When Is the Best Time to Clean Your Drains?
Home drains experience a lot of use throughout the day and even more so throughout the year. From brushing your teeth and taking a bath to cleaning your clothes and washing the dishes, your drains ensure all that water has somewhere to go.
Cleaning your drains is one of the best at-home preventative measures to limit the chances of your pipes clogging. A thorough cleaning doesn’t need to happen every week. However, keeping up with your plumbing maintenance at least once a year will protect against damage and health risks.
The Best Time to Clean Drains
When temperatures drop and the holidays start to come into view, you should consider cleaning your drains. Fall is often the best time to flush your drains of any debris that might be stuck. You’re likely thinking about getting your pipes ready for winter and preparing your home to host various holiday celebrations, so why not take care of everything at once?
Having clear drains is crucial to maintaining a comfortable and properly functioning home. Winter sees more people in the house, using the bathroom, showering, eating, cooking and cleaning — the list goes on. With this increased volume, it’s a good idea to flush your drains out beforehand, giving you confidence that they are ready to handle everything you’re going to throw at them.
Your annual drain cleaning could also happen in early spring. Doing it as the flowers bloom will allow you to clean out all the food and waste built up over the winter, starting fresh as you round the corner into summer.
Signs You Should Clean Your Drains
Your drains may not jump out at you like other fixtures in your home, but like anything else, they need some care to remain in tip-top condition. While you really only need to clean your drains once a year, certain situations call for an immediate drain cleaning. You may need to clean your drains if you’re experiencing any of the following:
- Standing water: If your bathtub, shower or sink has standing water, it’s likely the drain is entirely clogged.
- Unpleasant smells: Bad odors are a telltale sign that the waste and food you put down your drains are piling up and rotting within your piping.
- Bugs: A clogged drain can collect waste and garbage, attracting all kinds of bugs, including fruit flies, drain flies and cockroaches.
- Irregular sounds: A restricted or partially clogged drain will trap air as water passes, resulting in strange gurgling or bubbling sounds.
- Slow draining: When it takes longer than usual for your drain to empty, you’re likely experiencing a partially clogged drain.
Plumbing Maintenance Tips to Prevent Clogs
Plumbing systems do a lot of the heavy lifting around the home — providing clean water to drink and use and carrying away sewage and wastewater. A clogged drain is one of the more common residential plumbing issues. To avoid obstructed pipes from ruining your home comfort, consider the following tips:
- Use a mesh drain screen in your shower, bathtub and sink drains.
- Only flush materials your toilet can handle.
- Avoid dumping grease down your kitchen sink.
- Pour hot water down your drains periodically.
- Throw food away in the garbage instead of your sink when possible.
- Do not use harsh chemical drain cleaners.
Call in the Professionals at Ranck
Ranck Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning has offered expert drain cleaning services throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania for over 60 years. Our trained plumbers utilize proven strategies and cutting-edge technology to diagnose your issue and provide a lasting solution.
Whether you need immediate help or want to set up an annual drain cleaning service, Ranck is the plumbing team you can count on. Give us a call at 717-397-2577 or contact us online today!