Blocked Drains? Here’s How to Keep Your Plumbing Clear and Stress-Free
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Imagine you wake up in the morning and find a slow drain or unexpected backup. Well, it ruins your day. Doesn’t it?
But beyond the inconvenience, neglected plumbing can lead to serious and costly water damage. In fact, water damage is the second leading cause of property insurance claims in the U.S., with the average claim totaling around $12,500. And to make matters worse, roughly 1 in 50 insured homes file a water damage claim every year.
On top of that, over 1 trillion gallons of water are wasted annually due to leaky pipes, faucets, and sprinkler systems. So, keeping your drains clear is not just about convenience. Besides, it is a smart way to protect your home, your wallet, and the environment.
Having said that, this article is here to tell you how you can keep your home’s drain clean and flowing smoothly. So, without further delay, dive in!
What Causes Clogs?
If you have a basic understanding of clogs, it helps you prevent them before they create larger issues. Some of the most common causes include the following:
Hair and soap scum in bathroom drains.
Food scraps, grease, and oils in kitchen sinks.
Mineral buildup from hard water over time.
Flushed foreign objects, such as wipes, floss, or cotton swabs.
Tree roots are infiltrating underground sewer lines.
Among these, grease is particularly dangerous. When fats, oils, and grease (FOG) harden inside pipes, they cling to pipe walls and catch passing debris. As a result, they eventually form massive blockages, or "fatbergs."
These can severely restrict flow and require more than DIY efforts to resolve. If your home frequently experiences slow drainage, backups, or recurring clogs, it may be time to consult experts in drain cleaning.
Why Professional Drain Cleaning Matters
A plunger or baking soda-vinegar combo may help with minor clogs. However, persistent or recurring problems usually signal deeper issues. For example, if you deal with:
Cracked or offset drain lines.
Tree root invasions.
Grease buildup that DIY methods can not remove.
Corrosion or collapsed pipes.
This is where professional drain cleaning becomes crucial. These days, trusted companies, like Smart Choice Plumbing, use cutting-edge techniques such as:
Live video inspections to pinpoint the exact source of a clog.
High-pressure hydro-jetting to blast away years of debris and buildup.
Snaking or augering tools for non-invasive clog removal.
Unlike chemical drain cleaners that can corrode your pipes, professional equipment is safe and thorough. Moreover, this is tailored to your plumbing system.
Along with that, these professionals go beyond clearing clogs. They can assist with drain clog repair, fixing your drain line, replacing deteriorated sections, and recommending upgrades to prevent future damage. That, too, all while ensuring compliance with local plumbing codes.
Drain-Saving Habits Every Homeowner Should Know
After this professional cleaning, you do not have to wait until another drain clog occurs. In fact, a few small and consistent habits can go a long way in preventing future blockages and protecting your plumbing system. Have a look below to know!
Use drain screens or catchers: These inexpensive filters trap hair and food particles before they cause clogs. Keep in mind to clean them frequently.
Dispose of grease properly: Pour cooled grease into a disposable container and toss it in the trash — never down the sink.
Flush with hot water weekly: Pouring boiling water down kitchen sinks once a week can help loosen buildup.
Use natural cleaners: A monthly flush with baking soda and vinegar, followed by hot water, helps maintain a fresh and functional drain.
Avoid flushing foreign items: Only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed. Even “flushable” wipes are a major culprit in blockages.
Clean your garbage disposal: Run cold water and grind citrus peels occasionally to prevent odor and buildup.
Check outdoor drains and gutters: Leaves, dirt, and debris can clog exterior drains just like indoor ones. Clean them out seasonally, especially before heavy rain.
All in all, these habits, when combined with periodic professional inspection, can extend the life of your pipes. Thus, keep your home running smoothly.
To Sum It All Up!
Clear drains do more than just prevent messes. In fact, they protect your home, your health, and your budget. With water damage claims climbing into five figures and grease-related blockages clogging nearly half the nation’s sewers, proactive maintenance is one of the smartest investments you can make.
So, whether it is adopting better habits or calling in professionals for a stubborn clog, do not wait until you’re ankle-deep in water. Stay ahead of the problem, and keep your home running smoothly.
