The Importance Of Clean Drains

Clean drains are essential for effectively disposing of wastewater. When buildup occurs, it obstructs water flow, leading to potential clogs and blockages. And using acid-based or off-the-shelf drain cleaners can corrode your pipes, leading to costly repairs.

In this post, the team here at Bob Oates Sewer & Rooter will detail steps you can take to maintain clean and efficient drains. 

We’ll also explain why utilizing professional drain cleaning services at regular intervals is a great strategy to keep your property’s plumbing and sewer lines running strong for a long time.

Let’s get to it!

Why Is It Important to Have Clean Drains?

Clean drains keep your plumbing happy and healthy. If you ignore keeping your drains cleared of any accumulations, they will become clogged and blockages will occur, meaning more problems for you to deal with.

And it may go beyond clogged pipes! The lack of proactive drain maintenance can result in pressure imbalances, and even cracked or ruptured pipes. Common clogs to address ASAP occur in sinks, toilets, showers, laundry drains, roof gutters, and outdoor pipes.

What Clogs Drains?

Here’s a compact list of the most common culprits:

• Kitchen drains: Food particles and grease
• Shower drains: Soap scum and hair
• Toilets: Paper towels and non-flushable items
• Roof gutters: Twigs and leaves (clean twice a year to prevent damage)

Let’s now move on to some useful tips any homeowner (or business owner) can apply to help ensure their drains remain ship-shape.

Simple Steps to Maintain Healthy Pipes

To keep your drains clear and minimize the need for professional cleaning, consider the following preventive measures:

Be Mindful of What Goes Down the Drains

Small food particles often end up in the sink while washing dishes. Although it’s difficult to avoid entirely, scraping leftovers into the garbage before washing can significantly reduce debris in your drains.

Avoid Flushing Non-Flushable Items

Items like condoms and sanitary napkins should never be flushed down the toilet. These products can accumulate in your sewer pipes and cause blockages.

Use a Drain Catcher

Installing a drain catcher can help prevent larger particles from entering your drains, significantly reducing the risk of clogs.

Regularly Pour Hot Water Down the Drains

Pouring boiling water down the drain every other day can help dissolve minor clogs and is a safer alternative to chemical drain cleaners.

Note: Keep in mind that store-bought drain cleaners often offer only a temporary solution, typically lasting about a week. You might find yourself dealing with the same clogs again in just a few days.

Enhancing Your Home’s Pipes with Professional Drain Cleaning

Using professional drain cleaning services is a fast and highly effective way to thoroughly cleanse your pipes, extending their lifespan. 

As your trusted Seattle plumber, the team at Bob Oates can provide a clear explanation of the process, the time required, the cost involved, and the numerous benefits. For optimal performance, we recommend scheduling a check-up at least once a year for general maintenance.

And, in contrast to the off-the-shelf chemical cleaners mentioned above, a hydro-jetting session performed by our skilled technicians can keep your drains clear for six months or longer. 

Let’s explain how in detail. 

How It Works 

During a professional drain cleaning service, our experts use specialized equipment, including a high-pressure hose and a water tank, to flush out debris from your sewer pipes. 

This process involves pumping water through the drains at around 20 gallons per minute, effectively clearing out the dirt and debris — including a Pacific Northwest favorite, tree roots — as well as hair, oil, or other waste.

Once the cleaning is complete, a sewer camera inspection is conducted to ensure all blockages are removed and the pipes are in optimal condition. 

This thorough approach not only resolves current issues but also helps prevent future problems in your sewer line, keeping your plumbing system running smoothly. And our techs can complete the entire procedure easily within one afternoon.

Professional Drain Cleaning Services with Bob Oates

At Bob Oates, we’re a family-run business with decades of experience serving communities from Shoreline to Tacoma to our friends in Bellevue and the entire Eastside. 

We take pride in offering homeowners expert advice on plumbing and drain maintenance, much of which can be easily done at home.

We hope this post helps you understand the importance of clean drains. And we’re here for any further questions you may have, or to schedule a professional drain cleaning service — call or contact our experts today!