Why Drain Cleaning Isn’t Just for Emergencies

Few things disrupt the comfort of a home faster than an obstructed drain. Slow-draining sinks and backed-up showers are more than mere inconveniences; they can quickly escalate into serious plumbing issues.

Drain cleaning is the process of removing debris, sediment, or foreign materials from a plumbing system to keep water flowing smoothly. It’s a key part of regular home maintenance that helps eliminate odours, prevent water damage, and avoid costly repairs.

Two standard methods commonly used by plumbers and homeowners are snaking and hydro jetting. Snaking involves inserting a coiled metal cable into the drain to manually break up obstructions. Hydro jetting, on the other hand, uses high-pressure water to blast away grease, soap scum, and other buildup.

Chemical drain cleaners are also available but are generally avoided due to their harsh effects on pipes and the environment.

What are some of the most common causes of a clogged drain?

1. Grease and Fat Buildup

Kitchen drains often become blocked due to grease and fat. After cooking, it might seem convenient to pour leftover oil or grease down the sink with a flush of hot water.

However, grease cools and hardens inside the pipes, forming a sticky coating that traps food particles and debris. Over time, this narrows the pipe and slows water flow until it fully backs up.

2. Hair Build-up

Hair is a leading cause of bathroom drain clogs. As we shower or shave, hair strands go down the drain and combine with soap scum to form dense clumps. These clogs often form just below the drain surface, making them difficult to remove without tools.

3. Flushing Non-Flushable Items

Toilets are another common site for clogs, especially when non-flushable items are involved. Wet wipes, paper towels, cotton swabs, and feminine hygiene products do not dissolve like toilet paper. Instead, they become lodged in pipe bends and joints, creating serious blockages over time.

4. Tree Root Invasion

In older homes with underground sewer pipes, tree roots are a frequent cause of clogs. Roots are naturally drawn to moisture and can infiltrate tiny cracks in pipes. As they grow, they block or slow the flow of water. This type of blockage often isn’t noticed until multiple drains back up, at which point professional intervention is usually required.

What are some of the main reasons that drain cleaning should not only be reserved for emergency situations?

Leaving a clogged drain unaddressed can lead to water damage and high repair costs. But emergencies aren’t the only time to consider proper drain cleaning. Here’s why it’s smart to make drain cleaning part of your regular home maintenance routine:

1. Keeping Water Flowing Freely

Slow drains are usually the first sign of a developing problem. If water pools in your sink or tub, a partial blockage is likely the cause. Even if the clog isn’t complete, residue can still restrict water flow. Routine drain cleaning removes this buildup before it becomes a full blockage, keeping water moving and your routine uninterrupted.

2. A Cleaner, Healthier Home

Clogged or dirty drains are a breeding ground for bacteria and can produce foul odours. In extreme cases, backed-up sinks and toilets can lead to mould growth and even harmful airborne substances. Regular drain cleaning helps eliminate these risks, keeping your home hygienic and smelling fresh.

3. Stopping Tree Roots in Their Tracks

Tree roots are a serious threat in homes with older plumbing. These roots can penetrate tiny pipe cracks and grow rapidly, eventually causing full blockages. Many plumbers offer video inspections during maintenance, allowing them to catch and remove root intrusions before they cause major problems.

4. Preventing Plumbing Emergencies

Most plumbing emergencies are preventable and develop over time. By the time a drain completely fails, the underlying damage is often extensive. Regular drain cleaning helps identify and resolve issues early, making plumbing disasters far less likely.

How Advanced Plumbing & Drains Can Help You with Thorough Drain and Pipe Cleaning

If you want peace of mind and fewer plumbing surprises, proactive drain cleaning is essential.

At Advanced Plumbing & Drains, we offer expert drain and pipe cleaning services to keep your plumbing system in top shape. Whether your drains are already blocked or you simply want to prevent future issues, our experienced team has the tools and skills to help.

We provide comprehensive inspections and customized cleaning solutions. Our drain snaking and unclogging services are ideal for sinks, toilets, and tubs. With a variety of snaking tools, we tailor our approach to suit the severity of the clog and your specific plumbing setup. For tougher buildup, we offer hydro jetting services that blast away years of grime and debris, restoring your drains to full function.

For more information about our drain cleaning solutions, or to learn about our full range of plumbing services, call Advanced Plumbing & Drains at (866) 863-9539 or contact us here.