5 Signs You’re Overdue for a Drain Cleaning 

Drain cleaning may feel low on your priority list in terms of home upkeep, but the pipes and drains of your house function much like the veins of the body and need to be regularly maintained to stay healthy. Unfortunately, the traditional chemical cleaners that we like to use because they’re cheap and convenient can wreak havoc on your plumbing system, causing corrosion and damage from the inside.

Whatever the reason, a drain issue should be taken care of quickly before it leads to a major backup or significant water damage. If you’ve noticed your drains aren’t performing at their usual capacity, it may be time for a professional drain cleaning. Familiarize yourself with these key signs to keep an eye out for, as they’ll indicate your drains are overdue for a deep clean. 

Clogged Pipes

Have you been using more chemical drain solutions than usual? Finding yourself plunging your toilet more often? These quick fixes may work for the moment, but head their warning – these are signs that there’s a greater issue going on inside the pipes. If not properly cleared, a minor clogged drain can lead to a major clog in your home’s mainline.

You can help prevent a clogged drain by placing screens in the shower to catch any stray hair from going down the drain and becoming tangled. Also, being aware of what you’re flushing and be sure to avoid any items down the toilet besides waste and toilet paper – no feminine products, no paper towels, no baby wipes.

Odd Sounds

Drains in need of a deep cleaning will often make gurgling or glugging sounds. These are caused by air in your pipes not being able to flow freely due to a partial blockage and instead is forced through in irregular bursts. Your pipes need a smooth, even air flow in order to keep water moving and prevent backups. If you’re noticing any gurgling or glugging sounds, it’s best to call a professional before it develops into something worse than noises.

Overflowing Toilets or Water Backing Up 

Clogged drains that go without a professional drain cleaning for too long can lead to sewage and water backing up through the drains of your house. Not only is it unsanitary, that water backflow can spread throughout the house and cause terrible water damage in the event of an overflow.

If further left unattended, the sewer drain line or mainline of your home could become clogged and prevent any drains in the house from functioning properly. Avoid a health hazard and water damage by calling in a professional at the first sign of trouble.

Slow Moving Drains

If you’ve noticed a sink or tub is sluggish in draining the water, it could be a sign of a blocked drain. Take a shower for example, hair can flow down the drain and cause a blockage that prevents the drain from letting water flow out of the tub. This causes standing water whenever water is flowing and can be a breeding ground for bacteria and soap scum. For everyday prevention, place a screen or other hair catcher over the drain in your shower to keep hair from clogging it and help the water flow freely.

Strong Odors

You’ve cleaned the entire house inside and out, yet a terrible smell lingers. Other than the obvious draining issues, strong and unpleasant smells coming from your drains could be another sign of a blocked or clogged pipe. The odor results from food, waste and other debris being unable to move through the piping system and out of the home. Not only is the smell unpleasant, but it can attract bugs and other pests, so don’t hesitate to get it inspected.

It’s Time to Schedule a Professional Drain Cleaning

If you’ve experienced any of these issues, it’s time to pick up the phone and schedule a professional drain cleaning from a plumbing expert. Only by handling your home’s drainage issues promptly and at the first sign of trouble will you be able to prevent a major disaster later on.

Hulsey Environmental Services (a Blue Flow Company) uses highly skilled and expertly trained technicians to serve our customers with fast and reliable drain cleaning services. Our tools and specialty training help us clear clogged drains and sewer lines with ease. Call us today at 770-746-8520, or go online to complete our service request form and get your drains back in good health.