Is your sink or shower draining slower than usual? Or do you have horrible odours coming from the drains? These signs often point to clogged drains. It’s a common issue.
Professional drain cleaning can really help you make the best of your plumbing system. It restores proper water flow, eliminating slow drainage or backups. And by removing buildup and obstructions, this service prolongs the life of your plumbing system and prevents potential damage.
In fact, there are a range of benefits. Regular drain cleaning prevents future blockages, reducing the likelihood of major plumbing emergencies.
Having clear drains reduces the chances of backups and ensures your fixtures and fittings work the best they can. Eliminating blockages also helps prevent unhealthy mould, mildew, and stops any unpleasant odours caused by stagnant water.
What’s more, addressing clogs early prevents more costly repairs or replacements down the line.
Where’s the Problem?
Clogs in drains can stem from various sources. Things like hair, grease, food particles, soap residue, or even objects that have been inadvertently washed down the sink can accumulate, obstructing water flow and causing backups.
What’s more, ignoring things can lead to more severe problems like pipe corrosion, leaks, or even complete blockages.
A professional drain cleaner will help you identify the source of the problem and then use the correct methods to fix it.
Each issue might need a very specific solution too. Take a look at these common problems:
· Food particles, grease, soap scum and similar substances can build up in drains and especially in kitchen sinks.
· In bathroom drains, hair is a common issue. It tangles and combines with soap and other residues, creating stubborn blockages.
· Items flushed or washed down drains, such as cotton swabs, dental floss, or small toys, can lodge in pipes, leading to blockages.
· Mineral deposits like calcium and magnesium can accumulate over time, narrowing pipe openings and restricting water flow, commonly found in hard water areas.
· In outdoor drains or sewer lines, tree roots seeking moisture and nutrients can grow through pipes, causing significant blockages and damage.
· Flushing non-biodegradable items like wet wipes, sanitary products, or paper towels are often a cause of blocked drains.
An Expert Solution
Unless you have the advanced tools and skills to uncover blockages, if you’re faced with persistent clogs or slow drains, it’s important to get the expertise of a professional plumber. A quick search of drain cleaning near me for a list of local engineers.
Professionals can properly clean your pipes, removing any buildups and restore the proper water flow.
DIY vs. Professional Cleaning
While DIY methods can offer a temporary fix, they won’t always tackle the root cause of the problem if it’s something more serious than the wrong products being put down the drain.
Professional drain engineers select the most suitable cleaning method for the problem.
For example, with jet washing high-pressure water blasts through the pipes, dislodging and flushing away debris, grease and buildup. A flexible cable with an auger or cutting head can be inserted into the drain to physically break apart and remove clogs.
In some cases, safe chemical solutions might be used to dissolve blockages.
In some cases these solutions will be the only way to successfully remove a blockage. And each requires professional handling to prevent damage to the drain itself, which will cause a much bigger problem.
After cleaning, the engineer will probably conduct a second inspection to ensure the blockage has been completely removed and to check the overall condition of the pipes.
They’ll also offer recommendations such as regular maintenance, advice on proper waste disposal or suggestions for upgrades if needed.
Final Thoughts
Your plumbing system is a crucial part of your home and maintaining it is hugely important. Professional drain cleaning is a great step towards ensuring your pipes remain free-flowing and functional.
A clogged drain can escalate into a major plumbing catastrophe that will cause bigger and more expensive fixes. Regular drain cleaning prevents future blockages and reduces the likelihood of plumbing emergencies. By removing buildup and obstructions, this service prolongs the life of your plumbing system and prevents potential damage.
Understanding the common causes of drain blockages can help you take preventive measures to minimise the risk of clogs and keep your water flowing smoothly.
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