To prevent a clogged drain, did you know that your drains need to be cleaned regularly?
If not, then you could be in for a nasty surprise…
Dirty pipes can cause a clogged toilet and water to back up into your sink or tub drain, leading to slow drains, costly repairs, and even flooding.
Regular drain cleaning and inspection will help prevent clogs and more severe issues from arising.
In this blog post, we will cover 5 things you need to know about your drains:
- Why it’s important to clear drains regularly
- 5 Signs you need your drain cleaned
- How to clear a drain
- The benefits of regular cleaning
- Tips for keeping your drains clear and tackling tough clogs
Why it’s important to clean drains regularly
Unclean drains are the leading cause of drain blockages, a common occurrence in homes across the country. Blockages are caused by a variety of things, such as grease, soap scum, hair, food particles, and other foreign objects.
If left untreated, they can lead to foul odors, costly repairs, and even flooding.
Over time the pipes in your home will accumulate a build-up of debris, sludge, and other materials on the inside causing slow-flowing drains. A drain line with excessive build-up will lead to stubborn clogs forming more frequently and can cause major damage to your plumbing system.
That’s why it’s important to clear drains regularly. This will help prevent clogs from forming and causing problems. There are a few different ways to clear drains, which we’ll discuss in a later section.
5 Signs you need your drain cleaned
If you’re wondering whether your drains need to be cleaned, there are a few tell-tale signs that indicate it’s time for cleaning:
- Sinks, tubs, or toilets with a slow drain
If water is taking longer to drain than usual, it’s likely due to a blockage in the pipe.
- Foul odors coming from drains
This is usually a sign of a build-up of organic matter in the pipes, which can lead to clogs.
- Water backing up into sink drain or tub
Have you used drain cleaner to clear your clogged drains and still notice water starting to back up into your sink or tub drains? If so, It’s probably time to get a drain cleaning.
- Gurgling sounds coming from tub drains
If you hear gurgling or bubbling sounds coming from your sink drain or tub drain, this is another sign that there is a clog somewhere in the system.
- Constantly clogged toilet
If it feels like your toilet is getting clogged every time you flush, it’s likely a sign that there is a blockage in the drain line.
How to clear a drain
There are a few different ways to clear a drain, but the most common is with a plunger, plumber’s snake, or high-pressure water jet, also known as a Hydrojet.
Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.
Plungers are great for small blockages, are environmentally friendly, and can be used to unclog most types of drains. They work by creating a seal over the drain and then using suction to dislodge the clog.
There are two main types of plungers; Flanged and Unflanged.
A Flanged plunger is great for creating a seal and using pressure to unclog a toilet.
An Unflanged plunger is perfect for clogs in a kitchen sink or an area with a flat basin.
Plumber’s snakes are long, flexible rods that are inserted into the drain to clear blockages. They can be used on most types of drains but are most effective on toilets and sinks.
Using a plumbing snake is a great way to retrieve excess hair and build-up that gets caught in your bathroom shower or toilet.
NEVER pour boiling water directly into your pipes. Many pipes are made of PVC and by pouring boiling water you risk melting them, damaging your garbage disposal, and possibly your entire system.
Hot water from the tap is safe to use.
Hydro jetting is the most effective way to clean a drain and tougher clogs. They work by shooting a stream of water at high pressure into the drain to break up the clog and clean the inside of the drain.
This method is used by plumbers and is not recommended for use by homeowners without a plumbing license.
Elmer’s Home Services offers Hydro jetting and Camera line inspection which helps locate breakages or tree roots that may be causing your plumbing issues
The benefits of regular drain cleaning
Cleaning is a necessary part of home maintenance. A clogged drain can cause water to back up into your sink, tub, or toilet. This can lead to costly repairs, flooding, and creating standing water. Regular cleaning can help prevent these problems.
There are several benefits to regular cleaning:
- It prevents clogs from forming, which can save you money on repairs.
- It helps keep your system flowing freely, which prevents water damage and standing water.
- It eliminates bad odors coming from your sink.
- It can extend the life of your sink, drain, and pipes.
Tips for keeping your drains clear and tackling tough clogs
- Run hot tap water down your drain regularly; Hot water can loosen build-up. NEVER use boiling water.
- Don’t pour grease or cooking oil down the drain.
- Dispose of food waste in the trash can, not the drain.
- Clean your drain regularly using a plunger
- Use a trap in your shower or tub. Hair traps keep your drains free from a clog caused by hair.
- Avoid using chemical drain cleaners. If you must use one, make sure it is compatible with your septic system. Many drain cleaners can contain harsh chemicals that do a better job of damaging your pipes instead of clear clogs and grease.
If you follow these few things, you can maintain clean drains and save yourself money on repairs.
If you still find yourself with a bathroom sink, shower, or tub drain that is not draining, it’s time to call a professional plumber.
Elmer’s Home Services has been providing plumbing services in San Antonio, TX for over 18 years.
Our professional plumbers have the experience and tools to have your plumbing working like new in no time.
A clog is no match for a plumber from Elmer’s! We also provide services such as diagnosing water supply issues, water softeners and heaters, and hydro jetting.
Clogs are a common problem in drains and can cause water damage, bad odors, and clogged pipes. Regular drain cleaning with a plunger or snake can help prevent these problems. If you find yourself with a tougher clog that needs more than just elbow grease to clear, Elmer’s Home Services offers every plumbing service you need.
Need Help?
If you’re not sure where to start with your clogged drain, don’t hesitate to call a professional.
Elmer’s Home Services in San Antonio TX can help you assess the situation and make the best decision for your needs. We have experienced plumbers and quality service, so you can get the solution your need quickly.
