How Often Should A Drainage System Be Cleaned?
Regularly cleaning your drains is an essential component of maintaining a healthy household environment for your family. Over time, your home’s plumbing system may accumulate a buildup of substances like soap scum, hair, grease and food particles.
This buildup can lead to various plumbing problems, including blockages, slow drainage and damage to your pipes. By taking the time to regularly inspect your drainpipes, you can prevent such headaches and maintain a clean and healthy drain.
The Importance of Keeping Your Drainpipes Clean
A clogged kitchen or bathroom sink is not just an annoyance but can also become a health hazard. Some of the issues a clogged sink can cause include:
- Health problems – Stagnant water and a grimy buildup can create the perfect host environment for bacteria and mold growth. This growth can worsen respiratory issues and lead to serious infections.
- Structural damage – Water that is backing up from a clogged drain can cause wood rot and the deterioration of ceilings and walls, compromising your home’s structural integrity.
- Pests – Clogs can create a moist environment and harbor food sources that attract pests like roaches, rodents and even mosquitoes.
Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing issues homeowners will face. By taking good care of your plumbing and performing regular maintenance, you can prevent minor drainage issues from becoming major ones.
How To Maintain Clean and Clear Pipes
Conducting preventative maintenance on your drain and pipe system is simple and easy. Here are a few simple tips you can use to maintain a healthy drain system in your home.
Inspect Your Pipes Regularly
By inspecting your pipes regularly, you can quickly catch minor issues before they grow bigger. Take the stopper out of your sink and use a flashlight to check for any blockages near the opening. You can also conduct a more in-depth inspection using a drain camera. These cameras can be inserted into your drain and allow you to see if they are clear or if there are obstructions further down the system. While inspecting your pipes, you can also check for corrosion, which may lead to weakened or burst pipes.
Consider Using a Drain Guard
A drain guard can protect your plumbing system and prevent debris and other matter from building up and causing clogs. They can also help you maintain a cleaner (and less smelly) drain. Drain guards are usually made of rubber and can be purchased at most grocery shops or hardware stores. They are a simple yet effective way to keep your pipes clean and protected.
Losen Buildup With Hot Water
If you notice that your sink is draining too slowly, you likely have a clog on your hands. You can lose this buildup by pouring Hot water down the drain. The heated water will help dissolve and break down blockages, making them much easier to dislodge. However, it’s important to note that boiling water can cause damage to porcelain or PVC pipes, so avoid this method if your pipes are made of these materials.
Install a Garbage Disposal
If you don’t have a garbage disposal installed on your kitchen sink, you may want to invest in one. A garbage disposal may help prevent some sink clogs by breaking down your food waste before it enters your drain pipes. Do not overload your garbage disposal, and avoid putting non-food items down your drain since this can cause damage. While garbage disposals can prevent some clogs, they are not a substitute for efficient plumbing.
Never Put Large Items in Your Drain
Although it may be tempting to pour your coffee grounds or oil into the sink, these habits can cause damage over time. The best way to dispose of large items is in the trash can. If you need to strain fat or oil, pour it into a plastic container that can be thrown into the trash when you’re done.
The Issue With Commercial Drain Cleaners
Although there are several chemical cleaners available that claim to be safe and effective for clogs, they can still damage your house’s plumbing lines and may not effectively get the job done. These drain cleaners usually contain harsh chemicals like hydrochloric acid. This substance can damage your plumbing pipes from the inside out and ruin your fixture’s finish. If you use commercial-strength drain cleaners often, you may end up with damaged or collapsed pipes, which can be expensive to repair.
When You Should Call for Professional Drain Cleaning Services
While preventative maintenance is an efficient way to keep your drains healthy and in working order, there are times when you may need to skip the DIY methods and call a plumber. Here are a few situations when you may be better off calling the professionals.
- If you are not confident that DIY methods will solve your problem.
- You suspect a large, foreign object is stuck down your drain.
- You notice slow drainage from all your sinks throughout your home.
- There are strong, foul odors emanating from all your drains.
Scheduling professional drain inspection and cleaning services is essential to help maintain the health of your home’s plumbing lines. Ideally, you should schedule a professional cleaning at least once per year to extend the life of your plumbing and keep your drains clean and healthy.
Protect Your Home’s Plumbing With Professional Plumbing Services From Miami Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
We understand that household plumbing emergencies can happen at any time of day, which is why our team takes pride in going above and beyond our customers’ expectations to ensure satisfaction. Whether you have a plumbing emergency in the middle of the night or are just looking for routine cleaning services, our team of fully licensed professional plumbers is ready to address your needs. Call Miami Benjamin Franklin Plumbing today for professional plumbing services you can count on. Remember, if there’s any delay, it’s YOU we pay!
