Whether you own a restaurant, hotel, office building or home, a clean, functioning drain system is essential to your comfort and convenience. But neglecting drain cleaning can lead to serious problems.
Most people think of chemical drain cleaners when they hear the term “drain cleaning.” But this is only part of the process. Contact West Chester Drain Cleaning now!
Clogs are the bane of many a homeowner, and they can be caused by a wide range of things. From hair in the shower to food scraps in the kitchen, a clog is always annoying and usually results in slow drainage or water backing up into the home. Luckily, there are some easy steps you can take to prevent drain clogs and keep them from happening in the first place.
One of the best ways to prevent drain clogs is to simply be aware of what can and cannot go down your pipes. Commercial businesses typically have specialized training for their employees on what can and cannot be poured down the drains, but homeowners can benefit from a little education as well. Knowing that only water, human waste, and toilet paper should be poured down your pipes can help you avoid a lot of different kinds of drain clogs.
Another way to prevent a clog is to regularly clean your drains. You can use household items like baking soda and vinegar to get rid of weaker clogs or as a regular maintenance routine between professional drain cleaning services. These natural ingredients can create a bubbling reaction that helps break up and wash away clogs while also helping to disinfect your drain and pipes.
A plumber can use a variety of traditional tools to remove more severe clogs. For example, a plumber might pull out a plumbing snake with a corkscrew auger or blades on one end and a crank on the other to push through a pipe until it hits the clog. Once it does, the plumber can wiggle it around and remove the clog with ease.
A professional can also flush your drain lines by using a hydro jetting device. This method uses water pressure to loosen and wash away clogs, and it works particularly well in tub/shower drains where hair often gets caught. Hydro jetting can be especially useful in homes with older pipes that might have developed cracks or joints.
Foul Odors
A foul odor emanating from a drain or toilet is often an indicator of a bigger problem, such as a blockage that is keeping water from flowing freely. Foul odors may also be caused by decomposition of organic waste like hair, food scraps, soap residue and more. If left unattended, these odors can cause bacteria and other germs to grow inside your pipes.
While many foul drain smells can be remedied with some basic home remedies, others require professional assistance to resolve. Understanding what causes smelly drains can help you prevent them and determine when to call in the pros.
The most common cause of stinky drains is a dried-out p-trap. The u-shaped trap under sinks holds a small amount of water to keep sewer gases and odors from coming back up through the drain. Over time, this water can evaporate, allowing these odors to seep into the home. To avoid this issue, regularly clean your p-traps with a plunger or drain cleaner.
Food particles and soap scum can also lead to smelly drains. Shed hair often falls into sinks and tubs, where it can build up and start to decompose. To keep this from happening, install a hair catcher in your shower or use a drain cover on your bathtub.
Finally, fat and grease that is poured down drains can also create unpleasant odors. This is because the grease solidifies as it cools, coating the inside of your pipes. Pouring hot water down the drain can help dissolve this fat and grease, restoring proper flow and eliminating odors.
It is important to note that if you have tried a variety of DIY methods, including plunging and the use of drain cleaner liquids and still have foul drain odors, there may be a more serious problem with your pipes or sewer line. If the odors are caused by an overflowing or broken sewer line, it is best to leave these issues to licensed plumbers who can safely and efficiently handle them.
Slow Drainage
It’s a familiar scene: You wash dishes or take a shower and the water drains like molasses. Slow drains are annoying, but more than that, they can signal serious plumbing problems lurking beneath the surface. If you’re experiencing slow drains, you should act immediately to prevent them from worsening.
Identifying and addressing the source of your slow drains is the best way to ensure efficient water flow. If you’ve tried DIY solutions such as chemical drain cleaners or a plunger with no luck, it’s time to call in the pros. Professionals use specialized equipment and tools to clean your entire drainage system, from the main sewer line to individual fixtures. They can also diagnose any issues that may be contributing to your slow drains and make necessary repairs.
There are many causes of slow drains. Minor clogs from hair, soap residue, and grease can build up over time and restrict water flow. Overflowing toilets, backed-up septic systems, and broken pipes are other common culprits. If you have multiple slow drains, it’s likely a sign of a bigger problem that requires professional attention.
Homeowners can often resolve minor clogs with the help of DIY methods. For example, a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can break down and dissolve gunk that’s blocking the drain. However, these methods won’t solve long-term problems because they don’t address the underlying cause.
Professionals can remove even the most stubborn blockages with hydro jetting, a high-pressure water stream that breaks up and dislodges clogs. This method is especially useful for removing built-up gunk in the piping around your home’s drains, where traditional plumbing methods may fail.
A regular schedule of drain cleaning can help prevent slow drainage and other issues down the road. Professional drain cleaning services remove buildup and clogs before they become more serious, and they can also flush out your entire plumbing system to keep it running smoothly for years to come. The old adage that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” definitely applies to your plumbing system. Keep your drains working properly with routine maintenance that includes annual inspections and drain cleaning services.
Health Risks
Dirty drains are known to harbor a wide variety of microorganisms and pests including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and even insects. These can contaminate your home’s water supply and leave behind foul odors that can make you and your family sick.
Moreover, the microorganisms and pests in dirty drains can easily spread to other parts of your house if left untreated. This can lead to the growth of mold that might trigger asthma and other respiratory problems in your family.
Blocked drains can also produce stagnant water that will attract mosquitoes and other harmful insects. These insects may be carriers of diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and tetanus. Besides, these pests can bite you and your family, leading to painful stings.
Foul odors from blocked drains can also cause headaches, fatigue, and stress. They can also aggravate existing medical conditions such as allergies, sinusitis, and asthma. Luckily, regular drain cleaning will help eliminate bad smells and ensure the free flow of water and waste.
Chemical drain cleaners are readily available in the market and promise to clear clogs fast. However, they are highly toxic to your health and the environment. They can corrode and weaken pipes over time, which will lead to leaks and other plumbing problems. Moreover, they can also release dangerous chemicals into the environment when they degrade.
Another danger of using chemical drain cleaners is that they can burn your skin. These products are designed to eat away at clogs and other materials they come into contact with. As a result, they can eat through your pipes, leaving behind toxic residues that can contaminate your home’s water.
When it comes to drain cleaning, the best option is to hire a professional service provider. These professionals use high-powered tools such as hydro-jetting to blast a stream of hot, high-pressure water into the pipe. This method removes the clog, cleans the entire pipe, and leaves no debris behind. Moreover, the process is environmentally friendly and doesn’t damage your pipes. Besides, professional drain cleaners will know how to deal with different types of pipes in your home.