Maintaining clean and functional drains is essential to keeping your household running smoothly. When you have drain issues, such as backups or slow draining fixtures, you might turn to DIY drain cleaning methods. However, DIY drain cleaning methods are very limited in their success and can even cause more damage to your pipes.
Minor drain issues can develop into major plumbing problems quickly. That’s why it’s important to call a licensed plumber for professional drain cleaning. We’re going to share the top signs you need professional drain cleaning and share the benefits of hiring a pro.
Why Drain Cleaning Matters
Drain cleaning is part of your home plumbing system’s regular maintenance. There are a few primary reasons to invest in professional drain cleaning, including:
- Protect plumbing: Buildup of hair, grease, soap scum, and food scraps can damage your pipes over time. Routine cleaning keeps your pipes in better shape and supports a longer lifespan.
- Avoid costly repairs: If you let minor plumbing issues sit without professional inspection, they can quickly escalate into expensive repairs. Untreated clogs can lead to burst pipes and sewer line damage.
- Ensure plumbing works right: The inconvenience of slow drains makes it important to call for professional drain cleaning. This way, you can take showers and wash your hands without water pooling or backing up in your sink.
Now that you understand why you should have your drains professionally cleaned, let’s move on to the warning signs that you need service.
Signs You Need to Schedule Professional Drain Cleaning
How do you know you need professional drain cleaning? There will be signs that indicate you should call a licensed plumber to clean your drains. The most common signs include:
Multiple slow drains
Having one slow drain is common and can often be solved quickly, but if you notice multiple slow drains throughout the house, you may need professional drain cleaning. Multiple slow drains can signal that there’s a deeper issue within the main line.
Frequent clogs
If you have clogs in your drains that come back repeatedly, professional drain cleaning can help solve the issue. Frequent clogs mean that DIY methods like store-bought drain cleaners are only clearing part of the blockage, allowing it to build back up.
Foul odors
Bad odors coming from your drain often indicate that there’s trapped organic matter like food scraps or grease buildup. It can also mean that you have an issue with your main sewer line. Professional drain cleaning eliminates the source of the odor instead of masking it.
Gurgling sounds
Gurgling sounds mean that there is trapped air in your pipes from a blockage. Professional drain cleaning can restore proper flow to your pipes and eliminate gurgling.
Frequent water backups
If you have frequent water backups at home, it may mean that there’s a structural or systemic plumbing issue. Issues include tree root intrusion, damaged pipes, or severe blockages. A camera inspection can identify the issue that professional drain cleaning may be able to solve.
Fruit flies or gnats
Fruit flies or gnats coming from your drains mean that there may be rotting food particles blocking your pipe. Gnats and fruit flies are attracted to the moisture and rotting scraps.
Drains are also an ideal environment for these pests to lay eggs. Professional drain cleaning ensures that these insects and the blockage are completely cleared.
Sewer backups
When your sewer is backed up, you should call for emergency extraction and repair services. Standing sewage can be dangerous to your health and should be taken care of immediately.
What Causes Frequent Drain Backups?
Having frequent drain backups? Here’s what may be causing your issue:
- Grease/cooking oil: Never put grease or cooking oil down your sink. Once it cools, it hardens and creates blockages in your pipe.
- Hair: Install a strainer or hair catcher in your shower or tub to prevent hair balls from blocking the flow of wastewater.
- Soap scum: Soap scum can also buildup in your drains and create clogs resulting in backups.
- Food and other foreign objects: Food scraps, or other foreign objects like wipes, feminine hygiene products, or small toys can easily cause your drain to backup.
- Tree root intrusion: Sometimes, when pipes crack, tree roots will start growing into them and cause backups.
- Mineral & scale buildup: If you have hard water at home, when dissolved calcium and magnesium evaporate, chalky deposits are left behind. These deposits can clog your drains and cause backups.
What Are the Benefits of Professional Drain Cleaning?
Professional drain cleaning is a service that many people don’t think about for their home plumbing systems. However, it provides many benefits to homeowners, including:
- Removes buildup: Professional drain cleaning works to remove stubborn buildup that DIY methods can’t eliminate.
- Improves drain flow: When your pipes have buildup or clogs, water may struggle to flow properly. Drain cleaning clears a path to restore proper drain flow.
- Reduced risk of clogs: Cleaning your drains regularly of debris and buildup reduces the risk of clogs.
- Early detection of issues: Licensed plumbers can detect any potential issues while providing drain cleaning services.
- Protect plumbing pipes: Buildup can eventually damage the inside of your pipes, making it critical to clean your drains regularly.
Contact Us Today
Mercurio’s offers fast, friendly drain cleaning services throughout the Greater Tacoma, WA area. Give us a call today at (360) 499-2980 or book an appointment online. Our licensed and insured plumbers will have your drain clean in no time!
