The bathroom is one room in the house where, like it or not, you spend quite a bit of time. A bathroom drain cleaning emergency is never convenient, but it can be exceptionally brutal in the bathroom or kitchen spaces since they are used so often. Some home drain cleaning issues are unavoidable and require the expertise of a certified drain cleaning and rootering, but others can be prevented by following sound drain cleaning tips and doing preventative maintenance.
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By closely following the tips below, you can save on water and energy costs, and keep your home drain cleaning systems working well.
Regular Checkups
Regular inspections help prevent a very common drain cleaning issue: clogging. Start by checking drains and making sure they are not obstructed. The added stress and pressure that is caused by clogged drains can actually shorten the lifespan of your pipes. If you notice a clog, take care of it right away to prevent any additional damage.
Bathroom Drain Cleaning Maintenance
Take these steps to keep bathrooms working well:
- Wait for about 10-15 minutes between showers for optimal water pressure and temperature. The right water pressure will help stop unnecessary stress on the home drain cleaning system.
- Ensure that the sink and shower drains stay free of clogs by simply installing protective screens on the drains to prevent hairs from flowing down. Be sure to clean the screens frequently.
- Stop toilet clogs by not flushing anything other than human waste and toilet paper. Avoid putting feminine hygiene products or flushable wipes down the toilet.
- Do not attempt to use chemical clog-removing products as this can lead to more damage and can easily corrode your bathroom pipes.
Weekly Drain Maintenance
For weekly maintenance, check on your pipes at least once a week. This helps you monitor any problems and prevent costly damage down the road. Check your sink for leaks. Moisture, watermarks, and mold indicate leaks that you’ll need to repair right away. All of your drains must follow a full swirl as water goes down; otherwise, there is a possibility that there is a clog.
Seasonal Drain Maintenance
A change in seasons results in changes to the weather, which can affect water usage. You need to check on your drain cleaning to ensure that it is in tip-top shape during winter, spring, summer, or fall. Check for any changes in the water supply, drainage, and the entire drain system. Be especially vigilant with your pipes as winter approaches, ensuring that your pipes are prepared for the low temperatures ahead.
Water Heater Maintenance
Your water heater works harder during the cold months to keep water hot, so make sure that it is running at prime efficiency. Occasionally flush out your water heater to get rid of sediments. The sediments can corrode the drain system and reduce the effectiveness of your water heater. From time to time, test the pressure of the water heater release valve, but never conduct these tests on water heaters that are six years old or older.
Many of the drain cleaning problems that you’ll run into as a homeowner can be prevented through a little bit of routine maintenance. If you encounter any other issues, it is best to ask for the assistance of a certified drain cleaner and rooter.