The drains get clogged; water can back up quickly, flooding sinks, tubs, and toilets. Not only is this messy and inconvenient, but standing water can also lead to structural damage, mold growth, and foul odors. Proper drain cleaning and maintenance is essential for preventing clogs and keeping your plumbing system functioning smoothly.
Prevents backups & flooding
When hair, soap scum, grease, and other debris build up in drain pipes over time, it narrows the diameter of the pipes. This buildup eventually blocks water from passing through freely. As water tries to push past the clog, it can back up and overflow sinks, tubs, showers, and toilets. Regular drain cleaning removes this gunky buildup and allows water to flow freely downpipes. Preventing clogs means preventing flooding, water damage, and overflowing toilet messes in your home.
Eliminates bad odors
The funky smells emanating from sinks, tubs, and other drains are usually a sign of a clog. Drain cleaning removes rotting debris, eliminating the source of foul odors. It also refreshes P-traps, which are U-shaped pipes designed to hold water and prevent sewer gas odors from entering the home. After a thorough cleaning, the drains smell fresh again.
Protects plumbing pipes
When drains get severely clogged, people often try potent store-bought drain cleaners to clear the blockage. However these cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can damage plastic or metal pipes. Professional drain cleaning uses high-pressure water jets and hand tools to scrub pipes clean without damaging them. Routine maintenance ensures pipes stay free of obstructions that could require risky chemical cleaners down the line.
Saves you money
It costs far less to invest in regular drain cleanings than to wait for a huge clog and flood, which can cause extensive water damage and mold growth. Sewage backups also often ruin flooring, drywall, furniture, and other valuables. Professional drains cleaning every year or so prevents expensive plumbing emergencies and protects your home from unnecessary damage.
Extends plumbing’s lifespan
Letting drain clogs persist puts unwanted strain on your plumber Bondi pipes and fittings. The added pressure from backed-up water can push pipes out of place and cause additional leaks or bursts over time. Frequent drain cleaning reduces pressure and friction inside pipes, preventing wear and tear. Routine maintenance keeps plumbing working smoothly for decades.
How often should drains be cleaned?
The plumbing experts recommend professional drain cleaning every 12-18 months to maintain free-flowing pipes. However, the ideal frequency depends on your usage patterns and types of drains. High-traffic sinks and tubs may need more frequent cleaning. Garbage disposals and kitchen sink drains are also prone to grease buildup and food clogs, requiring more maintenance. Shower and bathroom sink drains see less debris, but hair and soap scum accumulate over time.
Signs it’s time to clean drains
Watch for these common signs that drains need cleaning:
- Slow-draining water
- Gurgling noises or bubbling water when drainage occurs
- Bad sewage odors, especially when not actively using plumbing fixtures
- Visible grime, hair, and soap buildup in drains
- Pooling water around floor drains
- Toilets take longer than normal to refill after flushing
- Sinks and tubs take a long time to empty
