Homeowners typically do not give their drains any thought until they have a problem. For instance, the bathtub may be backed up, or the sink may take a long time to empty. When your drains are working properly, something critical is taking place because they are removing water and waste from your home to ensure that your environment remains safe and sanitary.
All your drains are connected to your sewer line, which is connected to either a municipal sewer system or a septic tank. Even the smallest and least-used drain plays a vital role.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Slow Drains
You may not feel like a slow drain is a big deal. After all, the water is still emptying. However, the opposite is actually true since grease, hair, soap scum, and other debris are clinging to the insides of your pipes, and a blockage will eventually form that can lead to a full-on backup. When a complete backup occurs, you have a huge problem on your hands.
If you ignore the early signs, you risk eventually contending with property damage. Water can damage your floors and cabinets. This can cost you thousands of dollars to repair, especially if you need mold remediation services.
If blockages are severe enough, your pipes can burst. This is because the wastewater has nowhere to go. You will not only have to pay to fix the ruined plumbing, but you will also need to clean up the mess.
Drains and Your Health
When the plumbing is working, life is more convenient, and there are health benefits as well. If you allow waste to remain in your home for too long, mold and bacteria can grow, which can have a negative impact on the health of you and your family. If a sewer line backs up, it can bring dangerous germs into your living space because even minimal exposure can be serious. Inhaling fumes from raw sewage can inflame the airways and lungs, and physical contact can cause skin and eye irritation. Organ failure can occur in the most severe cases.
Some drains, especially those in your sinks, have traps. These are curved pipes that hold a little water to create a barrier that keeps sewer gas from coming up through the pipes and into your home. If those traps dry out, you will more than likely smell odors from the sewer, which is definitely not pleasant. It is vital to keep water flowing so that these traps can function as designed.
Small Habits Make a Big Difference
You do not have to have a professional plumbing license to take care of your drains. All you must do is adopt good habits. For instance, throw all your food into the trash can instead of allowing it to go down your sink. Use drain catchers in your kitchen and bathroom drains, and clean them monthly with white vinegar and baking soda followed by boiling water.
Plumbers recommend that you have your drains inspected and cleaned regularly. Once each year will suffice. This service will clean your pipes thoroughly and get rid of any blockages that may be starting to form. For professional drain cleaning for your Ventura, CA home, reach out to the friendly and experienced team at Advanced Plumbing & Leak Detection.
