The average homeowner doesn’t give their drains any thought until they appear blocked, have a foul odour, or are overflowing. By that time you may already be dealing with a major blockage. 

One key way to prevent the hassle of dealing with this is to opt for the routine drain cleaning Melbourne plumbers offer. Regular drain cleaning should be an essential part of your monthly and seasonal property maintenance. 

Prevent Major Drain Issues

There are many simple but practical reasons to keep your drains clean. Our experts share the most significant. 

Prevents Slow Draining and Potential Clogs

Clogs and slow draining are the first signs that your drain is experiencing a problem. Therefore, regular cleaning to ensure that these don’t happen is essential. Clogs and blockages usually occur when debris accumulates in the drainage system.

Regular cleaning will highlight any potential issues before they become critical. When cleaning your drains, be sure to check the rate at which water drains. Look inside the drain to ensure that no blockages or debris should be removed. Pouring hot water into your drains will help to loosen minor clogs made up of soap suds and oil. 

Reduces the Risk of Water Damage

One of the worst side effects of a blocked drain is the water that flows out of the blocked drain and into your home or property. Resolving this can be time-consuming and costly. Avoid this by regularly cleaning your drains. This cleaning process should also involve pouring hot water and vinegar down indoor sinks to ensure a blockage isn’t building up there. 

Increase the Potential Lifespan of Your Plumbing Fixtures

A blocked drain isn’t only a problem when it starts overflowing. When water is left to stagnate in the drain pipes it can cause rust, corrosion, and additional damage. Clean your drains as part of your preventative maintenance to reduce the likelihood of damaged fixtures, fittings, and pipes. 

Reduces Foul Odours Rising From the Drain

Just because you can’t see a clog in the part of the pipe you’re looking at, doesn’t mean it’s not there. Clogs further down in the pipes can cause foul odours to rise through the drain. You can prevent this by cleaning your drains and pipes to remove as much waste and debris as possible. 

Using cleaning materials such as vinegar and bicarbonate of soda will help to break down the debris that causes foul odours. You can also speak to your local plumber about the right chemicals to use for your specific plumbing system. If cleaning doesn’t work to reduce odours, it’s essential to speak to your plumber about an assessment of your drainage system. 

Prevents the Growth of Bacteria and Mould

You may think that water in the drain is fine as long as it’s not overflowing into your home. Or, as long as the issue is outside, it’s not all that bad. However, it’s important to point out that standing water (no matter where) creates the ideal breeding ground for bacteria, mould, and mildew. This poses a health risk for everyone in the household and can aggravate respiratory conditions such as asthma.  

Speak to Your Plumber for Assistance 

Blocked drains are often difficult to clear on your own. This is especially the case if you can’t see the blockage and all your DIY tricks don’t appear to work. Fortunately, plumbers have the tools and skills to assist you with dealing with every type of blocked drain. 

In this instance, your plumber will have to resort to a series of measures to locate and eradicate the issue. Some of these measures include the following:

• Specialised drain cameras are used to inspect drains and locate the blockage. Navitrack is used to locate the position of the camera head. 
• Drain-clearing machines are used to clear small and large pipes. Linetracer is used to locate the cable of the drain-clearing machines. 
• Water jets are used to blast stuck debris down the pipes.
• If necessary, plumbers will suggest excavating and replacement of drains. 
• Drains can also be relined using trenchless technology. 
• In instances where roots are the cause of continuous blockages, the plumber will recommend using RootX to delay or stop the regrowth of tree roots in drains. 
• Deep sewer drain repair, maintenance, and cleaning work is also done as part of preventative maintenance. 

It’s essential to speak to your plumber about the various preventative maintenance programs that you can invest in. This will ensure that your drains are routinely checked and cleaned and that other aspects of your plumbing infrastructure are checked for damages and worn components. Doing this will ensure that potential issues are identified and repaired before they become a major emergency.

Final Thoughts

While it may seem like a mundane task, regularly cleaning your drains will prevent issues such as clogs and slow drains. It will also reduce the risk of water damage when the drains overflow. Plumbers recommend cleaning your drains at least once a month to avoid costly repairs. You’ll be glad you added this task to your seasonal maintenance list!