Your home’s plumbing system works extremely hard every single day by removing wastewater from sinks, showers, and appliances. Eventually, debris from grease, soaps, hair, etc., builds up within your pipes. This debris could cause your drains to run slowly, or possibly cause a stubborn clog. Don’t worry! Maintaining your home’s plumbing can be achieved through a couple of simple drain maintenance techniques.

Regardless if you’re a homeowner or property manager, performing a consistent drain maintenance regimen can greatly benefit your plumbing system. As a result, when your plumbing system does go wrong, you’ll have access to a licensed professional Carlsbad plumber to assist you.

Why Performing Drain Maintenance is Extremely Important

The majority of homeowners do not consider their drains until they encounter a problem. However, neglecting regular drain maintenance may lead to many different types of issues including, but not limited to: clogged drains, leaking pipes, foul-smelling odors emanating from your drains, and ultimately, damage to your pipes. A properly maintained drainage system will prevent backed-up water flow, eliminate backups, and minimize the amount of emergency plumbing services you’ll need to utilize.

There are a number of reasons why it is important to perform regular drain maintenance:

Reduces the cost of repairing your plumbing system: Regular drain maintenance will reduce the amount of debris that causes your pipes to corrode or leak.

Increases the flow rate of your water: A clean drain will allow water to move freely and thus eliminate the occurrence of slow drains and gurgling sounds.

Eliminates Foul Odors: Buildup of organic debris can cause an unpleasant odor in your drains if not removed on a regular basis.

Increases the lifespan of your plumbing system: Maintaining your pipes by keeping them clean will increase their overall lifespan and performance.

If you continually experience clogs, or notice water standing in your sink, bathtub, or shower, or notice bad odors from your drains, it is time to schedule a complete examination by a local plumber.

Simple Methods to Perform Drain Maintenance

You don’t have to be a certified plumbing technician to keep your drains clean. By practicing a few simple habits and maintaining your drains on a regular basis, you can maintain your pipes and prevent severe plumbing problems from occurring.

1. Do Not Pour Grease or Oils Down the Drain

Grease is one of the primary contributors to kitchen clogs. When you pour oil or grease down your kitchen sink drain, it cools and becomes solidified in your pipes, where it traps food particles and debris.

Instead of pouring oil or grease down the drain, pour it into a container and let it cool and solidify. Once it has cooled and solidified, you can dispose of it in the trash. Your local Carlsbad plumber will inform you—grease is one of the top reasons for kitchen drain clogs.

2. Install a Drain Strainer

Installing a drain strainer in your sink, tub, or shower is a low-cost solution to capture hair, soap scum, and food bits prior to entering the pipes. Remove the contents of the drain strainer periodically to ensure free-flowing water.

By installing a drain strainer, you may be able to avoid having to call a local plumber to frequently clean your drains.

3. Run Hot Water After Each Use

Running hot water after each use helps to wash away residue and oils in your pipes prior to hardening. For kitchen sinks, add a little bit of dish soap to help break down grease buildup.

Performing this simple daily task will keep your pipes clean and odor-free.

4. Clean Your Drains Monthly

Regularly cleaning your drains using a natural solution is also a very beneficial practice. Combine equal parts baking soda and vinegar (½ cup), pour it down your drain and allow it to fizz for 10-15 minutes prior to rinsing with hot water.

Using this environmentally friendly method will remove minor buildup and deodorize your drains without using harsh chemicals. If buildup continues, schedule a visit with a Carlsbad plumber to perform a professional cleaning.

5. Watch What You Flush

Your toilet is not a garbage disposal. Only flush toilet paper and human waste — nothing else. Items such as sanitary wipes, paper towels, tampons, sanitary napkins, cotton balls, etc. can cause significant backups in your plumbing system.

Even though “flushable” wipes take longer than normal to break down and often cause clogs that require a local plumber to repair.

6. Avoid Using Chemical Drain Cleaners

Although using chemical drain cleaners might appear to be an easy fix, they can eventually damage your pipes. The harsh chemical composition of chemical drain cleaners can erode the interior surface of metal and PVC pipes, which can cause leaks or corrosion.

As an alternative to using chemical drain cleaners, try using a natural cleaning solution or schedule a visit with a Carlsbad plumber for a professional drain cleaning service.

7. Schedule Annual Drain Inspections

Even though your drains may appear fine, scheduling an annual inspection with a local plumber will help detect problems early on. Plumbers utilize specialized equipment, such as video cameras and hydro-jetters, to remove buildup and detect possible obstructions prior to them becoming an emergency.

By scheduling annual drain inspections, you can ensure your entire plumbing system remains healthy and operates efficiently.

When Should I Contact a Local Plumber?

Some drain problems will need the assistance of a professional plumber. Here are some indications that you should immediately contact a local plumber:

Frequent clogs in sinks, tubs, or toilets

Slow draining water even after cleaning

Gurgling sounds emanating from your drains

Odors emitting from your sink or shower

Water backing up around your drains

A local plumber will quickly assess your issue and utilize advanced equipment — such as hydro jetting — to safely and effectively remove stubborn clogs.

Benefits of Professional Drain Cleaning

Contacting a professional plumber isn’t just fixing a problem; it can prevent future problems. There are several benefits associated with professional drain cleaning:

Deep cleaning: Will remove buildup that you cannot reach with home remedies.

Prevents Future Clogs: Will keep your drains operating freely for months.

Detects Hidden Issues: Will detect leaks, cracks, or damage to your pipes early on.

Saves Money: Prevents costly repairs and potential water damage.

An experienced Carlsbad plumber will ensure that your drainage system is functioning properly, allowing you to feel confident and comfortable in your home.

Summary

Your plumbing system plays a critical role in your home’s comfort and health. Practicing the above mentioned drain maintenance techniques will help you avoid clogs, odors, and costly emergencies. In addition to implementing the above mentioned drain maintenance practices, regular maintenance, and by utilizing the correct equipment and materials, a local plumber can assist you in identifying potential problems and providing expert drain cleaning and prevention.

Do not wait for a clog to become a disaster — take care of your drains now and you will be enjoying trouble-free plumbing all year round.