Photo By Gabor Kenyeres at Shutterstock

Owning a home comes with a lot of different responsibilities, but dealing with plumbing problems is one of the toughest parts. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent plumbing problems and save yourself time and money when it comes to taking care of your Chattanooga, TN, home. One of the best ways to keep your plumbing system in good shape is to make sure you’re keeping your drains clean. If you’re not sure how to prevent clogs so you don’t have to call a drain cleaning service, here are some tips to help you out.

What Causes Clogs?

If you don’t want to deal with a clogged drain in your home, you need to figure out what’s causing those clogs in the first place so you can prevent them. Clogs are caused by different things in different areas of your home, so it’s important to think about what you put down different drains.

One simple way to avoid having to call a drain cleaning service is to put less food in your garbage disposal. Garbage disposals are designed to be a last line of defense to break up any leftover food waste, not a replacement for your garbage can.

As far as your toilet goes, “flushable” wipes are the big thing to stay away from. These wipes are made from tougher paper that doesn’t break down in your drains, leading to clogs that will have to be manually removed.

Shower and bathroom sink clogs are usually caused by a combination of hair and soap that builds up in the drain. While this can be a tough one to avoid, finding a different spot to shave or installing a drain catch is a good start.

Drain Cleaners

Another thing you have to understand is what you should do when a drain starts to slow down or clog up a bit. The most common solution to a minor drain clog is a drain cleaner, but you need to make sure you’re choosing the right one. Using the wrong drain cleaner could leave you paying for a lot more than a simple drain cleaning service.

Chemical drain cleaners such as Drano are the most popular option for homeowners throughout the world, but they’re not the best choice. These drain cleaners contain harsh chemicals that create a reaction in your pipe, which leads to excess heat that can damage the pipes. Plus, these chemicals aren’t very effective at removing clogs.

An enzyme-based drain cleaner is the best way to go if you want to prevent clogs and pipe damage. You can use an enzyme-based cleaner as often as you’d like because the enzymes don’t cause a reaction or corrode the pipe. If you’re looking for a simple monthly treatment you can do to keep your drains clean and avoid calling a drain cleaning service, picking up an enzyme-based drain cleaner is definitely worth it.

Dangers of Clogs

A clogged drain might not seem like a very big deal to some homeowners, but it’s the long-term problems that can really affect your Chattanooga, TN, home. This is why it’s so important to make sure you’re hiring a drain cleaning service anytime you have a bad clog that you can’t get out on your own.

The first problem with drain clogs is the fact that they slow down the drainage of water in your home. This isn’t always a big problem, but there are times when that slow drainage makes it nearly impossible to use certain fixtures. There are even cases when a lack of water drainage can lead to flooding in your home, which can cause a substantial amount of water damage.

Perhaps the biggest reason to call a drain cleaning professional before you let clogs get too bad is the fact that they can cause a sewage backup. Not only is a sewage backup one of the grossest problems you can have in your home, they can also be very dangerous if handled wrong. If you do end up with a sewage backup, make sure you call a plumber before you touch anything yourself.

Should You Hire a Drain Cleaning Service?

The best thing you can do if you want to prevent drain clogs is take the time to think about what you’re putting down drains. If your drains do start to slow down a bit, you can use a good drain cleaner to reduce the clog and improve water drainage. However, it’s also important to know what to do if all the basic tricks you’re trying aren’t working.

If you can’t seem to get clogged removed with a drain cleaner or a plunger, the first thing you should do is call a drain cleaning service. The only way to remove these clogs is to do so manually, and you don’t want to risk that on your own. A plumber can use a snake or auger to get deep down in your drain pipes and knock out any clogs.

Speaking of drain cleaning services, it’s a good idea to hire one every few years. Even if you’re trying your best to keep your drains clean, there’s always going to be some buildup in them. Having a professional clean your drains every once in a while helps keep clogs small and easy to deal with.

We Can Help

At Metro Plumbing, Heating and Air, we know how tough it can be to do all the little things that help keep your home in good condition. This is why we’re glad to help with anything from HVAC maintenance and repairs to plumbing service and more. If you’re in need of a professional drain cleaning service, we’ve got you covered. Plus, we can give you tips to help keep your drains clean for longer. Next time you need a drain unclogged, call Metro Plumbing, Heating and Air at (423) 668-0507.