Don’t Skip the Drains in This Year’s Spring Cleaning
Spring has sprung, and that means it is time for spring cleaning. Many people use this time to clear out waste, excess, or unnecessary items they have accumulated in their homes. But when people think of spring cleaning tasks, it’s probably fair to say that most are not thinking of spring drain cleaning.
Homeowners must add drains to their spring cleaning checklist. After all, nobody wants to deal with clogged drains while everyone else is outdoors soaking up the spring sunshine. Homeowners can avoid major headaches by understanding the importance of drain cleaning and by employing basic cleaning techniques themselves.
The Importance of Drain Cleaning
Plain and simple, drain clean is extremely important! Drain systems dispose of wastewater, but a blockage (even if mild) can make it harder for the water to pass through properly and result in a backup. Some of the main benefits of regular drain cleaning include:
- Faster drainage and fewer clogs
- Reduced clog-related odors
- Fewer repairs/expenses
- Longer drain system lifespan
- Cleaner indoor air quality
Clogs can lead to many issues, the severity of which depends on the size and extent of the blockage. Don’t forget that the drain system includes parts of the house like the toilet and kitchen sink, so it should be pretty easy to imagine how unpleasant clogs can be, especially when they lead to overflows.
Of significant note, many homeowner insurance policies do not include coverage for damage due to clogged drains since they usually consider this preventable / maintenance-related. Thus, even more of a reason to be diligent!
Professional Drain Cleaning Techniques
Professionals use three main drain cleaning techniques. These include:
- Drain Snakes (Motorized): also referred to as “drain auger,” this a long, thick wire maneuvered into drains to break up clogs of virtually any size.
- Hydro-Jetting: high-pressure water flow directed through the interior surfaces of pipes to break down buildup for an extremely thorough clean.
- Video Camera Pipe Inspection: fiber-optic video cameras to inspect the inside of pipes for cracks or blockages without digging up the pipe itself.
Professional drain cleaning is recommended every 1-2 years, but this may vary depending on overall use and the age of the plumbing system.
Everyday Ways To Maintain Clean Drains
Just because homeowners hire professionals, this does not mean they are off the hook! Homeowners should also take basic preventative measures like regularly using the kitchen garbage disposal, keeping grease out of the sink, throwing out paper towels or sanitary items rather than flushing them down the toilet, and so on.
Should a clog appear in between professional cleanings, homeowners can employ simple clearing techniques such as:
- Baking soda and vinegar (preferred over corrosive chemical solutions)
- Hot water flushing
- Manual drain snake
- Wire hanger “snake”
The great news is that these are just some of the many DIY techniques that are relatively simple and easily accessible to most homeowners!
About Chris Wilson Plumbing & Heating Repairs Inc
Chris Wilson Plumbing & Heating Repairs Inc of Monterey, CA is a family-owned and operated, full-service indoor maintenance company. With a history dating back over 35 years, they believe in “top quality service professionally delivered.” Their team of technicians offers same-day service and expert workmanship with each job they do. Call them for drain cleaning service!
