Did you know that a simple ⅛-inch fracture in your piping is all it takes for a plumbing emergency to form? This size split in a draining system can leak 250 gallons of water every day!
There is really no such thing as a “small” plumbing problem. Small problems have big consequences, and always lead to emergencies when overlooked.
But what’s the best way to care for your drains? What do you need to check for? How often should you get a cleaning? If you’re asking these questions, you’re on the right track. It’s smart to consider a professional autumn drain clearing before the cold of winter hits.
Here’s our guide to the how and why of drainage systems.
Why Drain Clearing Is Important
The core purpose of getting your drains cleaned is to be proactive about your home’s small blockages that are inevitable, but small blockages can become big problems when left unattended. Major blockages can cause even bigger drainage issues that will cost you time and money.
Another major benefit of getting your drains professionally cleaned is improving the smell in your home or business. Sometimes no amount of bleach or air freshener can cover-up a massive, rotting or decomposing chunk of waste and debris in your drainage system. The only way to remedy the pain is through the pain, or so they say.
An indoor and outdoor drain clearing can add value to your property by making it cleaner. Strange, unsanitary things can cause blockages in systems. Add sewer build-up to this and your home could become polluted with bacteria and other toxic particles. We can’t stress enough how much having your drainage system cleaned regularly saves you in the long run. Drain issues can lead to costly repairs that are not only expensive during normal work hours but are astronomical during emergency hours.
Spring or Fall Drain Cleaning? How Do You Know When It’s The Right Time?
We suggest having your drains inspected and professionally cleaned every year. You should personally clean your drains once every month with a basic vinegar and baking soda remedy, to help with debris clearing from outdoor drains and to keep the system flowing. But there are some tell-tale signs that you’ve got a deep drainage issue that needs to be assessed by a professional.
Signs you need a professional drain clearing:
- Water is draining sluggishly in your shower, sink or washing machine.
- Standing water that just won’t drain all of the way.
- Scary sounds and rumblings coming from your plumbing.
- Insects like fruit flies making more of an appearance in your home, especially in areas near drains.
- Unpleasant or unusual odors near drains.
What Happens During a Professional Indoor and Outdoor Drain Clearing?
Simply put, a plumber likely has a lot more experience than you do unclogging drains. There’s a lot of trade knowledge in this profession that only comes through first-hand experience. A professional will be able to diagnose an issue quickly, based on system symptoms that you might not know to look for. A lot of do-it-yourself types will attempt to avoid calling a professional by fixing the problem themselves. This usually leads to them paying for a professional in the end, along with spending a lot of time and money on tactics and products that don’t work. They also run the risk of worsening the problem, without really understanding the core issue.
One huge benefit to calling a plumber is their access to professional equipment, and their know-how to operate it. There’s really nothing on the market for non-professionals that compares to the use of tools like a motorized drain auger, fiber optic cable-mounted cameras that look through drain pipes, and a hydro-jetter.
During a professional plumbing storm drain cleaning an expert will review the system for leaks, look for signs of corrosion, monitor water pressure, backflow and how the system operates.
The True Cost of Emergency Plumbing Problems
Many people avoid routine maintenance because of the cost. We understand that it can be difficult to see the value in routine maintenance, without seeing a direct problem fixed. Some people might feel like they’re just wasting money by having someone look at something they could easily do themselves. But this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Here are some interesting cost statistics from HomeGuide that show that you’re actually saving yourself money in the long run, by undergoing routine drain care.
- The average cost for fixing leaking pipes is $150 to $850, depending on the size and location of the leak. Where repairing a pipe burst will cost $400 to $1,500 and a slab leak repair will cost $500 to $2,000.
- The average clogged drain repair will cost anywhere from $150 to $250. The cost to replace your bathtub and shower from water damage averages between $750 and $4,500.
- A sewer line cleaning costs $75 to $450. However, a sewer main line repair will cost $1,880 to $3,700 and a septic tank repair will cost $500 to $2,700.
Is it Time to Schedule an Autumn Drain Clearing?
Thinking about getting a fall drain clearing? Consult a professional who has the appropriate certifications. Don’t fall victim to “can’t believe it” local drain clearing promotions. We provide local drain clearing in Westchester County performed by experienced, licensed plumbers who care about providing effective and friendly service. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!
