What You Need to Know About Scheduling a Drain Cleaning

Admin • Jan 10, 2020

Sink Drain — Elkhart, IN — Roto-Rooter Sewer - Drain Services

Drain cleaning probably isn't the first thing you think about when you wake up. But this professional plumbing service is a necessary part of home maintenance. If you're not sure how often you should clean your drains, take a look at what you need to know about scheduling a drain cleaning.

Are There Set Time Internals for Drain Cleaning?

Unlike dental visits or your annual doctor's checkup, drain cleanings don't have set or standard recommended intervals. Some homes may require this service once a year, while others may need more than an annual cleaning. There are several factors that impact the frequency you need to schedule this service. Read on for more information on how often you should clean your drains.

What Impacts the Need for a Drain Cleaning Service Call?

The length of time in between drain cleanings depends on how you treat and maintain your drains. If you regularly put grease, fatty foods, oils, coffee grinds, or other known drain clogging items into your kitchen sink, you may experience backups more often. This can result in the need for more professional draining cleaning services than your plumbing system would otherwise require.

Along with what you put into your kitchen drain; you may increase the need for cleanings if you don't know what you can and can't put down other drains in your home. Too much toilet paper, thick toilet paper, wipes, feminine sanitary products, cotton swaps, and cotton balls can all clog a toilet. Over time these items can result in backups that require a professional removal and cleaning service.

How Do You Know When to Call a Professional?

If you can't pick a set interval in between drain cleanings, how do you know when to schedule an appointment? Again, care and maintenance have a major impact on how frequently you need to clean your drains. Constant clogs and backups are a clear sign you need to call a professional.

While one clog may indicate a specific or temporary problem, the more clogs you have or clogs in multiple drains point to the need for an expert-level cleaning.

Even though clogs in multiple drains is a sign to look for, it isn't the only one. Slow drains or drains that smell are also signals you need to call a drain cleaning professional. This means you don't need to wait until you have a full clog or serious backup to schedule an appointment. The sooner you address the issue, the less likely it is that you'll have a major problem down the road.

Should You Clean Your Drains Yourself?

Do you want to save money on drain cleaning service with a do-it-yourself job? While you can decrease home improvement costs with a DIY job in some cases, drain cleaning is not something to tackle by yourself. Unless you have specialized knowledge of your home's plumbing system, this job is best left to the professionals.

Some homeowners turn to chemical drain cleaning products instead of scheduling a professional service. While the cost of a store-bought drain cleaner is typically less than what you'd pay for service call, this DIY option can result in the need for expensive repairs.

Drain cleaners can loosen clogs, pushing them deeper into the drain. This can result in a serious issue and the need for a professional plumber. If the drain cleaner doesn't loosen and push the clog deeper into your home's plumbing system, it can still cause other types of damage. Caustic chemicals can corrode pipes or pose health and safety risks to you and your family.

Never substitute a bottle of drain cleaner for a professional service. If your drains experience noticeable symptoms, such as constant clogs or odd odors, schedule a drain cleaning service as soon as possible.

Do your drains need a professional-level service? Contact Roto-Rooter Sewer & Drain Service for more information.

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