Clogged drains aren’t just inconvenient, they can promote the growth of bacteria, fungi and spores that can cause serious health problems. Regular drain cleaning and maintenance can prevent these problems from occurring and help maintain a healthy plumbing system.
Besides the basic plunger there are other drain cleaning tools like a plumber’s snake which is a coiled metal wire that can cut into and break up debris. Another tool is hydro-jetting which uses high pressure water to cut through obstructions and roots. Contact Drain Cleaning Aurora, CO now!
Drain clogs are not only a nuisance, but they can cause serious damage to your home’s plumbing system and possibly the sewer line or septic tank. Clogged drains typically develop over time as more and more debris builds up, leading to a gradual blockage that prevents water flow or traps odors. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent drain clogs and keep your home’s drains healthy.
Probably the most obvious sign of a blocked drain is when you notice that it takes significantly longer for water to drain down the sink or toilet. This is usually caused by hair, soap scum, and other debris that build up in the pipes and trap water as it flows through them. Another common culprit is “flushable” wipes and tampons, which aren’t designed to go down the drain, but that many people mistakenly believe are safe to do.
If you’re concerned about the state of your drains, try using a plunger or snake to dislodge any built-up material. For more stubborn clogs, a plumber’s auger can be used to physically break up or remove the clog. These tools can be purchased from many hardware stores for DIY use, although they require special care to avoid damaging the pipes and should only be used by skilled homeowners.
Regularly using baking soda and vinegar can also help keep your drains clean and clog-free. First, pour a cup of baking soda down the drain to eliminate odors and absorb any grease or residue. Next, follow up with a cup of vinegar that will react with the baking soda and create a bubbling, fizzing action that helps to loosen and dislodge clogs. Finally, rinse the drain with hot water to flush away any remaining baking soda-vinegar mixture.
If your drains are still slow to drain or you’re noticing strong, foul odors in the home, it’s time to call a plumber. A professional will be able to determine the source of the problem and recommend the best course of action to address it quickly and safely.
Odors
Odors from your drains aren’t just unpleasant; they can indicate serious problems. Knowing what’s causing them is key to formulating an effective remedy. From dried out p-traps to gunky clogs to deteriorating pipes, there are many reasons why your drains might smell bad. Some of them are quite easy to fix, but others require professional drain cleaning or even plumbing services from a trusted local plumber.
Odors coming from your kitchen drain are usually the result of decomposing food residues and other organic matter that is trapped in your home’s drain lines. As these materials break down, they release noxious gasses. Luckily, most of these gases can be easily cleared by running hot water down the drains and flushing out your system.
However, if these odors are persistent or severe, the culprit is likely something more serious than just a simple clog or rotting debris. In these cases, you may need to use a natural, non-toxic drain cleaner to clear away the blockage and eliminate the odor.
Another possible source of drain odors is a blocked or inoperative venting pipe. If a venting pipe becomes clogged, it will force sewage back up through your home’s drains, emitting a foul, gut-wrenching stench in the process. If you suspect this is the problem, contact a local plumber for emergency sewage services.
If you’re battling stubborn drain odors, try a natural home remedy like baking soda and vinegar. This solution is quick and easy, and it’s safe for most types of pipes. Simply pour a little baking soda down the drain, followed by some hot vinegar. Then, watch as the two chemicals react and clear out your clogged drain.
Another option is Green Gobbler’s main line drain opener, an enzyme-based cleaner that claims to dissolve hair, grease and soap scum without harsh chemical fumes. It also claims to prevent future clogs by preventing biofilm buildup and reducing the growth of bacteria and other microbes. While this product can help to clear minor clogs, it’s best used overnight in a fully clogged drain or septic system.
Sewage
Sewage is the waste water that drains from sinks, tubs, toilets, and other household appliances into the home plumbing system. This water eventually flows into the sewer line, where it joins up with other sewage waste and is transported to the local wastewater treatment plant. When this water becomes trapped in drain pipes, it can cause serious problems including odors and health hazards.
The best way to prevent sewage clogs and blockages is to keep solid food waste out of your drains. This can be done by simply putting food scraps into the garbage instead of down the drain. It is also important to regularly clean your drains using a non-chemical, bacterial solution. You can do this by pouring a small amount of baking soda into your drains once a month. This will help scour the lines and remove any grease buildup.
Another great way to prevent clogs is to use an enzyme solution. These solutions are made from natural ingredients that effectively break down and digest fats, oils, and greases. They can be purchased at most hardware stores. When used regularly, they can greatly reduce the risk of clogs and other drain problems.
Aside from preventing clogs and blockages, keeping your drains clean can also help prevent bacterial growth and other issues. If you notice a foul smell coming from your drains, it is likely caused by bacteria or other microorganisms that are growing inside the pipe. A good drain cleaning routine will eliminate these contaminants and keep your water smelling fresh and clean.
Toxic chemical pollution is a significant issue in many parts of the country, and it can have a major impact on sewer lines. This pollution is often caused by careless disposal of household chemicals down the drains. Used motor oil, pesticides, paints, and solvents can all contaminate the sewage system and lead to health and environmental concerns. Toxic pollutants can also seep into groundwater and cause contamination.
Regularly cleaning and maintaining your drains is an essential part of keeping your home healthy. By keeping the drains clear of clogs, blockages, and other debris, you can ensure that the sewage waste is properly cleaned and transported to the treatment plant.
Prevention
A professional drain cleaning service can help to unclog your pipes and prevent blockages in the future. However, the best way to keep your drains clean and flowing properly is to be mindful of what goes down them. Limiting the number of items that go down your drains can significantly reduce the need for drain cleaning services and prevent serious clogs.
Many clogs and blockages are caused by foods scraps, oil, fats and grease, hair, paper waste, and other materials that can clog or obstruct your drain lines. You can also avoid these problems by installing a drain strainer in your sinks and putting a lid on the garbage disposal to keep food scraps out of the drain.
Keeping a regular schedule of using safe enzyme treatments can also help to break down residue and prevent clogs. These treatments are much safer than chemical drain cleaners that may damage your piping and harm the environment.
Aside from preventing expensive repairs and drain cleaning costs, keeping your drains clean can also improve the health of your home and family. Mold, fungus, and bacteria that thrive in stagnant water can cause breathing problems, allergies, skin irritations, and other health issues. Stagnant water can also contaminate groundwater and other bodies of water, which has serious environmental consequences.
Aside from being mindful of what goes down your drains, you can also protect your plumbing system by installing a pipe insulation to keep your pipes from freezing in cold temperatures. You can purchase these insulation sleeves at most hardware stores and easily install them on your exposed pipe areas. This simple, inexpensive, and effective preventative measure can save you from costly repair bills and clogged drains in the winter. It’s also a good idea to insulate any drains that exit your house outside, such as basement or crawlspace drains, as well as exterior hose bibs. This will help to protect your pipes from the elements and prolong their lifespan.
