Don't Delay, Clean Your Drains!

don't delay, clean your drains!

What’s the Importance of Drain Cleaning?

Homeowners tend to look over the little things when it comes to home repairs. One thing they think is minor is actually quite major: their drain system. Most people don’t think to clean it until it’s too late and the water won’t go down. 

Cleaning the drains when needed helps improve the life of the drain and prevents leaks. When chemical deposits build up in the drains, it can cause corrosion, leading to cracked pipes and eventually leaking. Additionally, cleaning the drains can prevent foul odors. Drains can have a buildup of mold and bacteria if they aren’t taken care of, producing those awful smells coming from the drain. 

Lack of Clogs & Speedy Drains

It’s a no-brainer that clean drains will result in speedy drainage and reduced clogs. One of the most noticeable benefits of drain cleaning is quick drainage. The water won’t remain in the drain or slowly gurgle as it flows down the pipe if it’s free from blockages. When a homeowner hears the dreaded gurgle, that means the drain could be partially obstructed. 

When it comes to kitchen drains or other fixtures, there’s less chance of overflow or freestanding water appearing. This is especially important for toilet drains. Keeping those clean will prevent backflow, which is when the sewer backs up into the toilet. 

Odor & Repair ReductionWoman holding her nose, reacting to unpleasant odor, emphasizing the importance of clean drains to prevent foul smells in plumbing.

Not only do clean drains make water disposal quicker and prevent clogs, but it also prevents odors and possible repairs. When drains aren’t cleaned, they tend to build up with bacteria. The bacteria can live on the hair in the drain, soap film, toothpaste, and other remnants living in the drain. This causes a vile odor that’s rather unpleasant. Even worse, homeowners might get used to it.

In addition to reducing odors, cleaning drains can lead to a reduction in repairs. An unfortunate side effect of not cleaning drains is damage to the home. This can happen as a result of burst pipes and overflowing toilets and sinks from clogs. The damage can leak wastewater throughout the home, causing a mess and a health hazard. It can lead to discoloration of floors and walls, and it’s costly to repair. 

Can You Use Liquid Drain Cleaner?

If a homeowner is in a pinch and can’t get a plumber, they can use a liquid drain cleaner, but not too often. Chemical drain cleaners can damage the pipes and cause more harm than good. If there’s a visible clog that homeowners can’t undo or there’s an odor coming from the drains, it’s best to get in touch with a local professional plumber. 

Close-up of a drain with water flowing, representing plumbing maintenance and the importance of clean drains to prevent clogs and home damage.

When a plumber is called in, they’ll use a drain snake to remove a clog if a plunger won’t do the job. They may also utilize a camera system to see exactly how far into the drain the clog is and determine the necessary solution. 

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating is based out of Colorado Springs, CO. They are a veteran family-owned & operated company that offers fast & reliable 24/7 service. They don’t charge after-hour fees and have a variety of coupons available on their website. Contact them to schedule expert drain cleaning today! 

3 Methods for Getting Rid of Blocked Drains

methods for getting rid of blocked drains
Open drain cover revealing a dark, empty drainage pipe, surrounded by gravel, illustrating common plumbing issues like blocked drains.

Blocked Drains Be Gone!

There are always surprises when it comes to owning a home. Everything is working as it should be until the pipes start leaking, the hot water stops flowing, or the drains start slowing. Slow and blocked drains can be a real hassle. They are a common problem caused by hair, dirt, mineral buildup, or other things that get caught in the drain and stop water from flowing well. Blocked drains cause dirty water to set onto the sink bowl or the shower or tub floor. 

In this article, homeowners can learn about the best methods to get rid of blocked drains when they happen.

Snaking the DrainPlumber using a drain snake to clear a blocked kitchen sink, showcasing plumbing tools and kitchen setting.

In the case of a blocked drain, one of the first products homeowners turn to is liquid drain cleaner. However, these contain harsh chemicals that can be hazardous to a person's health and can even damage the plumbing system. Therefore, it's best to avoid these types of products and use different methods like snaking to clear the drains.

A drain snake is a flexible device that can maneuver inside pipes to catch and clear out clogs that may block them. Plumbers will insert the snake into the pipes and rotate the device to grab hold of the clog and pull it out. While it's an easy tool to use, there are some potential pitfalls for homeowners that try to snake drains by themselves. If not used properly, the snake could push the clog further down the pipe, where it becomes harder to reach and remove. Therefore, it's best to let a professional plumber handle the snaking process. 

Hydrojetting the PipesIllustration of hydrojetting process in plumbing pipes, featuring high-pressure water jets clearing clogs and buildup effectively.

Hydrojetting is another popular option that is safe and effective for the plumbing system. It's a more eco-friendly cleaning option since only water is used to clear the clogs rather than chemicals or other materials. The method sprays a blast of high-pressure water into the plumbing pipes, which forcefully clears out clogs and removes any other buildup. 

Hydrojetting is commonly used to clean out sewer lines, but it can be used on any clog, whether in a sink, a shower, toilets, or other plumbing mechanisms. As mentioned, it's very safe for pipes, but only when handled by the right people. High-pressure water is more powerful than most people think; it's strong enough to cut through metal! And when it's not in the right hands, it can open holes in the pipes and plumbing system. Only trained professionals should execute hydrojetting to ensure that the plumbing system remains safe and intact.

A Temporary Solution with Baking Soda & VinegarBaking soda and vinegar in labeled containers, commonly used as a temporary DIY solution for clogged drains in plumbing.

When homeowners are looking for a plumbing solution, they often turn to the DIY options. In the case of blocked drains, baking soda and vinegar are commonly used as a solution. When these ingredients get mixed, they create a chemical reaction to help remove clogs and buildup that exist in the drain. However, homeowners should know that this solution is only temporary and won't work against larger, tougher clogs that may be at play. Plumbing professionals would only recommend this method to give some initial relief until a long-term solution can be implemented.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating is a local Colorado Springs, CO plumbing company dedicated to providing top-quality service for its customers for over two decades. They believe that being a great plumber means more than just having a license and the right tools. It's also about providing exceptional service, and B&L plumbing offers both.