Most of us don’t give pour drains much thought – until one of them starts running slow. If you think it’s time to clean your drains, get answers to your questions before you jump right in. Your drainage system needs to serve you for a long time to come, and you don’t want to inadvertently damage it or to miss the signs that repairs are in order. The answers to your most frequently asked questions from our St Cloud Plumbers await:
What Typically Causes Slow or Clogged Drains?
This may surprise you, but one of the biggest problems for your drains – especially bathroom drains – is the buildup of hair. Once hair begins to form an obstacle, your drain is likely to continue to drain more and more slowly until it ultimately becomes completely blocked. Slow drains place unnecessary excess pressure on your pipes and can even clog your mainline pipes, which are more integral to your plumbing system and more complex and expensive to repair. As with so many things, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to keeping your drains free of clogs. A simple drain filter will catch hair, soap slivers, and general debris before they ever enter your drains. Further, these inexpensive devices come in any number of styles and sizes to fit your homes’ needs.
What’s A Safe Way To Help Keep My Drains Clean?
Again, prevention is your best bet – and not just for your bathroom sinks. Keeping food out of your kitchen sinks is another important preventative measure. Remember, too, that garbage disposals can contribute to slow drainage. Though they grind the food that processes through them up, garbage disposals don’t eliminate that food, which can build up over time.
Using chemical drain cleaners is not recommended. These toxic concoctions are hard on your pipes – leading to future costly repairs – and typically provide only temporary relief. You can, however, commit to a regular cleaning routine based on nontoxic cleaning products that help keep your drains running smoothly and smelling fresh. For example, pouring baking soda and vinegar (or lemon juice) down your drains and following it with a pot of boiling water can help keeps oils from collecting on your pipes, help keep clogs from forming in the first place, and help freshen things up in general.
What If The Clog Keeps Returning Or Won’t Budge?
If you have a chronically slow drain, it could be indicative of a larger problem. It’s never a good idea to ignore plumbing issues; it can lead to far more significant damage and expense in the long run. If you have a drain that gives you consistent problems, have it checked out by an experienced St. Cloud Plumber. Problems with your pipes can ultimately lead to property damage, to costly repairs, and even to mold – with its attendant negative health concerns.
Is it time to call in a St Cloud Plumber?
Doing what you can to keep your drains running smoothly is always a good idea, but most homes occasionally need professional plumbing services. Many of the mechanisms for home repair, including chemical drain cleaners and snakes from the hardware store, are really just stopgap measures for getting you through. Ultimately, toxic chemical cleaners can do more harm than good. If your best preventative efforts don’t provide you with clean running drains, save yourself time and money by calling in a St. Cloud heating and plumbing service provider to take care of the problem correctly the first time.
What Kind Of Plumbing Repairs Am I Looking At?
Many factors can contribute to or cause a slow or clogged drain, and an experienced St. Cloud plumber will root out the problem and effectively and efficiently deal with it on your behalf. Plumbers have the experience and powerful commercial tools to ensure that your drains remain in good working condition.
One tool in a plumber’s arsenal is hydrojetting, which employs highly pressurized water to safely and effectively blast pipes clean. Hydrojetting, though powerful enough for some of the toughest clogs in your mainline pipes, is often gentle enough for pipes that are aging.
If You’re Drains Are Running Slowly, Consult with a St. Cloud Plumber Today
When your drains aren’t running smoothly, your home isn’t running smoothly. If you’re having problems with a drain or drains, the professionals at Neighborhood Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Electrical have the experience, skill, knowledge, and tools to get them working again – and to repair any internal damage that may lie at the root of the problem. We’ve been in the heating and plumbing business for over 60 years, and we’re here to help, so contact or call us at 877-817-0584 to schedule an appointment today. If you have a plumbing emergency, please don’t hesitate to call – we’re proudly available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.