How Often Should You Clean Your Drains?

Healthy drains are a crucial piece of any working plumbing system. Blocked drains aren’t only messy and unappealing, they can also lead to various severe problems — such as the prevalence of bacteria and germs, and even structural damage.

Experts advise that drain cleaning should take place on an as needed basis  — assuming that the homeowner can recognize warning signs that may indicate issues and clogged pipes. For those who cannot predict clogs that might cause backups and costly damage, it may be useful to contact your plumber and stick to a schedule of professional cleaning.

Why Schedule Regular Drain Cleaning?

Often, the most crucial reason to schedule regular drain cleaning is to help prevent major plumbing emergencies throughout your home. As minor as issues might seem, even the smallest blockages can grow to the point where they completely prevent the flow of waste and water through pipes. When a problem grows particularly threatening, it’ll only be a matter of time before you’re experiencing a sewage backup that results in hundreds, or thousands of dollars in plumbing repairs and water damage.

Grease, soap, and fat are some of the primary causes for drain blockage, as they accumulate within pipes overtime, choking the system and preventing water from flowing smoothly. Unfortunately, these factors are a standard part of our everyday lives, and it’s impossible to prevent their access to drains. However, regular preventative cleaning can ensure that waste doesn’t lead to life-altering damages. Although semi-annual or quarterly cleaning is often enough for most households, it’s important to watch for signs of drain blockage, and know if you should schedule an early appointment. For example, if water is draining slowly, or your toilet is not filling with water, you should contact a plumber immediately.

Monthly Is The Way To Go

This is why we advise a monthly schedule. It’s not so frequent as to discourage you from doing what needs done and not so infrequent as to encourage you to forget. It allows for you to use safe drain cleaning methods as well as plan ahead for the project, saving you time and effort in the long run. With methods like the baking soda and vinegar method as well as boiling water and proper maintenance, you can ensure that your drains are working the way that they should be for days, months, and years to come without major work or an emergency call.

Look After Your Home

It may not seem like much of a glamorous task, but regular drain cleaning is an essential part of looking after your home. Chemical deposits in pipes can lead to corrosion, and backflows can cause clogs in drains that lead to significant water damage throughout your property. Investing in regular cleaning means investing in the longevity and safety of your home.

However, we know that sometimes things can happen that are less than ideal. Those drains might clog instantly, or you might get a clog in the main drainage pipe. Emergencies can sometimes be unavoidable—that’s why we’re here! Give us a call today and we’ll get your pipes all back into working order!