Many homeowners don’t think about deep cleaning their drains until something is clogging them or they start backing up. However, these inconveniences can be avoided with regular drain maintenance and professional drain cleaning. Think of all of the gunk your drains have likely accumulated in the last month. How about in the last year? Everything that has washed down your drains eventually sticks to your pipes and builds up enough to cause a clog. Clogs aren’t just minor annoyances. They can cause real damage to your piping, resulting in even more expensive repairs later on. From corrosion, to leaks, to explosive bursts, a deep clog may be close to causing severe damage in your system. Luckily, there are a few simple steps you can take to protect your piping and stay ahead of drain maintenance issues.
Professional Drain Clearing Services
If your drains become clogged after taking these measures, or the above steps don’t clear an already formed clog, then you may need the assistance of a professional pipe cleaning service. They will use specialized equipment for hydro jetting and clear your drains without using toxic chemicals you may find at the store. Commercial solutions can be harsh on pipes, corrode garbage disposals, and expose you to toxic fumes. If you do decide to use a cleaning solution, remember to only use one at a time and never mix cleaning agents as the combination may cause toxic gas to form. During the professional cleaning process, the technician may use a video scope to check out the clog and look for signs of mold, algae, or corrosion in the pipes. This way the issue is resolved at the source for long-term benefits. Hydro jetting ensures that the whole pipe is cleared of debris instead of just poking a hole through the clog for the appearance of a resolution. Prevent clogs from forming in the first place by being mindful of what materials are flushed down your drains. Avoid dumping coffee grounds, fibrous foods, grease, and hair down drains. These should all be disposed of by other means if possible.
Signs of a Sewer Line Issue
Sometimes a drain issue is more than just a drain issue. Sewer line problems can show up as:
- Multiple clogged drains at once.
- Toilets that back up.
- Toilets that flush slowly or only partially flush.
- Stinky smells coming from your drains.
- Water backing up into the bathtub or shower.
- Gurgling sounds coming from sink drains or toilet.
If you notice any of these signs, call a professional plumber right away to inspect your sewer line. A sewer line can become damaged from tree root invasions, collapses from shifting ground, rust formation, and scale buildup. Ignoring a sewer line problem will not make it any better. In fact, the problem will only grow worse and may start flooding your yard with unsightly sewage. Luckily, many repairs and clog removals can be handled internally rather than having to dig up the yard to reach the line. Professional plumbers have equipment to handle cleaning and fixing your sewer line, including root cutting tools and hydro jetting systems. They can patch holes and breaks in even the hardest to reach places. Although sewer line issues can be messy, smelly, and concerning, you can have them resolved quickly with the help of a professional plumber.
Benefits of Annual Drain Clearing Services
Not only can you help your drains stay as clean as possible by regularly flushing them and cleaning them, but you can also keep them properly maintained by having them professionally serviced once per year. During the inspection your plumber can check for signs of damage and clear buildup before it completely clogs your drains. This way you can take care of potential problems before they wreak havoc on your plumbing system. Staying ahead of repair needs can help save you from emergencies later on. While piping is made to last, corrosion and rust can cause them to wear out over time. Clogs from debris and scum don’t help the situation either. If you live in an older home or you frequently have clogging issues with one or more of your drains, you may consider scheduling regular cleaning to help your pipes stay clear of harmful buildup. Hidden issues deep within your piping may remain hidden without a professional inspection. You can keep your piping working well with annual maintenance services instead of waiting until disaster strikes to finally get that clog checked out. When pipe replacement is necessary, a professional plumber can show you the latest options. Copper and PVC piping are popular choices for today’s homes. Whether you need a section of plumbing replaced or want to totally re-pipe your entire home, your plumbing expert can discuss next steps at your annual piping maintenance visit.