Your drains go through a lot on a daily basis. Scheduling spring drain cleaning offers many benefits, including eliminating buildup, which allows water to flow freely without disruption. Learning about the service, including its advantages and why you might need it, can help you make informed decisions for your home.
What Is Drain Cleaning?
Indoor drain cleaning is a professional service that involves removing debris, clogs, and buildup from the insides of your plumbing pipes. Plumbers do it for showers, sinks, and toilets, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
Are Hydro Jetting and Drain Cleaning the Same Thing?
Hydro jetting and drain cleaning aren’t the same thing. Drain cleaning is an umbrella term that refers to services used to clean out plumbing pipes.
Hydro jetting is a common, effective method of drain cleaning. It involves plumbers using high-powered water to blast through clogs and buildup in pipes. The service, which is a good option for many homes, offers a deep clean compared to using an auger.
Can I Use Chemical Drain Cleaners to Clear Clogs?
We don’t advise using chemical drain cleaners to clear clogs, as doing so could have several negative effects. For starters, they don’t typically work on major clogs or deep blockages.
Chemical drain cleaners might also damage plumbing pipes, especially if the pipes are already old or vulnerable. Additionally, using them may result in skin irritation, eye irritation, or respiratory issues. The best option is to hire a professional plumber who can use safer, more effective methods.
Why Is Drain Cleaning a Good Idea in Spring?
After a winter of holiday entertaining and cooking rich foods, significant gunk and debris could line the interior pipe walls and form clogs. Drain cleaning can effectively clear out your pipes for spring, removing much of what built up over winter. It also helps prevent plumbing repairs, as warmer weather usually involves increased water usage.
In Bellingham, the wettest time of the year is October through April. During heavy rains, the municipal sewer system might become overwhelmed. If indoor drains are clogged, water from sinks, showers, and toilets may not drain properly. This could increase the risk of backups or flooding into your home, resulting in costly damage, structural problems, and ruined belongings.
When Should I Schedule Drain Cleaning?
We suggest scheduling drain cleaning at least once a year, ideally in the spring. If there are four or more residents in the home, you might want to book the appointment more often. It’s also a good idea to schedule the service any time throughout the year if you notice signs of potential issues.
How Often Do I Need Drain Cleaning?
How frequently you need drain cleaning beyond an annual or every-six-months appointment depends on how often your drains get clogged. However, if you’re experiencing clogs often, that may indicate a problem within your plumbing system. For example, it could be a sign that your aging pipes need replacing. They might be experiencing issues, such as sagging or even narrowing due to corrosion and mineral buildup that could increase the likelihood of clogs. Our team can assess the situation, determine why the clogs are happening often, and recommend a viable solution.
When Should I Call to Book Drain Cleaning?
If you’re planning to schedule an annual spring drain cleaning, call to book your appointment in late winter or early spring. The season is a busy time as many homeowners want plumbing inspections and maintenance appointments. Scheduling yours early may provide more date and time options.
Can I Delay Drain Cleaning?
It’s not a good idea to delay drain cleaning, especially if it’s obvious that there’s a problem. Plumbing issues, such as clogs, don’t get better on their own. They typically require professional intervention to resolve. Our plumbers can identify minor problems, preventing them from escalating into severe, costly ones. The sooner the cleaning occurs, the sooner you can have peace of mind that the water can easily flow through your pipes.
What Causes Clogged Drains?
There are many things that can cause drain clogs. For example, in the kitchen, common culprits include coffee grounds, grease, vegetable scraps, oil, eggshells, pasta, and fruit chunks. Pet food going down the drain after washing pet bowls can also contribute to the problem.
The bathroom is another area where drain clogs may occur. Creams, lotions, conditioners, toothpaste, soap scum, and hair are some items that might clog shower and sink drains. Toilets are another area of concern. Items to avoid flushing include makeup wipes, “flushable” wipes, feminine hygiene products, cat litter, and paper towels. The only items that homeowners should flush are toilet paper, water, urine, and feces. You should also avoid using excessive amounts of toilet paper, especially if you have an older system.
How Do I Prevent Clogged Drains?
The best way to prevent clogged drains is to be mindful of what you put down the sink, shower, and toilet drains. Most items should go into the garbage can instead.
Upgrading your drain strainers is also a good way to help prevent clogged drains. Examine your sink drain strainers to make sure the mesh is intact and there’s no separation or corrosion. Replacing them is beneficial if there’s damage. If you have a walk-in shower, you should also consider upgrading its drain strainer. Many include holes that allow too much product and hair to go through. If replacing it isn’t an option, consider using disposable temporary strainers. Each one adheres to your drain, so you can periodically remove it and replace it with a new one. They usually have small holes that allow less debris through.
Even with precautions, it’s a good idea to schedule an annual drain cleaning. Some debris can still accumulate in drains, and removing it can help keep your pipes in good condition.
What Are the Signs I Need Drain Cleaning?
You’ll start to notice signs when you need drain cleaning. Slow-draining water, foul odors, and gurgling sounds from the pipes are common indicators. You may also notice water backing up into your sinks, showers, and floor drains.
What Are the Benefits of Drain Cleaning?
There are many advantages of drain cleaning, including helping to eliminate foul odors, prevent pest infestations, and remove buildup. It could also play a role in preventing buildups from recurring and extending the system’s lifespan. The service improves the functionality of your plumbing system, allowing water to flow easily without backing up or draining slowly.
Get your drains in good condition during spring. Marr's Heating, AC, Plumbing and Electrical in Bellingham, WA provides high-quality drain cleaning services to local homeowners. Call today to schedule an appointment.
