The Hidden Dangers of Ignoring Drain Cleaning in Your Home

Keeping your drains running smoothly is necessary for a happy and healthy household. We rely on our drains for many everyday activities, including using the restroom, washing hands, doing dishes and laundry, taking a bath or shower, and so much more. Interestingly, given how reliant we are on them, most homeowners do not think about the health of their drains until a problem arises. 

While this is understandable, ignoring your drains can lead to a slew of potential issues that can disrupt the household routine and even pose serious health risks. To avoid any unwelcome drain surprises, it is recommended that you have your drains professionally cleaned at least once a year. Let’s look at some of the possible issues that come from not having your drains professionally cleaned.

Slow Drainage

All kinds of things go down your drains that can, over time, cause a significant amount of buildup. Waste and other matter like toilet paper can build up. In the bathtub or shower and sinks, hair, soap scum, and dead skin can form a hard coating inside the drains. In the kitchen, you could have food scraps and oil accumulating in your drain that you cannot see. Even just a few food scraps that have not worked their way all the way down could also start growing mildew, bacteria, or mold over time, taking up room in your drain. The presence of any of these materials in your drains can eventually lead to slow drainage. Before you know it, you could wind up ankle-deep in contaminated water in the shower. 

To avoid dealing with slow drainage, have a plumber clean your drains annually. Additionally, there are things you can do to help keep your drains flowing. Even if wipes are labeled OK for flushing, they should never go down the toilet. In the kitchen, avoid letting vegetable peelings, coffee grounds, and other food scraps go down the drain. A garbage disposal is not designed to chop up large pieces. 

Clogs

Typically, you will experience slow drainage before you have a full clog. This is not, however, always the case. If buildup on the pipe walls restricts water flow, you can develop a sudden clog. This could have a serious impact on household members, such as being late for work or school. If there is a full clog in your kitchen, you may end up with a sink full of dirty dishes piling up, which can be unsightly as well as unsanitary. If your toilet gets blocked up with a clog and wastewater backs up, there is the potential for being exposed to harmful pathogens. 

While sometimes clogs are unavoidable, they are much less likely to occur if you regularly have your pipes professionally cleaned. A well-maintained plumbing system ensures no debris or buildup is present to restrict whatever goes down your drain.

Bacteria, Mold, and Mildew

One of the biggest concerns about your drains without your being able to see it is bacteria, mold, and mildew growth. Drains offer an ideal environment for these contaminants to thrive. Without regular cleaning, there is no telling just how prevalent these pollutants could be. 

One of the first problems with this kind of growth in your drain is that it can cause unpleasant smells in your home that are difficult to get rid of. Even worse, they can present a health hazard. Dangerous microbes can become airborne and be major issues for anyone in your home with respiratory ailments. These microbes can also exacerbate symptoms for anyone in the household who may suffer from allergies. It is of particular concern for those in the home who might be very young, elderly, or have immunosuppressive issues. Aside from the smell and health risks, unchecked bacteria can also cause corrosion to the pipes.

Corrosion

We have already mentioned above how bacteria, mold, and mildew can lead to corrosion in your pipes. However, this is not the only way your pipes can become corroded. The pH levels of the water going down the drain and the presence of oxygen and minerals can cause corrosion in your drain pipes. 

Soft water with a low pH level is more acidic, which can slowly corrode your pipes over time. Extremely softer water can leach minerals from the pipes, causing pitting and small leaks. On the other hand, hard water with high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium leads to mineral deposits. Besides narrowing the drain, hard water can cause water-using appliances to fail prematurely.

Since you cannot see into your drain pipes, you could have a major corrosion issue without knowing it. This could end up causing serious issues with your pipes, causing them to eventually crack or burst or clog frequently. An annual drain cleaning can do away with corrosion. An inspection with a drain camera can spot any corroded areas in your pipe or areas with significant buildup. The plumbers at Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical can install water treatment systems to reduce these problems and give you cleaner, better tasting water.

How Your Pipes Are Professionally Cleaned

When you schedule an annual drain cleaning service, the first thing your plumber will do is inspect your drains. This is accomplished using a drain line camera, a small and water-resistant camera attached to a long snake-like cable. This cable is sent down your drain and allows the plumber to see all areas of what is happening in your pipes on a CCTV screen.

Once they have spotted all the trouble areas in your drains, your plumber has two main types of drain cleaning: pipe auger or snake and hydro jetting. A snake or auger mechanically clears away clogs. This is commonly used for toilet and sink drains. Hydro jetting has been used commercially for some time, and now newer technology allows it to be safely used in homes. It shoots highly pressurized water to clean debris, organic matter, and corrosion from the walls of your drains. Using this tool along with a drain camera, plumbers can clean the target areas of your drain with pinpoint precision. This method of drain cleaning is highly effective, non-toxic, and environmentally safe.

Your Weatherford Drain Cleaning Experts

If you are a homeowner in Weatherford, TX, or the surrounding area, Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical is ready to help with your annual drain cleaning. We have been providing service since 1983. Our trusted team is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service. We understand how much it means to let someone into your home, so we prioritize safety. These kinds of values make us the Weatherford go-to company. Besides providing drain cleaning and other plumbing services, we offer a full range of HVAC services, including ductless systems, heat pumps, and air quality services, along with electrical services.

If you want to experience the Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical difference, give us a call today or fill out our handy online form.