Drain Cleaning Los Angeles is the process of removing any build-up that has collected within a home’s drain pipes. This includes soap scum, hair, fats, oils, and other debris that can cause serious problems.
Many homeowners use chemical drain cleaners or a plunger to unclog their plumbing systems. But these DIY solutions are usually corrosive and may damage the plumbing system.
Clogged drains are among the most common reasons for homeowners to call a plumber. Not only can serious clogs result in a loss of water flow, but they can also cause significant damage to your pipes. The most effective way to prevent clogs is by practicing good habits and regularly performing basic maintenance.
The most common causes of drain clogs are hair, food waste and grease, coffee grounds, and other gunky substances. The best way to prevent these is by regularly flushing your drains with hot water. This will help break down soap scum and dissolve any greasy buildup in your pipes. For extra effectiveness, pour a cup of baking soda into the drain before running the hot water.
It’s also important to avoid dumping any kind of food waste down your sink or garbage disposal. Instead, let the grease cool before putting it in a sealable container for disposal. This will help prevent kitchen drain clogs caused by fat and oils that solidify as they cool. Another simple but effective prevention method is to place a mesh strainer or drain cover over your drains to catch any hair, food particles, and other debris. It’s important to clean and replace these mesh covers regularly.
Foreign objects can also cause major problems with your drains, such as toys that fall into the toilet or pieces of metal from rusty pans that make their way down the kitchen drain. To avoid these issues, be sure to store items away from your drains and toilets, and to keep rags, paper towels, and other items out of the sink and shower.
Regular professional drain cleaning can also prevent clogs by thoroughly cleaning your pipes. One of the most common techniques involves using a hydro-jetter, which blasts water at high pressure. This not only breaks up clogs, but also cleans the inside of your pipes, making it harder for them to clog in the future. This is a great option for anyone who wants to prevent the need for expensive drain-clearing services in the future. If you’re considering having your drains professionally cleaned, be sure to contact a reputable plumbing company.
Prevents Bacteria and Mold
What goes down your drains may seem harmless enough — hair, soap scum, dirt and other organic material — but when it builds up inside your pipes, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and mildew. These organisms love damp, dark places and thrive in the nooks and crannies of your pipe system, where they can hide from your immune system and multiply quickly. When they infiltrate your home, you can suffer from toxic shock, food poisoning and more. If you’re immunocompromised, the effects can be even more serious.
When these bacteria get into your home, they can contaminate your drinking water and cause even more health problems. Regular drain cleaning prevents these organisms from building up inside your pipes and can help ensure that they don’t reach your drinking water supply.
If you’ve already dealt with bacterial contamination in your sink drains, it’s important to schedule regular drain cleaning services to prevent it from happening again. The bacteria can linger in your pipe system even after you’ve cleaned the drain, so you need to keep them at bay.
Mold also loves to grow in damp, dark places like sink drains and pipes. This can be a huge problem for homeowners, as it can cause respiratory issues, such as a runny nose and cough. In addition, it can lead to more severe health conditions, such as a chronic sinus infection or lung disease.
Fortunately, mold growth in your drains is easy to prevent with regular drain cleaning. Many plumbing companies use oxidizing drain cleaners, which contain chemicals that react with the organic material blocking your pipe to decompose it. These cleaners are safer than acidic drain cleaners, which can corrode your pipes.
You should also be sure to clean out your drains regularly to avoid hair buildup, which can also clog your sink. Use a drain brush and baking soda to clear out any visible buildup and regularly flush your drains with hot water. A well-maintained drainage system will last longer and can protect the value of your home, so don’t neglect it!
Prevents Odors
Even if you’re careful about what goes down your drains, food particles, hair, soap scum and grease will still build up over time. This gunk can clog your pipes and, when it does, attracts bacteria that produce foul odors. If you use a sink strainer and are regular about cleaning your drains, this shouldn’t be a problem. But if you have smelly drains, there may be a deeper issue that needs to be addressed.
There are many things that can cause stinky drains, including trapped food and other debris, bacterial growth, empty P-traps and sewer gas infiltration. The best way to address these issues is through regular cleaning and the use of drain-cleaning products.
A good drain cleaner can be found at your local hardware store. Our top pick is Drano Max Gel, which is great for tackling both slow and fast-moving clogs. This product is also eco-friendly and safe for your pipes.
Other popular drain cleaners include baking soda and vinegar. The fizzing reaction they create can loosen built-up gunk and help eliminate odors. To use this method, first pour one cup of baking soda down the drain. Then, add two cups of vinegar. Wait for the fizzing to stop and then rinse with hot water.
Another easy way to prevent odors is by regularly running water down your less-frequently used drains. This will fill the trap and prevent sewer gases from escaping. You can also try pouring a little mineral oil down your drain to slow the evaporation process.
If your smelly drains are caused by a more serious underlying issue, it’s probably time to call in the professionals. A professional can remove the clog and clean out your drains, leaving them fresh and smelling good.
Although there are many different reasons your drains might stink, most of them can be prevented with regular cleaning and the use of sink strainers. Be sure to keep up with your drain cleaning routine and use a natural enzymatic drain cleaner, like the Bio-Clean Drain Septic Bacteria, to avoid a stinky fate. If your drains are already smelling bad, give us a call and we’ll be happy to help.
Prevents Damage
The accumulated debris that causes clogs can lead to water damage that can be costly to repair. Neglecting drain cleaning can also allow harmful bacteria to grow, creating a health hazard for your family or employees. Keeping your drains clean can prevent these issues and keep your property in good condition.
When a drain becomes clogged, it’s usually due to food scraps, hair, grease, soap scum, dirt, or other organic waste that binds together and forms a blockage. These blockages can cause slow-draining or completely stopped drains that can be frustrating and inconvenient. Regular drain cleaning can help prevent clogs and reduce the risk of expensive repairs or replacements.
Clogged drains can lead to overflowing sinks, toilets, and bathtubs that create a mess. They can also cause standing water in the home or business that can ruin floors, walls, and furnishings. Some clogs may even require water to be shut off, causing inconvenience and potentially resulting in costly repairs.
While DIY drain cleaners like chemical solutions and the trusty plunger might work in a pinch, they are not safe for your pipes or the environment. Most of these cleaners contain acid that can eat through the material and points in your pipes. They can also release fumes that are damaging to your health. A better option is enzymatic drain cleaners that are biodegradable and environmentally friendly. We recommend CLR’s Monthly Build-Up Remover because it is non-toxic, free of caustic chemicals, and formulated with natural bacteria to dissolve clogs at their source.
Regularly incorporating these simple steps can dramatically improve the health and function of your home’s plumbing system. If you’re interested in drain cleaning services, call the experts at Frank Gay Services. Our trained technicians can provide you with the best options for your home or business. Call today to schedule an appointment! Our services are available to customers in the greater Pittsburgh area. Our team can install, repair, and maintain your plumbing systems. We understand the importance of proper maintenance, and we are dedicated to helping our customers keep their homes and businesses running smoothly for years to come.