Your drain and sewer system is one of those things that you probably don’t think about too much, but which is very important for keeping your home operating properly. If you allow your drain and sewer system to degrade, you’re going to have to deal with a lot more issues throughout the home. One of the best ways to keep your drain and sewer system in good condition is to schedule drain cleaning services. There are certain signs that you should look for that indicate that you need to have your drains cleaned. You should know what to look for regarding these signs.
Lime Scale
One of the common issues that can affect drains is the buildup of lime scale. Lime scale is a kind of mineral deposit, formed from calcium and magnesium. It’s the result of hard water coming into contact with a surface over a long period of time. Hard water is just water with a high level of those two minerals in it. As the hard water flows through the pipe, it deposits these minerals on the pipe walls. Eventually, these deposits build up into lime scale, which is large enough to restrict the flow of water through the pipe. It’s not just pipes that are affected by this, though. Any surface that is exposed to hard water over a long enough period of time will start to develop lime scale. Keep an eye out for any white, chalky deposits around your faucets, or in your shower. That’s lime, and if you have it in those areas you almost certainly have it in your pipes. You should schedule drain cleaning services as soon as you notice this.
Bad Smells
This is most common in kitchen drains, which deal with a lot of food waste. Bad smells coming out of drains could indicate a couple of different things. It’s possible that the water trap in the pipe has dried up after a long period of idleness. It’s also possible that there is a blockage in the sewer vent, forcing gasses back up through the drains. That’s probably only the case if you have horrible smells coming out of every drain in your house, though. The most likely cause, though, is a simple buildup of waste in your drain pipe. If the buildup is especially bad, it can start to give off a stench. It’s a good idea to have a professional clean your drains if they are giving off a bad smell.
Time
It’s important to remember that even if you don’t notice anything wrong with your drains, it’s a good idea to have them cleaned every once in a while. Preventive drain cleaning will clean out any blockages that are already forming, and prevent further blockages from forming in the future. It’s a good idea to schedule preventive drain cleaning at least once a year.
Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling offers comprehensive drain cleaning services in North Wales, PA. If you need drain cleaning services, contact us today for an appointment.