Keeping your drains clean is an essential aspect of home maintenance that often goes overlooked. While it’s beneficial to use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar occasionally to keep your drains fresh, there comes a time when professional intervention becomes necessary.
Scheduling expert drain cleaning appointments every year is a proactive approach to maintaining your plumbing system’s health. But what if you’re not sure how long it’s been since your drains were last cleaned? Keep an eye out for certain issues that signal it’s past time for drain cleaning.
Slow Drains
One of the most common and noticeable signs that your drains need cleaning is when water starts draining slowly. If you find yourself standing in ankle-deep water during your shower or watching a sink full of water take ages to empty, it’s a clear indicator that something is amiss.
Slow draining is often caused by the gradual buildup of hair, soap scum, and other debris in your pipes. While it might be tempting to reach for a chemical drain cleaner, these products can sometimes do more harm than good, potentially damaging your pipes. Instead, call a professional for a thorough drain cleaning service.
Frequent Clogs
While an occasional clog might be resolved with a plunger, repeatedly clogged drains suggest a buildup deeper within your plumbing system. This accumulation of debris not only causes inconvenience but can also lead to more severe problems if left unaddressed. Professional drain cleaning can effectively remove these stubborn clogs, restore your drains to optimal function, and prevent future issues.
Unpleasant Odors
Strange and unpleasant odors emanating from your drains are more than just an assault on your senses; they’re a clear sign that something is wrong with your plumbing system. These odors are often caused by bacteria feeding on organic matter trapped in your pipes. As this material decomposes, it releases foul-smelling gases that waft up through your drains.
If you’ve noticed persistently bad smells coming from your kitchen sink, bathroom drains, or other plumbing fixtures, it’s time to consider professional drain cleaning. A thorough cleaning will not only eliminate the odor but also remove the source of the problem.
Gurgling Sounds
Have you ever heard gurgling noises coming from your drains when water is flowing? These gurgling sounds are more than just a quirky plumbing feature; they’re your drains crying out for help. The gurgling is typically caused by air trapped in the pipes, often due to partial blockages that prevent water and air from flowing freely. This is one of the telltale signs that your drains need professional attention. Ignoring these gurgling noises can lead to more severe blockages and potential damage to your plumbing system over time.
Multiple Clogged Drains
If you’re experiencing clogs in multiple drains simultaneously, it’s a strong indicator that the problem lies deeper within your plumbing system. This could be a sign of a main sewer line clog, which is a serious issue that requires immediate professional attention.
Multiple clogged drains can lead to backups, potentially causing water damage and unsanitary conditions in your home. In such cases, professional drain cleaning services, including advanced techniques like hydro-jetting solutions, may be necessary to clear the blockage and restore your entire plumbing system to proper functionality.
Water Backups
Water backing up in your sinks, tubs, or toilets when you use other plumbing fixtures is a clear and urgent sign that you need professional drain cleaning. For instance, if water rises in your bathroom sink when you flush the toilet or if your bathtub fills with water when you run the washing machine, it indicates a severe blockage in your main sewer line. This situation can quickly escalate, potentially leading to flooding and significant water damage in your home. It’s important to call a professional plumber immediately if you observe these problems.
Fruit Flies
The presence of fruit flies or drain flies around your drains is more than just a nuisance; it’s a sign that organic matter is accumulating in your pipes. These pests are attracted to the decomposing material in clogged or dirty drains and use them as breeding grounds. If you notice an increase in these tiny flying insects around your kitchen sink or bathroom drains, it’s a good indication that your drains need a thorough professional cleaning to remove the organic buildup attracting these pests.
Recurring Drain Issues Despite DIY Efforts
If you’ve tried various home remedies or over-the-counter solutions to address your drain issues, but the problems keep recurring, it’s time to call in the professionals. While DIY methods can sometimes provide temporary relief, they often fail to address the root cause of the problem. Professional drain cleaning services use specialized tools and techniques to thoroughly clean your pipes, removing built-up residue and addressing issues that home methods simply can’t reach.
Aging Plumbing System
If your home has an older plumbing system, regular professional drain cleaning becomes even more crucial. Older pipes are more susceptible to buildup and damage. By scheduling regular professional drain cleaning, you can extend the life of your plumbing system, prevent costly repairs, and save money in the long run. It’s an investment in your home’s infrastructure that pays off by avoiding emergency plumbing situations and maintaining the efficiency of your drains.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late — Call Today!
Regular professional drain cleaning is not just about solving immediate problems; it’s a proactive measure that helps maintain the overall health of your plumbing system. By keeping your drains clean and functioning properly, you can avoid the inconvenience, potential damage, and expensive repairs associated with severe clogs and backups.
If you’ve noticed any issues with your home’s drains, it’s time to take action. Our team of experienced professionals specializes in comprehensive drain cleaning services in Santa Fe, NM, and can keep your plumbing system in top condition. Contact Roadrunner Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing today to have the drains in your home cleaned.
