemicals, hard objects, grease, oils, and more.
  • Invest in a drain trap to prevent hair and other organic material from clogging your drains.
  • Run hot water down your drains every week to minimize buildup.
  • Run water when using the garbage disposal.
  • Use baking soda and vinegar to kill bacteria and mitigate buildup.
  • Pour dish soap and hot water down the drain to dissolve grease.

If your drains haven’t seen attention in years, then the buildup could be too thick to clear without professional help. A thorough plumbing inspection can help you determine where the problem spots are if leaks are already present, and if the issues lie beyond your drains. Sometimes the backup in a sink or toilet is from sewer line damage rather than clogs. Your local plumber can use a camera to inspect this line if you suspect damage.

Often, sewer line damage is a result of poorly maintained drains, tree root infestations, and structural damage from shifting soil or earthquakes. A professional plumber can use video equipment to inspect your sewer line and look for damage. In many cases, damage can be repaired internally for a non-invasive solution.

You may have a sewer line issue if:

  • Water pressure is low.
  • Water bills are higher than normal.
  • Multiple drains are backing up at once.
  • Clogs are a frequent occurrence.
  • Strong odors are coming from the drains. 
  • Mold is growing around your piping. 
  • Standing water is present in the yard. 
  • Your foundation has cracks.

Don’t wait to have this line fixed. Call a specialist right away to minimize the damage and slow the damaging effects of a sewer line break.

Preventative maintenance and regular drain cleanings can help your pipes avoid corrosion, clogs, and other damage. Remember, you don’t have to clean your drains yourself. A professional will have the right tools to keep your pipes safe during the cleaning process. 

Trust Stith Plumbing & HVAC “SPH” Today! 

A quality drain cleaning can support the longevity of your plumbing, help you avoid costly repairs, and keep you safe from bacteria and other health-related concerns. Call your local expert for a professional drain cleaning today.