Let’s face it—clogged drains are more than just a nuisance. They can lead to unpleasant smells, water backups, and even damage your home or business. But don’t worry! Regular drain cleaning can help keep everything flowing smoothly.
This month, Underwood Plumbing & Septic will explore some handy tips for keeping your drains clear and explain why bringing in a professional plumber can save you from bigger headaches down the line.
Why Drain Cleaning is So Important
Think of your drains as the veins of your plumbing system. They keep water moving where it needs to go, and when they’re blocked, it’s like a traffic jam in your pipes. Regular cleaning is essential, and here’s why:
- Stops Water Backups: Nothing ruins your day like standing ankle-deep in water because your shower drain is clogged.
- Prevents Bad Odors: Gunk gets trapped in your pipes, causing that awful smell to waft up through the drains.
- Extends Your Plumbing’s Lifespan: By keeping your drains clean, you’re actually helping your pipes last longer.
- Keeps Water Flowing: A clog-free system means you’ll have proper water pressure in your taps and showers.
- Saves Money: You can avoid costly repairs caused by severe clogs or damage to your pipes.
Taking the time to clean your drains helps them work better and makes your home or business a more pleasant and healthier place.
What Causes Clogged Drains?
Here are the most common culprits of clogged drains:
- Hair and Soap Scum: In bathrooms, hair mixed with soap residue can stick together to form tough clogs in your sinks and showers.
- Food Scraps and Grease: Bits of food and cooking grease are notorious for blocking sinks and garbage disposals in kitchens.
- Foreign Objects: From toys to jewelry, sometimes things fall into the drain that shouldn’t be there, creating a blockage.
- Tree Roots: Outside, tree roots can grow into sewer lines and create severe blockages.
- Hard Water Minerals: Mineral buildup from hard water can slowly narrow your pipes, reducing water flow and eventually causing clogs.
Knowing what’s causing the issue can help you prevent future problems and keep your water flowing smoothly.
DIY Drain Cleaning
Sometimes, you can effectively tackle a clog yourself with a few easy methods:
DIY Methods That Work:
- Plunger: A good, old-fashioned plunger can clear minor clogs in sinks, tubs, and toilets. Just make sure to create a tight seal and give it some force to push the clog through.
- Baking Soda and Vinegar: Pouring a mix of baking soda and vinegar down the drain creates a fizzing reaction that can help break down organic matter.
- Wire Coat Hanger: Straighten a hanger and carefully use it to fish out clogs, especially in shallow drains.
- Drain Snake: A drain snake, or auger, is a flexible tool designed to dig deeper into the pipes and break up or pull out blockages.
When to Call in a Professional
Even though DIY fixes can handle minor clogs, there are situations where it’s better to call a professional. Here’s when you should pick up the phone:
- Stubborn or Recurring Clogs
- Multiple Clogged Drains
- Outdoor Drain Problems
- Signs of Pipe Damage
A plumber will clear the clog and diagnose the root cause to prevent it from happening again.
How Professionals Clean Drains
Curious about what happens when a plumber comes to clean your drains? It’s more than just plunging! Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
- Inspection: The plumber will examine your drainage system to determine the blockage’s location and cause.
- Camera Inspection: If needed, they’ll use a tiny camera to see inside the pipes, giving them a clear view of the problem.
- Cleaning Methods:
- Hydro Jetting: This technique uses a powerful stream of water to blast away stubborn clogs, grease, and mineral deposits.
- Drain Snake: For tougher clogs, a drain snake with a cutting head is inserted into the drain to break up the blockage.
- Enzyme Treatment: Biological enzymes can be introduced into the pipes to dissolve organic material.
- Post-Cleaning Inspection: After the cleaning, they’ll inspect the pipes again to make sure everything is clear.
Finding a Trusted Plumber To Keep Your Drain Clear
At Underwood Plumbing, we know how important it is to have working, clog-free drains. Our team of drain experts is ready to help clear any stubborn blockages or give your pipes a total refresh with hydro jetting.
Don’t let clogged drains disrupt your day or damage your home. Call us for fast, reliable service. We’ll get your water flowing smoothly again in no time!
Trust Underwood Plumbing for Fast and Reliable Drain Cleaning Services
If you’re dealing with slow or clogged drains, trust the experts at Underwood Plumbing in Bonham, TX. Our drain cleaning services quickly and effectively clear blockages, to get your plumbing running smoothly again.
With state-of-the-art equipment and years of experience, we provide fast, reliable solutions to keep your home or business free from drainage issues.
Call (903) 474-2658 today to schedule service and get rid of clogs FAST!