Find Out How Often You Should Have Your Drains Cleaned
Most people only think about their drains when they start to back up. Unfortunately, this often means that it's too late and the damage has already been done. Drains should be cleaned regularly to prevent clogs and backups from happening in the first place. This blog post will discuss everything you need to know about drain cleaning.
Benefits of Cleaning Your Drains
Prolong the Life Span of Your Plumbing Systems
Drains are an essential part of your plumbing system. Like any other system in your home, they must be maintained to function properly. Regular drain cleaning will help prolong your plumbing system's life by keeping it clear of debris and buildup.
Prevent Clogs and Backups
Clogged drains are more than just a nuisance; they can also lead to severe damage to your home if left unchecked. By having your drains cleaned regularly, you can rest assured that they will be clear and free-flowing.
Improve Your Home’s Water Pressure
When drains are clogged, they can restrict water flow, leading to lower water pressure. Cleaning your drains will remove any blockages and allow water to flow freely, resulting in better water pressure throughout your home.
Save Money
Perhaps one of the most compelling reasons to have your drains cleaned regularly is that it can save you money in the long run. Think about it. If your drains are constantly backing up, it's only a matter of time before you deal with major repairs or replacements. By having your drains cleaned regularly, you can avoid these costly repairs and save yourself money in the long run.
Maintain a Clean and Healthy Home
Keeping your drains clean is vital for maintaining a clean and healthy home. When drains are clogged, they can cause water to back up into your home, leading to water damage and mold growth. Regular drain cleaning will help to keep your home clean and free of water damage and mold.
Factors That Determine How Often You Clean Your Drains
The Type Of Drain
The type of drain will play a significant role in how often it needs to be cleaned. If you have a shower drain, for example, it will need to be cleaned more often than a drain in your kitchen sink. Hair and soap can quickly build up in shower drains and cause clogs. Kitchen drains, on the other hand, typically only need to be cleaned once a year or so.
The Number of People in Your Household
The number of people in your household will also affect how often you need to clean your drains. For example, if you have a large family, you will probably need to clean your drains more often than someone who lives alone because more people means more potential for clogs.
The Type of Food You Cook
If you cook a lot of greasy food, you will need to clean your drains more often than someone who doesn't cook with as much oil. Cooking grease can easily build up in drains and cause clogs.
The Type of Water You Have
If you have hard water, you will need to clean your drains more often than someone with soft water because hard water can leave deposits behind that can clog drains.
Pets in the Household
If you have pets in the household, they can also influence how often you need to clean your drains. Pets can shed hair that can quickly build up in drains and cause clogs. Additionally, if your pet is prone to getting into the trash, they could introduce potential clog-causing items into your drains.
The Age of Your Home
The age of your home can also affect how often you need to clean your drains. If you live in an older home, you will probably need to clean your drains more often than someone who lives in a newer home. This is because older homes tend to have pipes that are more likely to become clogged.
Tips For Keeping Your Drains Clean
Use a Drain Cover
One of the best ways to keep your drains clean is to use a drain cover. A drain cover will catch hair and other potential clog-causing items before they have a chance to enter your drains, which will help reduce the time you need to spend cleaning your drains.
Rinse After use
When you use your sink or shower, rinse it out afterward to help remove any soap or hair that could potentially clog your drains. It would be best to rinse your drains every week to help prevent clogs.
Remove Food Scraps
One of the leading causes of drain clogs is food scraps. To help prevent clogs, remove any food scraps from your sink before you run the water. You can do this by scraping food scraps into the trash can or using a sink strainer.
Use Boiling Water
Boiling water is a great way to clean your drains and remove any potential clog-causing items. This will help dissolve any soap or hair that may be building up in your drains. Pour a pot of boiling water down your drain once a week to help keep it clear.
Avoid Pouring Grease Down the Drain
Grease is one of the most common causes of clogged drains. To avoid grease build-up, avoid pouring it down your drain. Instead, dispose of it in the trash. Moreover, if you accidentally pour grease down your drain, follow up with boiling water to help dissolve it.
Use a Plunger
If your drains start to clog, you can use a plunger to help clear them. Place the plunger over the drain and push and pull it until the clog is gone. You may do this a few times to get the desired result.
Steps for Cleaning Your Drains
Remove the Drain Cover
The first step to cleaning your drains is to remove the drain cover, giving you access to the drain to clean it properly.
Flush The Drain With Water
Once the drain cover is removed, flush the drain with water to help remove any small items that could potentially clog your drain.
Use a Drain Snake
If your drain is still clogged, use a drain snake to remove the remaining blockage. A drain snake is a long, flexible piece of equipment that can reach deep into your drains and remove any stubborn clogs.
Pour Boiling Water Down the Drain
Once the clog has been removed, pour boiling water down the drain. This will help remove any residual buildup and keep your drains clear.
Replace the Drain Cover
Once you have finished cleaning your drains, replace the drain cover to prevent any future clogs from forming.
Your Trusted Plumbing Professionals
It would be best if you cleaned your drains regularly to prevent clogs. If you can't do it by yourself, hire a professional plumber. At Beach Plumbing, we have the right skills and equipment to clear your drains quickly and efficiently. We also offer plumbing repair and replacement, toilet installation, leak detection, water filtration, and sewer services in Cypress, CA and the surrounding area. Call us today for more information or to set up an appointment.