Despite the important role the drain system plays in a home, many people neglect to maintain it properly. That's why drain issues like clogs are some of the most common plumbing problems homeowners experience. The most important part of maintaining a drain system is having it routinely cleaned by a professional plumbing service.

Preventing Plumbing Problems

Using sink strainers to prevent things like food scraps and hair from getting washed down your kitchen and bathroom drains definitely helps in preventing clogs. Equally important is making sure you never wash any type of fat, oil, and grease down the drain. 

Still, no matter how careful you are, some things will end up going down the drain and collecting within its P-trap. Over time, this leads to a layer of scum and slime forming within the drain pipe and P-trap that can collect other solid materials and eventually lead to drain clogging. 

This is where routinely hiring a plumbing company to clean your drains can be very useful. When performing the work, the plumber will ensure that your entire drain system is clean. That way, there will be less of a chance of your drains frequently clogging up. The plumber can also use a camera to inspect your drain system just to make sure that there's no damage and that no parts of the system are at risk of leaking. 

Another common problem that leads to frequent clogs and other drain issues is the build-up of mineral deposits within drain pipes as a result of hard water. As the deposits build up, they essentially shrink the inside of the pipe so that less water can flow through it. That means everything drains more slowly, increasing the chances of solids getting stuck within the pipe and causing it to clog. 

Having a plumber hydrojet your drain system is a great way to prevent this type of issue. The plumber uses a special machine similar to a pressure washer that sprays a powerful jet of water. As they insert the nozzle and hose down through the drain system, the water blasts away much of the mineral deposits in addition to anything else inside the drain pipes. Although the jet of water is fairly powerful, the plumber can control the pressure to ensure that no damage occurs to the drain system. 

Eliminating Drain Odors

Foul-smelling drains are also an extremely common problem. All of the food scraps, hair, soap scum and other organic materials that get washed down drains and collect within P-traps always end up rotting and smelling. Various types of odor-causing bacteria live within drains and feed on this organic debris, further contributing to the problem. By having your drain system routinely cleaned and being careful about what gets washed down your drains, you can eliminate any odors that are present and help prevent them from returning as well.

Professional vs. DIY Drain Cleaning

When it comes to cleaning drains, most people just reach for a bottle of chemical drain cleaner. While there's no doubt that these products are good at breaking up clogs, any plumber you ask will tell you that you should try to avoid using them as much as possible. 

That's because the chemicals they contain are so corrosive that they can cause severe damage to your drain and sewer system. The chemicals can eat through pipes or dissolve the glue that holds PVC pipes together. You should avoid pouring straight bleach down your drains as well since it can cause the same sort of damage to your plumbing.

You probably won't encounter any issues if you just use drain cleaner once, but using it to clean your drains frequently creates a major risk of leaks. Should a drain pipe that's hidden behind a wall or underneath a floor get damaged and start leaking, you'll likely find yourself facing a fairly steep repair bill. You also need to consider the amount of water damage that can result from a major drain leak. 

The risk of damaging your plumbing is why professional drain cleaning is always the best way to go. If you're just looking to prevent drain odors, occasionally pouring a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down your drains can be fairly effective. It works to eliminate some of the bacteria within the drain's P-trap and also loosen much of the scum so that you can then wash it away. However, it won't help prevent your drains from clogging over time. 

Signs It's Time to Have Your Drains Cleaned

Having your drains routinely cleaned by a plumbing company once a year can significantly prevent drain issues. There are also some obvious signs you should watch for that can tell you when to schedule a drain cleaning service. The most obvious is if you have one or more drains that clog up frequently. 

A slow drain also indicates that you're dealing with a partial blockage or clog. The same is true if the water makes a gurgling noise as it goes down the drain. However, if all of the drains throughout your house are slow or make this sort of sound, it's instead a sign that there's an issue with your main sewer line. 

Tree root intrusion or flushing things other than toilet paper are among the most common causes of sewer line clogs. Even worse is if you routinely pour fat, oil, and grease down the kitchen sink, as these substances cling to drain and sewer lines and greatly increase the chances of clogs. 

If your drains constantly smell bad and you can't eliminate the odors with baking soda and vinegar, it's also a good idea to have your drains professionally cleaned. 

Contact Us Today

When it comes to getting your drains cleaned or eliminating any plumbing issues, you can count on the professionals at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing®. We take a customer-focused approach to all work we perform and pride ourselves on providing an unmatched level of service. No matter what you need, you can trust you're getting a fair deal thanks to our Straightforward Pricing®. Whether you need to have your drains cleaned, your water heater repaired, or anything else related to your plumbing, give us a call to get the prompt, reliable service you deserve.