Reasons to Get Your Drains Cleaned this Fall
Preparing your home for fall and winter requires numerous chores and inspections. From getting your furnace checked to changing your air filters, cleaning the gutters to putting your outdoor hoses inside for the season, there’s a lot to do before the holidays. One thing that many homeowners neglect is their drains, but cleaning the drains is one of the most important fall preparation items to check off your list.
Why do I Need to Clean the Drains in the First Place?
Over the months, your drains collect a lot of debris and other material that can block the drain pipe and create clogs that make water drain slowly from your sink or tub. Some of the most common materials found in drain pipes include hair, food scraps, skin flakes, oil, grease and naturally occurring minerals such as magnesium and calcium.
This material collects in the drain and sticks to the pipe wall, hardening over time. If enough debris accumulates, the drain will become clogged and stop working. This is a serious inconvenience for homeowners and often requires professional attention. Getting the drains cleaned on an annual basis will keep everything clean and moving swiftly.
What is the Best Way to Clean the Drains?
During the holidays, it’s common to experience clogged drains due to increased cooking and entertaining. Nothing is more frustrating that needing to call a professional while entertaining guests and family members. Many homeowners will opt to repair a clogged drain with a chemical drain cleaner.
These liquid cleaners can be found at most hardware stores. When they get poured down the drain, they eat at the clog and dissolve it until the pipe is clear. The only downside of using these chemical cleaners is that the chemicals are harsh enough to corrode the inside of the pipe, creating weak spots and ruptures if used on a regular basis.
The best method for cleaning the drains is a high-pressure water system. The water blasts through the pipes, loosening debris and washing it away. It even has a smoothing effect on the inside of the pipe, preventing future clogs.
Homeowners must be careful with this method because if the pressure is too high, it may damage the pipe or cause it to shift or move. This is why we recommend trusting a professional with this project.
Should I Call a Professional?
If you are experiencing a clogged drain, do not reach for the chemical drain cleaner. Instead, try plunging the drain with your plunger. The suction should loosen the clog and allow it to wash out through the pipe. If this does not work, then it’s time to call a plumber.
For more information on professional drain cleaning services this fall, call Nixco Plumbing Inc. in Cincinnati, OH at (513) 398-5907 today.