Most of us see drains as the things that do the cleaning for us. After all, they allow all of our used and dirty water to disappear from sight, right? But obviously, all of the waste that goes down our drains has to go somewhere. As you can imagine, much of it can get stuck along the way. Do you tend to go long durations of time without cleaning your drains? Avoiding this small task can have big consequences.
Recurring clogs and complete blockages.
Have you ever noticed that your sink is draining a lot slower than usual? Who hasn’t, right? Keep in mind that, over time, soap scum, food particles, hair, grease and other debris build up in your pipes. If all of this guck isn’t cleared regularly, it creates a buildup that reduces the flow of water. Eventually, drainage can be blocked completely.
Complete blockages are disruptive. A clogged kitchen sink can leave you unable to cook or clean. A blocked shower drain can turn your bathroom into a smelly swamp. To prevent clogs and blockages, make use of drain strainers in your showers and kitchen sinks. It’s also a good idea to flush your drains monthly with a mix of baking soda and vinegar.
Foul odours and unsanitary conditions.
When you don’t clean your drains, you can really stink up your house. If you have unpleasant smells emanating from your kitchen or bathroom, it’s a sign you have trapped organic material decomposing in your drains. When grease, food and soap scum break down, they release odours that can quickly take over your home. Even worse, stagnant water and buildup can encourage the development of mould and bacteria.
As Health Canada affirms, mould growth in the home can lead to eye, nose and throat irritation; coughing and mucous (phlegm) build-up; wheezing and shortness of breath; worsening of asthma symptoms; and other allergic reactions. “Regularly clean and disinfect anything that holds water,” their website instructs. As well, avoid pouring grease down the kitchen sink and flush your drains with hot water weekly.
Water damage and costly repairs.
Blocked pipes can lead to leaks, burst pipes or even flooding, especially if pressure builds up behind a blockage. The resulting water damage can affect walls, floors, ceilings and even your home’s foundation. Perhaps, the best way to avoid such damage is to eliminate the steps that would clog them in the first place.
The City of Toronto website reminds us of the items to never pour down our drains. They include fats, oils, cooking grease, liquid medications, paints, pesticides, cleaning products, motor oil and antifreeze. “When fats, oils, and grease are washed down the sink or toilet into the plumbing system, they cool, harden and stick to the inside of sewer pipes,” informs the site.
Do you need your drains professionally cleaned?
For clean, clog-free drains throughout your home, turn to the drain cleaning professionals 2 Bro’s Plumbing! Proudly serving Durham Region since 2015, we provide comprehensive drain cleaning services to remove buildup and ensure smooth water flow. Our family-owned business is known for its reliable, professional service and commitment to customer satisfaction. From kitchen sinks to shower drains, we tackle every job with precision and care.
Please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 905-556-0790 or email us at admin@2brosplumbing.ca today!
