The better you take care of your home’s plumbing system, the more comfortable you’ll be. And even though clogged drains are not something that you should stress about, they do require immediate attention. Keeping the drains working as they should can not only improve the comfort of your home but can also help save money on utility expenses. Let’s take a closer look at why all homeowners should prioritize drain cleaning on a regular basis.
Signs of Clogged Drains and Other Drainage Problems
The key to a well-maintained plumbing system is learning to recognize the symptoms of clogged drains. Slow drainage in the bathroom (bathroom, sink or shower) is a common sign. Clogs usually develop when water takes longer than normal to go down the drain. If you hear gurgling sounds coming from your toilet or drains, it could be because air is trying to escape from a clog. Another surefire way to determine whether there’s a buildup of organic material in your drains is to determine whether you notice a bad smell emanating from them.
Other drainage issues, besides clogged drains, can manifest themselves in a variety of ways. If water starts to back up in strange places, like the shower, when you use the washing machine, it could be a sign of a more serious problem with the main sewage system. Wet areas on the walls or ceiling could be a sign of leaking pipes. If you notice an abnormally thick growth of grass in your yard, it could be the result of a broken sewer line releasing too much nitrogen into the soil. If the water pressure is consistently low in one room of the house, it may be because of scaling in the pipes, which limits the water flow.
Pinpointing the exact cause of drainage issues is paramount to effectively fixing the problem. This is why hiring a professional plumber to evaluate and address any drainage concerns is so important.
How Drain Cleaning Works
To remove clogs and keep pipes in good condition, professional drain cleaners use a variety of techniques. Hydro jetting is a typical method that employs high-pressure water to remove obstructions and buildup from pipes. This technique is particularly effective for tough blockages and pipe wall cleaning. Mechanical auger cleaning, often called snaking, is another method. The process entails manually breaking up and removing obstructions using a lengthy, flexible wire that is bound to an auger.
Plumbers sometimes employ enzymatic cleansers for less serious blockages. They clean up small obstructions and prevent further buildup because they contain helpful bacteria that eat organic materials. Plumbers may also use a video camera inspection to check the state of pipelines or in situations where there is a more substantial obstruction. This necessitates inserting a miniature camera into the pipes to observe the obstruction and determine the best way to clean it.
Getting Rid of Foul Odors and Bacteria Buildup
Professional drain cleaning is crucial to keeping your plumbing system free of bacteria and unpleasant odors. The buildup of organic materials in pipes can provide the perfect environment for bacteria growth, which in turn can cause foul odors and even health problems. When you hire a professional cleaning service, they will remove this buildup, eliminating odors where they originate and making your house healthier overall.
Enhancing Indoor Air Quality
In terms of indoor air quality, the state of your drains is a major factor. Clogged or unclean drains can disperse mold spores and germs into the air, which can cause health problems. Once inside, these pollutants can travel through your home’s HVAC system, where they can aggravate preexisting conditions like asthma and allergies. The best way to avoid this is to clean your drains on a regular basis so you can remove the buildup of contaminants.
Increasing HVAC Efficiency
Regular drain cleaning can reduce the load on your HVAC system by helping to manage the moisture levels in your home, which can prevent mold and mildew growth. As a result, your HVAC system will be able to conserve energy and keep the temperature where you want it without exerting as much effort.
Extending the Lifespan of Plumbing Fixtures
Maintaining clean drains with professional drain cleaning is an important step in maximizing the life and efficiency of your plumbing fixtures. Clean drains allow water to flow more freely through your plumbing system, which means less wear and tear. It also means you’ll be able to avoid the accumulation of harmful elements that can harm plumbing fittings and corrode pipelines.
Improving Water-Flow Efficiency
When you hire a professional drain cleaning service, they will remove the buildup of debris like hair, oil, soap scum and mineral deposits from your pipes, allowing water to flow freely. This improved water flow efficiency helps keep your home cleaner and more comfortable by reducing the likelihood of backups and spills.
Saving Money on Utility Expenses
Your utility rates can go down significantly if you clean your drains regularly. This is because your plumbing system can run more efficiently and with less energy use if the drains are clean and the water flows freely. This is particularly evident when it comes to your water heating bills. The faster transfer of hot water through clean pipes directly correlates to lower energy use and cheaper energy bills.
Also, slow-draining fixtures aren’t as common when drains are clean, so you won’t have to use as much water. Your water bill will decrease because you won’t have to leave the water running for as long to wash the dishes or take a shower.
Creating a Sustainable Home
By improving water efficiency and decreasing the environmental impact of your house, regular professional drain cleaning greatly contributes to a more sustainable home. Saving water is an important part of living sustainably, and this efficiency can help with that while also reducing your utility bills.
Plus, hiring a professional drain cleaner lessens the likelihood that you will have to use toxic chemical drain cleaners. Chemical runoff into waterways from DIY drain cleaners is a common problem that threatens aquatic life and adds to pollution levels. Professionals can use hydro jetting or mechanical snaking instead of harmful chemicals, greatly improving your home’s effect on the local environment.
Maintaining Home Value
One of the most important things for potential homebuyers to consider is the plumbing system. If you have a history of keeping your drains clean, it shows that you are a responsible homeowner and could increase your home’s value.
How Often Should I Get My Drains Cleaned?
Your plumbing system’s age, the number of people living in your home and your daily water usage are important variables. These can affect how often you should have a professional clear your drains. In most cases, it’s best to hire a professional drain cleaner once a year. More frequent cleanings, maybe once every six months, may be beneficial for households with older plumbing systems or those with significant usage.
How Can I Prevent Clogs in the First Place?
Although having a professional clean your pipes on a regular basis is essential, there are other things you can do to keep blockages at bay. To keep hair and food debris out of the drains of sinks and showers, you should use a strainer in all of your drains. Also, keep in mind that grease and oil can harden and line kitchen drains, so it’s best to avoid pouring them down the drain.
Absolute Services is here to answer any questions you may have about drain cleaning. We also help homeowners in Louisville, KY with indoor air quality testing, electrical services, water heater installations, gas line repairs and much more. Call us today to schedule professional drain cleaning for your home.
