You count on your home’s drains every day to safely and reliably remove wastewater from your property. You might not think about them much, but you certainly will if they become clogged. That’s why you shouldn’t overlook the importance of drain cleaning. Here are three common areas of misconception that you should consider.
Myth 1: Store-Bought Drain Cleaner Is Fine to Use
At first glance, chemical drain cleaners might seem like a great solution for slow or clogged drains. In reality, drain cleaner poses a variety of potential issues, including damaging your pipes. The harsh chemicals can cause corrosion over time, wearing down pipes and ultimately leading to costly repairs.
Is Drain Cleaner Bad for Pipes?
While there are many different products available, most of them feature acidic or caustic chemicals. These impact the environment and pose immediate health and safety risks in your home. Concentrated drain cleaner can cause sustained cutaneous burns that require skin grafting.
You should also keep in mind that chemical drain cleaners aren’t always effective. While they can break down many compounds, there are various types of deposits they can’t deal with. This is particularly true for larger objects and compact blockages.
Myth 2: Drain Cleaning Is Only for Severe Blockages
What is drain cleaning for? Many homeowners think it’s only for when their drains are completely clogged, but it’s actually an important part of regular home maintenance.
Do I Need Drain Cleaning if Nothing Is Wrong?
You should schedule routine drain cleaning annually to prevent clogs and maintain functionality.
This is important because most clogs build up over time. Various materials can cling to pipe walls, narrowing them as time passes. This can lead to slow drains and also complete clogs when debris gets lodged against the narrow and irregular surfaces.
Professional drain cleaning makes quick work of these deposits, restoring the proper function of your home’s pipes. Dealing regularly with buildup helps avoid future catastrophic issues — such as burst pipes and backups — and makes professional drain cleaning an essential part of home maintenance.
Myth 3: Professional Drain Cleaning Can Damage Plumbing
Some people are concerned that the methods used by professionals can damage their home’s plumbing. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. While plumbers use heavy-duty equipment to handle tough clogs, the technology and techniques are fine-tuned to avoid any potential damage to your home’s plumbing.
The most commonly used tool for professional drain cleaning is the plumbing snake, also known as a drain auger. This is a long, flexible tool with a metal coiled wire on one end. It’s fed through the drain and into the pipes, rotating as it goes along. This cleans and clears out blockages along the way, but the wire end doesn’t damage pipes.
Schedule Professional Drain Cleaning Service
Have you noticed slow draining, foul smells, or any other issues with your drains? If so, your best bet is to get professional drain cleaning service. The team at Daigle Plumbing, Heating & Cooling has the tools to tackle any issues and leave your drains in prime working order. Schedule an appointment today to protect your home’s plumbing.
