Your plumbing system is one of the hardest working systems in your home. Eventually, you will need to tend to your drains, whether it’s because of a slow drain or a full-blown clog. A malfunctioning drain is more than just a nuisance – it can lead to serious problems with your plumbing and possible water damage.

The importance of smooth-running drains can’t be overstated. Uncover the power of effective drain service tips with the help of the experts at ProSkill Services.

How Do Drains Work?

It’s important to understand how your drains work to know how to keep them running smoothly. Drains are an integral component of your plumbing system and remove wastewater. Common components of your household drains include pipes, traps, vents, and drains. You have to maintain each component to ensure the efficient operation of your entire drainage system.

Types of Drains

 

There are different types of drains that serve different purposes:

• Sink drains:Sink drains are in your kitchen and bathroom sinks. They collect water, food particles, soap scum, and hair. Over time, these substances can accumulate and lead to blockages.
• Shower and bathtub drains:These drains are prone to clogs caused by hair, soap residue, and mineral deposits. Regular cleaning is essential to prevent water pooling and slow drainage.
• Toilet drains:Toilet drains are susceptible to clogs due to excessive toilet paper usage, foreign objects, or flushing non-flushable items. Proper flushing habits are important to prevent toilet drain issues.
• Floor drains:Typically found in basements, garages, or laundry rooms, floor drains remove excess water to prevent flooding. They can become clogged with debris, dirt, or soap scum, however.

Why Does Regular Drain Maintenance Matter?

The adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is truer than ever when it comes to drain maintenance. Regular maintenance helps you prevent clogs and ensure your drains run smoothly to avoid expensive problems and damage.

Here are some effective drain service tips to include in your routine:

Schedule Regular Inspections

While it’s good to get regular inspections from a professional plumber, you can inspect your drains on your own to identify signs of potential issues. Look for slow drainage, unusual noises, or foul odors, which can indicate developing drain problems.

Install Drain Screens

Drain screens are your first line of defense against debris getting into your drains. Install drain screens or strainers to catch debris before it enters the drain. This is particularly beneficial in sink and shower drains where hair, food particles, and soap scum commonly lead to clogs.

Try Hot Water Flushing

Flushing your drains with hot water can help dissolve grease and soap scum that may be clinging to the inside of pipes. This is a simple yet effective method can prevent the accumulation of substances that can lead to clogs.

Use Biodegradable Cleaners

Use biodegradable drain cleaners to break down organic matter within the pipes. These cleaners are environmentally friendly and can help maintain the flow of water by preventing the buildup of materials that can lead to clogs.

Be Mindful of What Goes Down the Drain

Plenty of products claim to be flushable when they’re not. Here are some items that will likely cause a drain to clog:

• Cat litter
• Flushable wipes
• Coffee grounds
• Rice, pasta, and other starches
• Grease and oil
• Eggshells
• Paper towels
• Feminine hygiene products

These products should never go into your drains. Make sure to discuss what can go into your drains with your family – including the toilet – to prevent clogs.

Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners

While it may be tempting to use chemical drain cleaners for a quick fix, these products can damage your pipes. Instead, choose gentler, natural alternatives to protect the integrity of the plumbing system.

If your home has a septic system, it’s important to pump it regularly to prevent solids from accumulating and causing blockages. This is a crucial preventative measure that ensures the longevity and efficiency of your septic system.

 

How to Tackle Clogs

Even with diligent preventative measures, clogs can still happen from time to time. Knowing how to address clogs effectively is important for minimizing damage – not to mention keeping your home functioning properly. Here are some tips for addressing clogs:

Use a Plunger

A plunger is a simple but powerful tool to dislodge clogs in sinks, toilets, and bathtub drains. It creates pressure that can break up and remove obstructions. There are generally two types of plungers: flange plungers and cup plungers. The former is appropriate for your toilet, while the latter is designed for sink and shower drains. It’s best to keep both in your home to prepare for clogs.

Try DIY Solutions

One of the best natural drain cleaners is a combination of baking soda and vinegar. Gentle on your pipes, this solution creates a chemical reaction that can dissolve buildup and keep your drains flowing.

Simply pour a cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar. Let the solution sit for 15 or 20 minutes, then flush with hot water. You can repeat this process as needed or use it as a regular preventative drain cleaner.

Use a Plumbing Snake or Auger

If you have stubborn clog or a foreign object, a snake or auger can be used to pull it out of the drain. These tools are designed to reach deep into your pipes, break up blockages, and retrieve debris that’s causing the obstruction. This is particularly helpful for thick hair clogs, toys, or non-flushable items that may end up in your drain.

Schedule Professional Drain Cleaning Services

With severe or persistent clogs, professional drain cleaning services are the best option. Sometimes, clogs can indicate more serious issues in your plumbing, and having a professional plumber can help you address the clog and the underlying cause.

Signs Drain Service Is Needed

Not sure if you need drain service? Here are some common signs that you should look out for:

Standing Water

If you notice stagnant water in your washing machine, sink, or shower, you probably have a drain clog that you should fix as soon as possible. Leaving standing water can lead to damage to your pipes or backup, not to mention stress and inconvenience.

Plumbing Backups

If you notice water backing up through your laundry room or bathroom fixture, it could be a sign that your drain line is completely clogged. Don’t let this go, as it can cause bigger problems and a possible emergency plumbing repair. This water is also unsanitary and can cause health problems.

Drain Flies

Drain flies are annoying pests that feed on the organic material in your drain. If you see drain flies, it indicates that your drains have a lot more debris than you may think. You should clean your drains as soon as possible, since this buildup will eventually lead to a clog.

Slow Drainage

Water that slowly goes down the drain is a sign that there is buildup impeding the flow of water in the pipe. This is often caused by soap scum, hair, grease, or other buildup. If you have a problem in just one sink, it’s likely isolated to that drain. Problems with all your drains could mean there’s a clog elsewhere in your plumbing system.

Recurrent Clogs

If you’ve resolved clogs before, only to have them return, there could be a blockage deep in your plumbing lines. Recurrent clogs are a sign of bigger issues in your plumbing system, so it’s best to contact a professional plumber for drain services.

Foul Odors

Even if you don’t have a clog, if you notice strong, foul odors in your drains, they’re likely dirty and harboring buildup and bacteria. No matter how much you clean, you will still have odors, so contact a plumber to get professional drain cleaning.

When to Call for Professional Drain Services

If you’re trying DIY solutions and not having luck resolving your clogs, it’s best to call a professional. Clogs are messy to fix, not to mention that they can indicate bigger issues with your plumbing system. Hiring a professional ensures the problem is fixed correctly and safely, restoring the flow of your drains.

Keep in mind as well that just because you can try DIY methods for some clogs, that doesn’t mean you have to. You always have the option to call in a plumber to fix a clog, no matter how small.

You should also consider regular plumbing maintenance and inspections once a year. This not only helps your drains stay clear, but gives you the added peace of mind of knowing that any minor issues in your plumbing are fixed.

Get Your Drains Free Flowing

Uncovering the power of effective drain service is not only about maintaining the functionality of drainage systems but also about preventing unnecessary expenses and stress. Taking a proactive approach to drain maintenance and taking care of your drains pays off in peace of mind.

Do you need professional drain cleaning services? Contact us at ProSkill Services to schedule your appointment!