The Green Revolution in Plumbing: Environmentally Friendly Plumbing

4 Different Ways to Know It Is Time to Have Your Drains Cleaned

Your drains are an indispensable part of your domestic plumbing system. Without them, all wastewater discharge from plumbing fixtures such as sinks, tubs, dishwashers, toilets and washing machines would not exit your home.

One of the best ways to keep your residential drains in good working condition is to clean them regularly. Regular drain cleanings help dislodge and clear the clog-causing debris that builds up inside the drains over time. They also freshen up your drains by eliminating odour-producing bacteria. 

Here are some common indications it could very well be time to have your drains cleaned.  

Slow drains

If the wastewater in your drains moves slowly, the drains or your main sewer line may be clogged. 

As various everyday materials such as fats, oils and grease, soap and human hair build up inside your pipes, they clog the system and stop water from flowing freely. When this happens, you may experience slow drainage when you use the plumbing fixtures in your home.

Although slow drains are usually an indication of minor clogs, the problem can worsen and lead to serious clogs if left unaddressed over time. Cleaning the drains can help clear any partial clogs within the pipes and get the wastewater flowing at normal speeds.

Frequent clogs

If caught early enough, most clogged drains can be cleared using basic plumbing tools such as plungers and drain augers. If you've been using these tools to unblock your drains but the problem continues to persist, it might be time to schedule a drain cleaning service.

While plungers and drain augers are handy tools for dealing with minor clogs, they may not work when used to tackle serious clogs. As a result, you may need to bring out the big guns — such as hydro-jetters and power rodders — if you frequently run into clogs.

Sewer odours

When your drains are working well, they allow stinky sewer gases to escape from the plumbing system via the vent pipe that protrudes from your roof. If musty sewage odors are wafting up into your home, your drains may be clogged and are preventing sewer gases from escaping to the outside.

Drain cleaning will help dislodge the clog-causing debris but also leave the drains smelling fresh.

Gurgling sounds

When the air and wastewater in your drains aren't moving freely, you may hear a gurgling sound when you use a sink, tub, toilet or other plumbing fixtures in your home. The gurgling sound is often an indication of trapped air forcing its way up through your drains. This happens when there's a blockage in your drains or vent pipe.

Cleaning your drains will help stop the annoying gurgling sounds.

Contact a plumber near you for assistance with your drain cleaning needs.


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