Drain cleaning is not the most exciting chore, but it’s important to do regularly. If you skip it, your pipes may corrode, and your sinks and toilets clog.

Some people use liquid drain cleaners, but these chemicals aren’t good for the environment or you. You can also try flushing with boiling water if that doesn’t work. For professional help, contact Clearwater Plumbers.

Most homeowners’ drains and plumbing aren’t at the forefront of their minds. Between juggling work, school, kids, and household chores, it’s easy for these essential systems to fall by the wayside until something goes wrong. Unfortunately, a minor problem like a blocked toilet or slow-draining sink can quickly turn into a major disaster that requires professional help. Fortunately, preventative maintenance and routine drain cleaning can go a long way in keeping your pipes and drains clear and functioning properly.

One of the main benefits of regular drain cleaning is that it prevents the buildup of debris that causes clogs. Every drain in your home takes in items other than water, including food scraps, hair, soap scum, toilet paper, coffee grounds and more. While these objects may seem harmless individually, they can bind together or build up over time to cause blockages in your pipes and drains. Clogged pipes and drains restrict the flow of water, which can result in backups and overflows that can be dangerous for your family and pets.

Clogged drains and pipes are often caused by hard-to-dissolve materials, including food waste, grease, hair and even some types of starchy foods like pasta or rice. While you may be able to remove these small blockages with a plunger or chemical cleaners, years of buildup can require more substantial tools and services.

Regular drain cleanings can also prevent the buildup of organic material that can cause odors, promote the growth of bacteria and cause other problems. One of the best ways to keep your drains and pipes clean is by using baking soda and vinegar. Simply pour a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar down the drain once a week, followed by hot water. This will keep grease and other materials from building up in your drain pipes, eliminate bad odors and leave your drains smelling fresh.

Other helpful clog prevention strategies include placing mesh drain covers on all of your drains, particularly in your bathtub and shower, to catch hair, food particles and other gunk as it enters the pipes. You can also purchase tub stoppers that have built-in mesh screens to make it easier to keep your drains free of debris.

Prevents Damage to Pipes

If a drain or sewer line is not regularly cleaned, waste and debris will build up over time. This can cause a smelly, clogged mess that affects the entire house. It can also lead to health problems such as mold, bacteria and fungus. The best way to prevent this is by getting your drains professionally cleaned on a regular basis.

Most chemical drain cleaners are corrosive and can damage your pipes. They work by creating a chemical reaction with what is causing the clog and then generating heat to melt it away. This can dissolve metal such as copper, iron and steel, while causing PVC plastic to warp and melt. This can cause leaks that can cost you a lot of money to repair.

In addition to being harmful to your plumbing, most chemical drain cleaners are dangerous for the environment. They can leach into the groundwater and poison aquatic life. They also create a lot of waste that is not biodegradable and can end up in landfills. Many of these products are also unsafe for human contact and can wreak havoc on your skin if accidentally ingested.

DIY methods such as baking soda and vinegar and the use of a plunger can be effective in some cases, but may not work with serious blockages. Professional plumbers have a variety of tools and techniques at their disposal to get even the most stubborn clogs out without damaging your plumbing.

For example, a plumber might insert a drain snake into the affected pipe and push it through to break up the blockage. Then, they will use hot water to flush out the drain.

Some DIYers might try to remove a clog with a pipe snake, but this can be dangerous. It requires a lot of strength and can lead to back injuries if not handled properly. The weight of the machine can also strain muscles and joints in your body. Professionals are trained to maneuver and operate the drain cleaning machines safely. They can also advise you on how to prevent any injuries while using this equipment in the future.

Prevents Mold and Bacteria Growth

While it is impossible to completely eliminate mold and bacteria in your home, having your drains regularly cleaned can make a significant difference. When mold spores are present, they love a dark and damp environment, which is exactly what your drains provide. Unless you clean them thoroughly, these spores can get into the air in your home and cause a variety of problems. If you smell a foul rancid odor, for example, that could be a sign of mold growing inside your drain. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should call a professional to come and clean your drains right away.

Another issue is that it is easy for Legionella bacteria to hide in biofilm and in the nooks and crannies of your plumbing pipes, making it difficult to completely remove them. It is also easy for these bacteria to multiply if they are exposed to moisture. If you have had a problem with Legionella in the past, it is important to have your drains cleaned on a regular basis in order to prevent future contamination.

There are a number of steps you can take to help prevent and mitigate the growth of mold and bacteria in your drains, including using a drain stopper to limit hair buildup, cleaning the drain stopper regularly with a brush and a drain cleaner, and installing a whole-home dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels throughout the house. However, even with these prevention and cleaning strategies, it is always a good idea to have your drains professionally cleaned at least once every three years.

When a clog or other problem occurs, you should immediately call your local plumber for drain cleaning services. A professional can also advise you on additional steps you can take to keep your drains healthy and smelling fresh.

Saves You Money

In a hectic household, it’s easy to forget about your drains. That is, until they become clogged or start to make weird noises. By scheduling regular drain cleanings, you can prevent these problems before they get out of hand. Not to mention, hiring a professional is cheaper than paying for expensive repairs or water damage!

Clogged drains aren’t just annoying, they can be dangerous. They can overflow and cause water to pour onto the floor or seep under walls, causing structural damage to your home. Plus, standing water can attract mosquitoes and other pests. And, of course, if the clog is caused by raw sewage, it can also be very hazardous to your health.

If you have ever tried to unclog your own drains with a plunger or special chemicals, you know how much of a pain it can be. Not only is it inconvenient, but it can also be quite dangerous if you don’t have the right tools or knowledge. Plus, it’s time consuming!

When you hire a professional, they’ll use high-quality equipment that will quickly and easily unclog your drains. They’ll also save you money by using products that are safer for your pipes than those available in stores. In addition, they’ll be able to identify any issues with your plumbing system and fix them before they get out of hand, saving you even more money!

The cost of drain cleaning services is far less than the expense of repairing or replacing damaged pipes, floors, walls, and furnishings. In addition, keeping your drains clean can help you avoid unpleasant odors and keep your family healthy!

The bottom line is that your drains are a vital part of your home. If you neglect them, it can lead to major plumbing issues that will cost you a fortune to repair. By scheduling regular drain cleanings, you’ll be able to prevent these issues from occurring and enjoy a fully functioning plumbing system that lasts for years to come! So, don’t wait until it’s too late – contact us today to schedule your drain cleaning service!