Drain Cleaning

The most common causes of clogged drains are foreign objects, grease buildup, hair, soap scum, and tree roots. Foreign objects, such as toys, jewelry, or other small items, can easily become lodged in the pipes and cause a blockage. Grease buildup is also a common cause of clogged drains. Grease can solidify and adhere to the inside of the pipes, creating a clog. Hair is another common cause of clogged drains.

Preventing your drains from becoming clogged is an important part of maintaining a healthy plumbing system. Here are some tips to help you keep your drains free from clogs: 1. Use a strainer or drain cover. Installing a strainer or drain cover is the best way to prevent clogs from forming in your drains. These devices catch debris like hair, food particles, and soap scum before they can enter the drain and cause a clog.  2. Don't use chemical drain cleaners, these can cause damage to your drainage system.

1. Slow Draining: If your drains are taking longer than usual to drain, this could be a sign that your drains need to be cleaned. Over time, debris and buildup can accumulate in your pipes, causing them to become clogged and slow down the drainage process. 
2. Foul Odors: If you notice a foul odor coming from your drains, this could be a sign that your drains need to be cleaned.

The frequency of drain cleaning depends on a variety of factors, including the type of drain, the amount of use, and the environment in which the drain is located. Generally, it is recommended that you have your drains cleaned at least once a year, or more often if necessary. For kitchen sinks, it is important to have the drain cleaned regularly to prevent clogs from accumulating.

The consequences of not cleaning your drains can be both costly and damaging to your home. Over time, debris, dirt, and other contaminants can accumulate in your drains, leading to clogs and other blockages. This can cause water to back up in your pipes, leading to flooding, water damage, and even mold growth. In addition, clogged drains can cause a foul odor to permeate your home, making it unpleasant to live in.

Drain cleaning is a common plumbing service, but it does come with some associated risks, both to the plumbing system and the individual conducting the cleaning, that's why it's important to hire the Experts at Totally Awesome Plumbing Services. Here are some of the potential risks:

1. Chemical Drain Cleaners:
   • Health Hazards: Many drain cleaners contain harmful chemicals that can cause burns if they come in contact with the skin or eyes. They can also be harmful if inhaled or ingested.
   • Environmental Impact: Chemical drain cleaners can be harmful to the environment, especially if they make their way into waterways.
   • Damage to Pipes: Over-reliance on chemical cleaners can corrode pipes over time, especially older metal pipes.
   • Septic System Damage: Chemicals can disrupt the microbial balance in septic systems, affecting their operation.
2. Mechanical Cleaning:
   • Pipe Damage: Improper use of mechanical drain cleaning tools, like snakes or augers, can damage the interior of pipes, leading to leaks or breaks.
   • Splatter Risk: Mechanical tools can cause dirty water and debris to splatter, which can pose health risks if not properly cleaned up.
   • Wear and Tear: Overuse can wear out seals and other components in your plumbing system.
     
3. DIY Risks:
   • Inefficiency: Without proper knowledge or tools, a DIY drain cleaning might not address the root cause of a clog, leading to recurring blockages.
   • Injury: Improper use of tools or chemicals can lead to personal injury.
   • Further Damage: Incorrect procedures can exacerbate the existing problem or create new ones, leading to more expensive repairs.
4. Bacterial Contamination:
   • Health Risks: Drains, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, can be breeding grounds for harmful bacteria. Improper cleaning can expose individuals to these bacteria, leading to potential health issues.
5. Disturbance of Built-up Material:
   • Potential Blockages: If not completely cleared, the disturbed debris can move deeper into the plumbing system and create a blockage in another location.
6. Misidentification of the Problem:
   • Improper Treatment: If the root cause of a drainage problem isn't properly identified, cleaning may not solve the problem and could even make it worse.

For this reason it's recommended to call the experts at Totally Awesome Plumbing Services to assess the issue and have it resolved professionaly without compounding your problem.  Call today.

You can call the experts at Totally Awesome Plumbing Services.  However, If you have a clogged drain and would like to try to resolve it quickly, the first thing you could do is try to unclog it yourself. The easiest way to do this is to use a plunger. Place the plunger over the drain and fill the sink or tub with enough water to cover the plunger cup. Push the plunger up and down vigorously for a few minutes. This should create enough suction to dislodge the clog.  However, if this doesn't work, please call your Totally Awesome Plumbing Services team.

Choosing a drain cleaning company can be a difficult task. There are many companies to choose from, and it can be hard to know which one is right for you. Here are some tips to help you make the best decision: 1. Research the company: Before you make any decisions, do some research on the company. Look into their reputation, customer reviews, and any other information you can find. This will help you get a better understanding of the company and their services.  And give them a call to get a feel for how they will serve you, often times how they answer your questions over the phone will give you a good idea of how they will serve you as a customer.  At Totally Awesome Plumbing Services, we aspire to provide the highest level of customer service, professionalism, and solutions to homeowners in the Saint John and Moncton areas, call us to get your problem solved fast!