Why Should You Regularly Clean Your Drains?
Many homeowners don't consider their plumbing to be a household item requiring regular maintenance. You call a plumber when something breaks, but do you need to worry about your pipes when everything seems to be working fine? As with most elements of homeownership, the reality is that regular maintenance can often save significant money in the long run.
When it comes to plumbing, a clogged drain that seems to be a one-off event may be a sign of a more chronic problem that routine cleaning could have helped to avoid. Knowing why, how, and when to take advantage of professional drain cleaning services can ensure that you don't face costly and avoidable service visits.
The Why: Long-Term Build-up
A clog may sometimes be an acute event, such as when a large item falls into a sink or toilet drain. In most cases, however, drains clog due to long-term build-up. For kitchen sinks, this often means an accumulation of grease along the inner walls. As the fat builds up, it can collect additional small bits and pieces of food until your drain begins to run slowly or stops entirely.
Bathrooms drains can face a similar problem, with a build-up of hair or even soap and cleaning products creating chronic jams. Melted soap can coat the walls of drain pipes, turning solid over time and creating another trap for loose particles that would otherwise pass by unimpeded. As with build-up in kitchen drains, you may not even notice the issue at first.
The How: DIY and Professional Methods
When it comes to routine cleaning, you'll want to use a mix of DIY methods combined with occasional professional cleaning services. For a gentle, home-made cleaner, use white vinegar and baking soda. This method will help to clear small clogs and keep your drains running freely and smelling fresh.
Professionals will come armed with more powerful tools, of course. A professional cleaning will usually involve the use of a drain camera to look for severe problems and then the use of an appropriate method to clear them. These cleaning services will help you to discover issues such as root infiltration before they ruin your home's plumbing system.
The When: Cleaning On a Schedule
For DIY methods, make drain cleaning a monthly part of your routine. In most cases, this should help to keep any typical problems from building up in your pipes. The few dollars you spend every month performing this simple activity may save you a few hundred dollars on expensive clog removal later on.
You can schedule professional cleaning work less frequently. A good rule of thumb is to have an experienced drain cleaning company inspect and clean your pipes about once per year. Annual drain cleanings will guarantee that you discover chronic problems long before they become critical while also dealing with issues that your DIY methods may have missed.
To learn more, contact a drain cleaning company.
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