We want our properties to look their best, so we focus on tasks such as mowing the lawn and painting the walls. But what about your drainage? Does it get as much attention as the rest of your space?
Your plumbing system's health should be a priority. If you need help figuring out a start, lean into the tips below for effective drainage maintenance practices.
The Importance of Drainage Cleaning and Maintenance
First, let's dive into why you should put some effort into drainage cleaning and maintenance.
Stop Foul Odors
The most common issue that occurs when you neglect drains and drainage maintenance is clog-related odors. As debris and waste build up in your pipes, a strong smell will permeate your space. Regular drain cleaning prevents these odors and eliminates the source of the problem.
Enjoy Faster Drainage
Regularly cleaning your drains prevents clogs that can lead to slow drainage. Keeping drains clean and clear enables water to flow freely and get carried away quickly. You'll also experience fewer blockages, which can be a nightmare, especially when they occur in the bathroom shower or laundry room.
Increase the Life Span of Your Plumbing System
To keep your drain working effectively for as long as possible, focus on preventive maintenance. You can regularly clean your plumbing system or even consult a plumber for a more professional analysis. The result is a healthy drain, which saves you time and money.
Avoid Water Damage
Water damage is time-consuming and expensive to address. When you perform drainage maintenance, you can prevent water damage issues such as overflowing sinks, toilets and other fixtures.
Save Money on Repairs
Many people avoid cleaning their drains because they assume the process is too expensive or complicated. However, neglecting your drain needs might mean dealing with significant plumbing repairs instead. To ensure you save money in the long run, invest in high-quality drainage solutions and perform regular maintenance. This enables you to save money by avoiding future costly repairs.
Avoid Standing Water
A clogged drain can lead to standing water. For example, if your shower drains very slowly, it can result in standing water. Standing water isn't just a headache — it poses significant health risks. The water can become a breeding ground for mildew and mold, leading to expensive repairs and potential health risks. Creating a drain cleaning schedule allows your water to flow smoothly and helps you keep your health intact.
A clogged outdoor drain can also pose problems. If water puddles around the drain, it becomes a breeding ground for bugs and insects. It can also make the floor slippery for passersby.
How to Maintain Drains
Poorly maintained drains create challenges that you could easily avoid. Get ahead of the issues by focusing on these preventive practices.
Try DIY Drain Pipe Clearing Solutions
For a cost-effective solution, try creating a homemade drain cleaner for your bathroom drains and kitchen sink. Start by mixing up a solution of baking soda, salt and vinegar and pouring it down your drain. Allow the mixture to sit for at least an hour or two. The mixture will loosen substances in your drain. Once it's sat for a few hours, proceed by pouring hot water to flush the substances down the drain.
For optimal results, you should repeat this process a couple of times. An added benefit of using the mixture is it enables you to rid the drain of any smells.
Don't Pour Grease Down the Drain
Always remember to keep grease away from your drains. Grease and oils are the most significant contributors to clogs because they bond with other solid elements. Use a can or old container to throw away grease instead of pouring it down the sink. Practicing this prevents unwanted grease from clogging your kitchen drains.
However, if there is a grease buildup, address the issue with liquid soap and boiling water. The quick mixture melts the grease and flushes it away in an instant.
Use Drain Traps and Mesh Screens
While you should always be vigilant about what goes into your sink, some things that don't drain easily — such as coffee grounds, crumbs and hair — might sneak in. These items are often the most significant contributors to clogged drains. Placing a drain trap over the sink prevents the issues. You can also use mesh screens for the same purpose. These are practical solutions, but again, you should ultimately focus on throwing these substances into the garbage disposal or garbage.
Drain Maintenance FAQ
You might have some additional drain cleaning and maintenance issues. Let's explore some of the common questions people tend to ask.
How Often Should You Clean Your Drain Pipes?
Focus on cleaning your drains every few weeks or once per month. You can use any of the solutions we provided, like the baking soda, vinegar and salt solution or the soap and hot water mixture. However, if you're experiencing severe drainage issues, you may want to consult a plumber. This is especially necessary if your building is old, as this can make drain problems likelier.
Is There a Best Time to Perform a Drain Cleaning?
There isn't necessarily a "right" time to clean indoor drains, like sink and shower drains. However, you'll want to clean your outdoor drains during the start of autumn and spring. This way, you can flush away debris from the end of summer and winter in anticipation of the coming seasons.
How Can You Tell if Your Drain Is Clogged?
One of the leading signs that your drain is clogged is when your water drains slower. You might also hear gurgling sounds when you pour water down the drain, and you'll likely see the water pooling around the drain instead of flowing through quickly. Another indicator is a strong smell permeating from the drain.
When Should You Call a Professional Drain Cleaning Company?
If you start to see any issues we mentioned, like a clogged drain or standing water, you may want to call the professionals, especially if you're not confident in your drain-clearing skill. By calling a professional, you can save time instead of figuring out how to resolve the issue.
When Is It Time for New Drains?
If multiple drains are draining slowly, there might be a bigger problem at hand. This could signify that it's time to invest in new high-quality drains. Once you purchase new drains, make sure to take care of them to keep them effective for as long as possible.
Enjoy High-Quality Drains From Jonite
Focusing on preventive measures allows you to avoid costly plumbing issues down the line. Regular maintenance also encourages a healthy plumbing system that works as it should. The result? No odors, water damage or health issues of standing water.
If you're looking to purchase new bathroom drains or outdoor grates, trust the solutions from Jonite. You can also explore our ESS bathroom drainage solutions. Contact us today to talk about your drainage needs!
