3 Things You Should Know About Cleaning Your Drains
It is important to understand how to take care of all the systems that allow your home to run smoothly, including your drains. Your drains may be mainly hidden from view, but that doesn't mean that they don't need your attention.
1. Clean Your Drains on a Monthly Basis
You should clean your drains regularly, which means about once a month. Cleaning your drains once a month will help to remove the residue that builds up inside of your drains. When cleaning your drains every month, you will want to use a natural method that doesn't involve harsh chemicals. For example, you can use vinegar and baking soda. Or you can use natural enzyme cleaners.
For more regular cleaning, you can pour hot water down all of your drains once a week. This will help remove anything else that builds up inside of your pipes.
2. Know When to Call a Plumber
Second, it is essential to know when to call in a plumber to assist you. For example, if you have a drain that is draining slowly, that probably means you have a clog. You can try to use a sink plunger to dislodge the clog.
If that doesn't work, then it is time to call in a professional plumber. A plumber will use advanced techniques, such as a plumbing snake, to remove the clog. A plumber will also be able to determine if you have an isolated clog or if you have a more complex sewer issue that needs to be addressed.
3. Use Professional Cleaning Services
Third, every few years, you should get a plumber to come out and clean your sewer drains. Again, this is something that you can't see or access on your own. It is best to be preventative with cleaning your sewer drains. A plumber will use high pressured water to clean out your sewer drains. This process will clean beyond the immediate drains and cleans the entire path of your drains, all the way to where they connect with your sewer system or septic tank. This process ensures that everything is clean all the way through.
Signs that your sewer drains need to be cleared right away include slow drains, bad smells, or regular clogs around your house. You want to clean your sewer drains before serious issues develop, such as raw sewage backing up in your drains.
You should keep your drains clean by pouring hot water down once a week and using natural cleaners once a month. Call a plumber if you have a severe clog, and have a plumber clean your sewer line every few years.