Preventive drain cleaning helps to keep disasters at bay. However, there are actually a few things you should think about before you start scheduling regular appointments with a plumber.
The Big Benefits of a Flush
Over time, things such as hair, soap scum, and grease build up on the inside of your pipes. If you get a professional to flush these out every year or two, the water always moves fast. You never have to deal with that annoying puddle around your ankles in the shower.
Pipes that aren’t cleaned regularly can start to grow bacteria that produce foul odors. When you clear out the organic waste, you are making your home a much fresher place to breathe.
The Reality of Maintenance Costs
Routine drain cleaning does come with a cost, and some homeowners don’t like to spend money on preventive action. This is especially true if you haven’t dealt with drain clogs in recent years. However, it’s also worth considering that paying for a single, annual visit from a plumber is typically cheaper than paying for a large-scale plumbing repair that comes with a broken or severely damaged drain pipe.
The Risk of Overworking Your Pipes
Cleaning your drains too often or using the wrong methods can actually wear out your plumbing faster than if you just left it alone. If a plumber uses high-pressure water jetting on very old, brittle pipes, the force could actually cause a weak spot to burst. This is especially true in older homes where the metal has already been thinned out by decades of use and salty water.
You have to trust that the person doing the work knows exactly how much pressure your specific system can handle without snapping a joint or a seal. For example, a house built in the 1950s with cast iron pipes needs a much softer touch than a brand-new house with thick plastic plumbing.
If you have a house full of people with long hair or kids who accidentally flush things they shouldn’t, a little prevention can prove to be a lifesaver. On the other hand, if you live alone and are very careful about what goes into your sinks, you can probably wait much longer between professional visits. A good middle ground is to have a plumber come out once every few years just to run a camera through the lines to see what is actually happening down there. This way, you aren’t guessing about the health of your pipes and can make a smart choice based on real evidence instead of just fear. If you have concerns or require drain cleaning services, contact TNT in Savannah, GA.
