Now Is the Time for Spring (Drain) Cleaning!

Don’t Forget To Include Drain Cleaning In the Spring Cleaning Checklist!

Spring is finally here, and for many homeowners, that means it’s time to get rid of the clutter and tackle some of those dreaded cleaning projects they’ve been putting off. Cleaning an entire house from top to bottom can involve a long list of tasks, and there’s nothing like the satisfaction of checking off each one. But no spring cleaning checklist is complete without a thorough drain cleaning. 

Clean and functional drains are a vital part of a clean and happy home, yet this is one area that often gets ignored. On the other hand, a clogged or smelly drain is nearly impossible to ignore - so this is the year to give those drains some attention!

Why Is Drain Cleaning Important?

Just as dust, dirt, and random clutter tend to accumulate around the house, nasty gunk tends to build up in drains. Hair, soap scum, oils, and food waste are a few common materials that easily get trapped in a drain and form blockages. Eventually, water will start to drain slowly or stop draining entirely. The risk of this kind of clog can be virtually eliminated with regular drain cleaning.

Everyday gunk buildup can also produce some very unpleasant odors as trapped organic matter begins to decay and fester in the drain. Mold, mildew, and bacteria may form inside the drain, making the drain smell even worse and creating potential respiratory health risks. Air fresheners may help hide the odor temporarily, but they do nothing to remove the source.

Professional Drain Cleaning Methods

There’s a misconception that drain cleaning is the same as using store-bought drain cleaner solutions - it’s not. These chemical products may work in some instances but usually do more harm than good by damaging the plumbing or the environment, which is why professional plumbers don’t use them. Instead, they use special tools that won’t hurt the pipes or pollute the environment.

One such tool is a mechanical drain auger or “snake” - a flexible metal coil fed into the drainpipe and simultaneously rotated to drill through obstructions and break apart stubborn buildup. Hydro-jetting is an even more powerful method for drain cleaning. Instead of a coil, a water hose with a high-pressure nozzle is fed into the drain, essentially pressure-washing the inside of the drainpipe with hot water. This clears blockages but also washes stubborn residue and grease from the pipe wall. These methods can safely clear pipes all the way down to the sewer lines, making them vastly superior to any DIY solutions.

Keeping Drains Clean Between Professional Visits

Though professional cleanings are the best and most effective way to ensure clean and trouble-free drains, homeowners should still do their part to help reduce buildup and prevent clogs. Being mindful of what goes down the drain is the best place to start - homeowners should avoid putting things like grease, coffee grounds, and tough vegetable skins down the disposal. Hair and other solids should be thrown in the garbage if possible.

Regularly cleaning sink, shower, and tub basins also helps prevent pesky soap scum and mildew. It also helps to clean the drains every month or so with innocuous household items. A combination of baking soda and vinegar followed by boiling water is one popular method. This is no substitute for once-yearly professional drain cleanings, but it does help to keep nasty buildup at bay.

About Henco Plumbing Services

The award-winning Henco Plumbing Services has been serving Ridgefield, Washington, since 2012. Their highly-trained, friendly technicians arrive on time and leave every home better than they found it. Their drain cleaning experts provide up-front pricing, financing, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Give Henco Plumbing Services a call today for expert drain cleaning in Ridgefield!

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