It would be interesting to know how many homeowners only call a plumber when they have a legitimate emergency they need help with. Nearly all of us would call a plumber to help with a burst pipe or a kitchen sink so thoroughly clogged that not even the smallest amount of water can get through. But what about non-emergencies, like simple drain cleaning?
Drain cleaning services are on the menu at Superior Water & Air in Utah. Superior services nearly the entire state including Davis, Weber, and Salt Lake counties. They actually have a page on their website dedicated to drain cleaning services. Based on that information, here are five valid reasons to schedule drain cleaning service apart from an emergency situation:
1. Abnormally Slow Drainage
A brand-new plumbing system should drain water fairly quickly. Drainage should never be a problem in sinks, showers, and bathtubs. Toilets should flush and drain easily. But as time goes on, drainage tends to slow. This is due to the gradual buildup of debris in pipes and drains.
If drainage is abnormally slow, it is an indication that the buildup is significant. The gunk in your pipes is starting to inhibit water flow. Know this: the problem isn’t likely to take care of itself. Moreover, pouring a commercial drain cleaning product down the drain is not going to do much either. You are better off scheduling drain cleaning service.
2. Regular Clogs
We all expect a routine clog in the drain every now and again. Clogs are part and parcel with residential plumbing. But a clog once or twice a year is one thing; experiencing clogs on a regular basis is another matter altogether.
Frequent clogs indicate excess debris or grease somewhere in the line. Commercial drain cleaners might help temporarily, but they are not a permanent fix. The drains need to be fully cleared by a professional.
3. Strange Noises Emanating From the Plumbing
It’s normal to hear certain sounds coming from your plumbing. For example, you might hear water running down the drainpipe when someone’s using the upstairs shower. You might also hear the sound of water running when your dishwasher drains. But strange noises, like gurgling and banging, could be indicative of air trapped in your system.
Plumbing systems are vented to prevent this sort of thing. But if something gets in the way of airflow, you are going to hear strange sounds. Those sounds are good motivation to call a plumber.
4. Unpleasant Odors
Your plumbing system is purposely engineered to minimize odors. Ideally, everything you run down the drain should move past the trap and further on down the line. The trap prevents gases from backing up into your home. So if you’re smelling bad odors from the sink, you have one of two problems:
- Some sort of debris his stuck in the pipes at a location before the trap; or
- A problem with the drain or venting system is allowing sewer gases to back up.
In either case, bad odors emanating from your plumbing are never good news. They are definitely a valid reason to schedule drain cleaning service.
5. Fruit Flies in the Sink
Finally, fruit flies in the sink could indicate debris stuck in your pipes. The flies are there because they are feeding on the debris. The best way to deal with the problem is to have a plumber clean the drains.
Drain cleaning service isn’t absolutely necessary if your plumbing is working. But it’s still a good idea. Having drains cleaned professionally keeps the water flowing freely throughout your home. There is nothing wrong with that.