When Is the Best Time to Clean Your Drains?

Every household is dependent on their drainage system, and most people take for granted when it fails to function correctly. When a clot develops, the result can be unhealthy and unpleasant to deal with, not to mention dangerous. If you're unsure as to whether or not your drain needs cleaning, there are several times of the year when it would be best to schedule a routine cleaning. Spring, fall, and winter all offer excellent times when it would be best to clean out your drains. A professional should be called to the home at least twice each year to evaluate and clean out gutters.

Why Clean Your Drains?

It is best to clean drains at regular intervals due to the potential for bacteria to form in them, especially during warmer weather. This is because warm water opens up the pores in the pipe that may have been clogged during previous use. It is also possible for debris such as food, hair, and human hair to become trapped in the drain. While this is not usually a problem, it can potentially lead to the clogging of a more considerable drain or even a sink drain. It is also possible for a tree to break off and leak into the sewer system, creating a severe problem. When the situation gets severe, letting an expert in drain cleaning Northridge, CA is the best thing you can do to avoid making the problem worse.

Depending on the circumstances, the answer could be different for each situation. However, in general, drain cleaning timescales are based on three things: the drain itself, the length of time the drain is being used, and the presence of harmful substances.

If you have a blocked drain

If your pipes become clogged with food particles, tree roots, or other debris - it becomes harder to remove these items from your drains. What do you do when you have a clogged drain that takes forever to clear? You call a professional plumber. If you have a slow draining toilet that gives you a constant flow, the answer may be a less expensive solution.

If they appear completely clogged

The reality is that if a drain appears wholly clogged, it will take longer for the water to leave and cause more problems for you. Your best option may be to install a high-quality water softener. This device uses salt to soften water, eliminating any binding agents present in hard water. While this type of treatment may not prevent future clogs, it will keep future ones from occurring.

If there are visible signs of a clog

The longer a clog goes, the more stubborn it becomes. As a rule, if a drain takes longer than twenty or thirty minutes to move liquid through it, then you should call a plumber to take care of the problem. While some clogs can be cleared with household remedies, others will need to be taken to a professional.

If your bathtub appears to be completely blocked

Sometimes a bathtub drain can become clogged entirely if it is left unchecked. For instance, tree roots may break loose and enter through the pipes. If you notice the drain is filling with a black substance, it could be the root of a blocked drain.

If you have drain snags, you may need to have them tended to before a problem gets worse. Generally, it is recommended that homeowners address blockages themselves. However, if a problem has developed, calling in a plumber may be a good idea. Hire a professional to remove tree roots that have gotten into your drainage system or remove a clogged pipe.