Clogged Drains Must Be Addressed, Otherwise It Could Be, Well, Money Down the Drain
The slow drip or clogged drain is a hassle that everyone has to deal with some time. But according to drain cleaning specialists, it could be a significant warning sign of a larger plumbing problem that could lead to, well, money down the drain.1
Most clogged or slow drains are the sign of something simple, like the build-up of sludge or blockage caused by hair, experts say and can be unclogged and running smoothly in only a few steps handled by the homeowner. A pipe snake, available at any hardware store, or commercially available drain cleaners can work well on the majority of sink clogs.1
But danger lurks. Highly caustic drain cleaners and pipe snakes can easily eat through damaged pipes which would cause the homeowner to need professional help and for clogs caused by the build-up of pipe corrosion, a professional is needed. For more information please visit Drainage Repair.
And the other drains in the home should not be forgotten – main sewer lines, basement or French drains connected to sump pumps, laundry drains subject to dirt and soil, toilet drains, dishwasher and disposal drains, and personal storm drains for outdoor water evacuation. They can all suffer blockages and backups and failure to address the problem at the first sign of potential trouble can easily leads to thousands of dollars in drain repair and pipe replacement.
Professional plumbers say homeowners not following simple guidelines is what leads to the majority of calls to repair or open clogged drains. The most egregious issue is that people put things in their appliances and drains that are sure to create clogs. As far as the toilet, it is generally things any professional drain cleaner and toilet manufacturer would advise you to avoid flushing like paper towel, facial tissue and even cigarette butts. In the disposer – after all, it’s commonly referred to as the “dispose all” – the fine print clearly states that grease, celery, peanut shells, chicken and meat bones, and asparagus, among other things, are absolute no-nos. It’s inevitable hair and soap sludge will end up in the bathroom drain, but hardly anyone knows or follows the instruction that non-caustic drain cleaner administration monthly is recommended to keep the drain open; it is only when a problem arises that most people turn to the drain cleaner. For more information please visit Cleaning Equipment.
For sewer lines and basement drains and other bigger drains, professionals recommend regular inspections approximately once every two to three years depending on the proximity of typical clogging culprits like roots and depending on the system’s age. Of course, if there is a recurring issue with one of the smaller drains in the house, like a toilet or a disposer, this could be a sign of a more troublesome blockage in the sewer line that needs immediate professional attention.
Plumbing systems, particularly on older homes where they have been in place for decades or newer homes involving the very latest in sophisticated fixtures like spas, whirlpools and hot tubs, are under constant stress in any busy household and require regular maintenance and quick action for any problems that arise.
Professional drain cleaning experts, and plumbing system pipe cleaning experts have all of the tools on hand to handle any problem, from a simple slow-draining drain clearing or under-sink pipe replacement and upgrade, to the heavy stuff like pipe rootering services, trenchless sewer line replacement and full sewer line excavation and replacement. These experts report that nearly half of the major drain problems they are called on to repair could have been avoided or forestalled if the homeowner followed a few simple procedures.
Professional drain cleaners recommend:
- A complete plumbing inspection, at least every two to three years depending on the age of the system or any changes in the fixtures, which should include an inspection of all drains and the sewer lines. – Avoid putting materials in drains and disposers that are clearly not recommended. Check with a professional plumber and fixture warranties and operating instructions for a complete list. – Regular drain maintenance, monthly, with an approved non-caustic drain cleaner to avoid build-up of unwanted sludge and other materials. – At first indication of a potential problem, call a professional to ensure something seemingly simple and small isn’t a warning sign of something bigger. For more information please visit Drain maintenance.
When the drains in a home — any drain — aren’t working properly there is a disruption of lifestyle and daily routine that can range from a nagging inconvenience to a major headache or even a health hazard. Plumbing systems are designed to last for years on end, but like anything else in constant use that longevity depends on diligence and regular maintenance.
Original article done by: Gerry Stringer of Denver values doing things right the first time and he always avoids being penny wise and dollar foolish which is why he recommends following simple homeowner guidelines and calling a professional drain cleaner at the first sign of a problem. http://www.drainsolvers.com/n
Related posts:
