As a homeowner, think about how often you turn on a sink faucet, flush the toilet, and take showers each week. However, without regular drain cleaning, plumbing problems will make performing them a lot more difficult and a lot more memorable. Use the Q&As below to learn more about this maintenance and keep your home plumbing running smoothly. 

FAQs About Drain Cleaning

How do I know if I need drain cleaning?

This comes down to how often your drains are being used and what’s being poured down them. However, if you notice water taking longer to drain, a gurgling sound, or unpleasant odors coming from your drains, you definitely should schedule a cleaning.  

How long does drain cleaning usually take to complete?

It all depends on the extent of the buildup in your pipes. The plumber will inspect them to figure this out before using pressurized water to clean them out. If the inspection found tree roots to be causing the blockage, they’ll also have to clear these away and possibly replace any damaged piping. In most instances, though, you can expect the full visit to take between two to three hours. 

What harm will a clogged drain do to my pipes?

When clogs develop in drains, they can lead to all kinds of malfunctions. Water backups in showers and sinks, standing water, and low water pressure are all common problems that occur when blockages are allowed to grow. You could also develop pipe leaks, which can lead to interior and foundation damage to your home. 

How can I prevent clogs?

Hair, soap scum, dead skin cells, and dirt are regularly rinsed down your drains, so you can’t completely stop buildup on your pipes. You can, however, prevent it from happening so quickly by not flushing anything harmful—like cooking oil, grease, solid foods, cotton balls, paper towels, and feminine products. Also, place filters on all of your drains, including the washing machine, to limit how much hair and lint goes down. Finally, schedule preventative cleaning with a professional plumber at least once a year. 

Whether it’s been a while since your last drain cleaning or it’s time for a yearly maintenance visit, the plumbers at Downs Drain & Septic Service are here to help. Since 1965, this family-owned and -operated business has provided reliable drain and sewer cleaning and septic system services to Peninsula, OH, and surrounding areas. Call them today at (330) 929-5555 to request a quote and visit their website to learn more about their services.