When doing upkeep around the house, tasks like gutter cleaning and trimming bushes come to mind. But checking the plumbing is also important to catch problems early on to prevent bigger issues later. That includes inspecting for leaks and testing water pressure. What about drain cleaning? Is that needed? Here are signs you might need it, and what it involves.
What Exactly is Drain Cleaning?
As its name suggests, the priority here is unclogging a pipe. However, there’s more to it. Clearing is reactive, happening after there’s an issue, while cleaning is part of preventive maintenance at home. Removing buildup of grease, soap scum, hair, and food particles from pipes can help them last longer and prevent corrosion or blockages later. Dirty drains can also be smelly, which is off-putting and also embarrassing if you have guests.
Signs You Might Need Drain Cleaning at Home
While every situation is unique, there are common signs that indicate your drains need attention.
Slow Drain
An obvious one is a slow drain. You notice that water takes longer to go down the tub or shower, for example, or that the sink isn’t draining as quickly as it did a few months ago. That usually happens because of a buildup over time inside the pipes. For example, bits of food and grease could start to stick to the sides of the pipe walls, restricting water more and more. That could turn into a full clog if not dealt with early on.
Repeated Clogs
Recurring clogs also indicate there’s something bigger going on in the pipes. While the plunger could work on the drain for a few weeks, the water starts to go down more slowly soon enough, and you’re right back where you started. If you’re having trouble clearing the drain yourself or aren’t comfortable doing so, it’s time to bring in a professional like bluefrog Plumbing to clean the drain. They have the equipment to determine what’s causing the blockage or other pipe issue, providing a longer-lasting solution.
Bad Smells and Gurgling
When the odor at the sink makes you recoil, it’s a likely sign there’s something growing in the pipes. The trapped debris is likely to build over time, turning from a partial blockage to one that stops the water from draining altogether in the sink, tub, or shower. You might even hear a noise coming from the drain, which often indicates that air is trapped in pipes. Again, that typically stems from a buildup or a partial blockage of the pipes.
How Often to Clean Your Drains
Now that you are adding drain cleaning to the home tasks list, the next question is, how often do drains need cleaning? While factors like the age of the pipes come into play, drain cleaning every 1-2 years is generally a good idea for preventive maintenance.
As for the time of year to do so, if it’s urgent, of course, it needs attention right away; otherwise, spring and fall tend to be good seasons for maintenance checks as your household is about to ramp up heating and cooling. So, getting drains and pipes checked before heavier use makes sense. Being proactive can help you avoid costly repairs and make the home more comfortable.
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