Even the most conscientious homeowners will rarely pay much attention to the state of their drains. That is, until the unimaginable happens, such as a slow-draining sink or a clogged toilet. Suddenly, everyday tasks turn into stressful chores. Simple routines such as washing dishes or taking a bath become problematic. As the drains continue to clog, odors and even gurgling sounds can be heard. It becomes evident that something is amiss, and that perhaps it’s time for some professional drain cleaning.
Although do-it-yourself solutions can temporarily control drainage problems in the house, it’s best to seek help before minor clogging becomes a plumbing catastrophe. Professional drain cleaning services are crucial to maintain efficient plumbing systems and prevent more serious issues later.
Role of Professional Drain Cleaning in Your Plumbing System
The primary purpose of a professional drain cleaning service is to unclog or clear the buildup in pipes for continuous water flow. This differs from cheap, harsh chemicals purchased in the store that corrode pipes or damage the environment. The professional plumber utilizes safe ways like hydro-jetting and drain snaking to unclog the drain without harming the plumbing system.
Periodic cleaning by trained plumbing experts ensures you don’t face any unpleasant surprises such as blockage and clogs because the drains will function well throughout the year.
Signs Your Drains Need Professional Cleaning
If it’s been quite some time since you contacted a drain cleaning expert, or perhaps you have never used one, then it might be time to assess the plumbing in your house. In both situations, you could be concerned about the drains’ functioning. If you are still unsure about whether to use a professional drain cleaning service, here are some signs that will help you evaluate the condition of your house’s plumbing system.
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DIY Efforts Have Failed
For some clogs, it is advised to pour hot water down the drain or use vinegar and baking soda. However, the persistent recurrence of such drain blockages suggests other underlying issues that must be resolved by applying expensive techniques and medical attention.
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Slow Drainage
When water seems too slow to drain, you should suspect a clog. The drain may be slow because of oils, soap, or flushable materials that should not be in the pipes. However, when many sinks in the house are draining slowly, there is likely a problem with the central plumbing system, which can only be diagnosed and repaired by qualified personnel.
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Foul Odors Coming from the Drains
The foul smell emanating from the drainage system indicates a blocked drain. Clogs in the drainage systems that smother most of the drains in a house cause the sewer gasses to fill the house and, in turn, cause a noxious odor. Breathing in these toxic gasses can adversely affect one’s health. Fortunately, a drain cleaning service effectively resolves the issue so you can enjoy fresh air in your house again.
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Gurgling Sounds in the Pipes
Weird gurgling noises coming from your drains could mean air is trapped inside the pipes due to blockage. These sounds often indicate the need for a professional plumbing solution because they usually result from more severe blockages later on.
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Frequent Backups
Frequent backups also indicate a bigger blockage somewhere in the plumbing system. Failing to address this problem can result in flooding that may spoil the floors, walls, and personal belongings. Professional plumbers can analyze the cause of the blockage and clean the pipes effectively using special equipment. This effectively eliminates backflow in the plumbing system and potential water damage.
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Pests and Rodents
If you suddenly see flies, rodents, or other pests frequently in your home, the source may be a severe clog in your plumbing. Decayed food or waste trapped in the pipeline often attracts pests and rodents that can cause diseases and damage property. Professional drain cleaning will prevent these unwelcome guests by cleaning your home’s whole plumbing system and restoring your home’s hygiene.
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Musty Mold Odors
Blocked drains trap moisture in the pipeline, becoming a favorable ground for mold growth. If your home smells musty, it’s time to call a professional plumber to inspect the system. Regular professional cleaning will keep the drains functioning, reducing moisture buildup to keep mold at bay.
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Flushing Issues
If water from one fixture flows back and reaches another, there is a high chance of an existing blockage in the pipeline. Because of existing sewage in the pipeline, several diseases can result from cross-contamination. This is why it is advisable to seek services from a professional plumber to safeguard the health of your family members.
Benefits of Professional Drain Cleaning
A well-functioning plumbing system offers several advantages to the homeowner, including great peace of mind. Here are a few advantages that make hiring professionals to handle drain maintenance worth every penny.
Thorough Cleaning
Professional plumbers use advanced drain cleaning tools, such as hydro-jetting, which blasts water at high pressure to remove clogs deep within pipes. Unlike store-bought drain cleaners, which provide only short-term relief, professional services ensure thorough, long-lasting results.
Preventive Maintenance
When the drain system is serviced routinely, there is no chance of buildup from grease, hair, or even mineral deposits over time. Professional drain cleaning is preventive maintenance for homeowners that draws attention to a developing problem at its onset and helps avoid expensive repairs.
Preserve the Pipes for Years
Most drain cleaners on the market contain harsh chemicals that can corrode the pipes with every use, reducing the life of the entire plumbing system. In professional drain cleaning services, plumbers use eco-friendly solutions to unblock the systems without wreaking havoc on the pipelines. Such careful measures prolong the life of plumbing systems.
Identify Hidden Blockage in the Pipeline
While cleaning the drains, plumbing contractors can detect issues that may be developing, such as tree roots growing into pipes or some type of erosion in the pipes. This early detection of the problem will enable scheduled repairs, which are less aggravating and economical than emergency plumbing repairs for homeowners.
Promotes Health and Safety
Most clogged drains contain bacteria, mold, and other harmful impurities, compromising the home’s air quality. Professional drain cleaning services aim to remove hazards and mitigate health risks for you and your loved ones.
Process Involved in Professional Drain Cleaning
Understanding what you will get from a drain cleaning company puts you in a better position to decide whether or not to opt for the professional plumbing service for your house.
Step 1: Identifying the Problem
The first step is to examine the entire plumbing system. A certified plumber uses a camera made to fit inside the pipes to locate obstructions and assess their extent.
Step 2: Removing the Clog
This stage involves cleaning all blockages from the drain system, depending on the type of clog that may be present in the water system. Methods include:
- Hydro-Jetting: In this method, a high-pressure stream of water clears stubborn debris and grease buildup from the pipes.
- Drain Snaking is a process in which a flexible tool is threaded into the drain. The tool effectively breaks up the clog and removes it without damaging the pipes.
- Chemical-Free Solutions: Some stubborn clogs deep inside the plumbing system may not be accessible by any tool or jet stream. Plumbing experts use biodegradable agents to dissolve the buildup.
Step 3: Periodic Maintenance Recommendations
Once all the clogs are removed and the draining system is restored, the professional plumbing expert will recommend some maintenance tips to prevent clogs. They usually suggest doing routine cleaning annually and emphasizing proper disposal practices to keep your plumbing system in top condition.
Choosing the Best Professional Drain Cleaning Service Provider
Choosing the right service provider can save you hefty costs in maintaining your home’s plumbing system. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a professional drain cleaning service provider.
- Experience: Seek professional plumbing companies with a history of success in drain cleaning services. An experienced plumber can solve more challenging problems quickly and effectively.
- Reputation: Review customers’ feedback and request references on the internet to check whether the company is reputable. Other homeowners praise the service as a good sign of their quality.
- Certifications and Licenses: Ensure the service provider is registered and accredited by regulating bodies such as the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC).
APES HVAC & Plumbing is a name everyone can trust in this industry. The company, located in Phoenix, AZ, has carved a niche with exceptional drain cleaning and maintenance due to a team of licensed plumbing professionals. APES strives to provide clients with the highest quality services beyond their expectations.
Be it a small blockage or a huge draining problem in the water plumbing system, APES has become a dependable brand that provides reliable solutions for keeping the plumbing systems clean and in working condition for many years without excessive repairs.
Why Professional Drain Cleaning Matters
While it may initially seem harmless, leaving a clogged drain unattended can result in irreparable damage and pose health hazards. Homeowners benefit from such maintenance, as they can avoid problems such as repeated clogs, lingering odors, and water damage. They also solve drainage problems and help properly maintain the plumbing systems’ condition.
Whether it’s a simple clog or a more complex plumbing problem, expert drain cleaning ranks higher than do-it-yourself strategies. From deep drain cleaning to other plumbing services, a local plumber near you will keep your house’s plumbing system healthy, saving you time, money, and energy.
With the right service provider, you can rest assured that your drains will be clear and there will be no mechanical problems for many years.