No one likes a clogged drain. No one. You probably don’t give a heck of a lot of thought to your smoothly running drains until one of them is no longer running smoothly. This is a simple fact of homeownership. Never fear, there’s no reason to do hours’ worth of research to find the answers you’re looking for; instead, we’ve compiled a handy list of frequently asked questions about drain cleaning for you.
Drain Cleaning: Frequently Asked Questions
- What usually causes clogged drains?
One of the main culprits when it comes to clogged drains in your home is the buildup of hair. Such buildups often lead to slow drains that just continue to drain more and more slowly – until they finally back up altogether. Ultimately, these buildups put unnecessary additional pressure on your waste pipes and can even lead to clogs in your mainline sewer pipes, which are far more complicated and costly issues. Fortunately, there’s a surprisingly simple and inexpensive fix for clogs borne of hair – a drain filter that catches the hair before it enters your pipes. These hair catchers have come a long way since the bulky contraptions of old, and you won’t have any difficulty finding a model that works well for your drains.
- What kind of preventative measures can I take to keep my drains running smoothly?
There are several preventative steps you can take to help keep your drains running free and clear. These include preventing things like hair (see above) and food from ever entering your drains in the first place. The old adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure is very applicable when it comes to clean drains. It’s important to remember that a garbage disposal doesn’t completely eliminate the food that processes through it and can contribute to sluggish drains down the line.
Additionally, you can implement a regular cleaning routine that incorporates a nontoxic cleaning agent that’s comprised of baking soda and lemon juice (or vinegar) and/or a pot of boiling water. Such efforts can help to keep minor clogs at bay, to wash away some of the oils that collect within, and to keep your sinks smelling fresh.
- When is it time to call in a professional?
While implementing preventative measures is a great way to keep your drains shipshape, slow drains can still be an issue. Further, while toxic drain cleaners that you buy at the hardware store can be an effective stopgap measure, they’re typically just that – a temporary fix. Using a non-professional snake and/or drain cleaner will likely do little more than clear a small passageway through your pipes that’s highly susceptible to future blockages. Additionally, the chemical drain cleaners that you pour down your pipes can be very hard on the pipes themselves and will likely cost you more in the long run than if you’d called in a professional in the first place.
- What about more serious plumbing issues?
While not every plumbing issue is necessarily a big deal, if you have a drain that you can’t keep running smoothly, it’s best to call in an experienced Boca Raton plumber to assess the situation. A clogged drain can be indicative of a larger plumbing problem that could require significant repair. The longer you leave plumbing problems to fester, the greater the chance that you’ll face structural damage and/or mold and mildew that can cause negative health consequences.
- What kind of plumbing work will need to be done?
Clogged drains can be caused by any number of problems, and your experienced Boca Raton plumber will effectively and efficiently get to the bottom of your issue. Plumbers have powerful tools at their disposal to ensure that your drains run smoothly. One such tool is hydrojetting, which allows professionals to blast pipes clean with a high-pressured stream of water. Hydrojetting is gentle enough for aging pipes but powerful enough to thoroughly clean some of the toughest clogs.
For Smooth Running Drains, Call an Experienced Boca Raton Plumber
When you’ve got a drain (or drains) that isn’t running smoothly, it can really disrupt your home. Don’t ignore a slow drain or use a Band-Aid technique to “fix it.” Instead, call in a professional plumber to get your drains running smoothly for a long time to come and to forestall any deeper structural damage that could result from a previously unidentified leak.
If Your Drains Are Clogged, Contact an Experienced Boca Raton Plumber Today
Drains that run smoothly are elemental to a smoothly running home. If you have a drain that’s giving you trouble, Erica's Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Restoration is here to solve the problem. Our master team of highly trained technicians has the experience, skill, and equipment to get your drains running smoothly again. Please don’t hesitate to contact or call us at (561) 782-2779 today.
Erica's Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Restoration
Phone: (561) 782-2779
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