Benefits of Regular Drain Maintenance for Your Home

Drain maintenance can go one of two ways: when you notice something is wrong with your drainage system, you probably won’t feel like calling a plumber. However, there’s a much more important reason to have your drains cleaned – prevention. Clogs, slow drains, and leaks in your pipes can be avoided when you stick to a regular cleaning schedule with a professional plumber. Don’t let preventable clogs wreak havoc in your home – let Allstar Plumbing explain the benefits of drain maintenance.

Prevents Clogs Before They Start

A clogged drain doesn’t form overnight. Buildup of grease, food particles, hair, soap scum, or other foreign objects happens over time and develops slowly but surely. When you schedule regular drain cleanings, your plumber will remove that buildup before it becomes a full-on clog. This keeps your water running smoothly down your drain and saves you from the inconvenience and frustration of slow or backed-up sinks.

Full-blown clogs don’t happen just overnight but from a buildup of debris over time. This may not be a large problem at first, but regular maintenance can help your pipes last longer and keep backups at bay.

Recommended reading: How to get rid of clogged drains

Protects Against Costly Repairs

The worse you are at clearing your pipes of debris, the more likely corrosion, cracks, or pressure will occur due to the weight of collected material in your pipes. Over time, pipe damage or corrosion can lead to leaks inside walls, mold growth, or even structural issues if the leak is under your foundation (slab leak). These issues not only cost more money to fix, but they can also cause long-term damage to your home.

By keeping up with a regular schedule of drain inspections and cleanings, your plumber will be able to notice trouble spots and possibly even catch a small leak or issue before it becomes a large repair. Licensed plumbers have experience in these areas and can easily let you know the state of your pipes at any given moment.

Reduces Odors and Improves Indoor Air Quality

Most of us hate it when the garbage disposal or shower drain stinks up the entire house. Not only is it gross, but it may be a sign that food is getting caught in your pipes, there is standing water, or sewer gas is bubbling back up from deeper within your pipes. These trapped odors can become worse over time and even pollute your indoor air quality.

If you want to keep your home smelling fresh and clean, keeping your drains free of clogs will help immensely. We know that a clean house is vital for the health and well-being of our family, and especially our children and pets. People with asthma or other respiratory diseases are especially impacted by poor air quality, so keeping your drains clean can help prevent this.

Improves Plumbing Efficiency

By keeping your pipes clear of obstructions and buildup, you’ll ensure the proper and efficient flow of water throughout your home. This will reduce the workload on your entire plumbing system and ensure all your plumbing fixtures and appliances, like dishwashers and washing machines, run more efficiently as well.

Keeping your drains clean also ensures the water drains properly each time you use them. This is especially important in high-use areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. If water is flowing freely, you’ll also notice a reduction in overflow issues and be able to conserve more water. Cleaner drains help reduce your water bill and ensure everything is working as it should.

Helps Maintain Property Value

If you ever want to sell your home, one of the best ways to increase your property value (or maintain it) is by having all of your home’s systems properly maintained each year. This includes your plumbing system and clean, functioning drains.

If you have any of the issues listed above, your home may not appeal to prospective home buyers. Water damage, mold, and rotting structural beams are all things that scare a home buyer away. Ensuring you have clean drains can make the difference between selling and buying a home.

At the end of the day, preventive maintenance is the name of the game. Don’t wait until you have problems before you call a plumber. Drain maintenance can help prevent clogs and help extend the lifespan of your plumbing system. Let Allstar Plumbing help – our team of professional plumbers can take care of drain cleaning and routine inspections to keep your system going strong year-round. Whether you’re experiencing a slow-moving drain or you want to stay on top of your plumbing system, we can help!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How often should I schedule professional drain maintenance?
A: For most households, annual drain cleanings are sufficient. However, larger homes or those with older plumbing may need maintenance every 6-9 months. A professional plumber can assess your system and recommend the optimal schedule based on your usage and pipe condition.

Q: What are the signs that my drains need cleaning?
A: Slow drainage, gurgling sounds, unpleasant odors, and frequent clogs are common signs that your drains need cleaning. If water backs up into sinks or tubs, or if you experience recurring blockages in the same areas, it’s time for a thorough cleaning.

Q: Can I use chemical drain cleaners instead of calling a plumber?
A: Store-bought chemical cleaners may provide temporary relief, but often do more harm than good. These chemicals can corrode your pipes, especially with repeated use, and they do not address deeper or more stubborn buildup. Professional cleaning is a safer and more effective long-term solution.

Q: Is regular drain maintenance worth the cost?
A: Yes, routine maintenance can prevent costly emergency repairs, water damage, and plumbing system failures. Spending a small amount on scheduled cleanings can save you thousands of dollars in repair bills and property damage over time.

Q: What does professional drain maintenance include?
A: A typical service includes camera inspection, removal of buildup or blockages, and flushing of the entire drain line with safe, high-pressure methods like hydro jetting. Plumbers may also check for leaks, pipe damage, and other hidden issues.