Regular drain maintenance is an often overlooked task of home and business owners. However, having a drainage expert clean and maintain your drainage system regularly is important to prevent blockages, backups and costly repairs in the future. By investing in regular drain maintenance, you can expect to improve the lifespan of your drainage system, reduce the risk of needing emergency drain unblocking, saving yourself money, hassle and smelly drain issues down the line.
What Is Preventative Drain Maintenance?
Preventative drain maintenance is the process of a licenced drainage expert, cleaning your main sewer line regularly, to avoid needing a drain emergency. The drainage company will clean all parts of the drainage system including drain pipe runs, gullies, gutters, downpipes, tanks, pumps, control panels, drain interceptors, grease traps, and foul pits.
Prevents Clogs and Blockages
One of the main reasons for regular preventative drain maintenance is to prevent clogs from occurring within your drainage system. Over time, debris can accumulate in your drainage system, restricting the water flow within the system which can cause sewage to back up within your home or business. Not only is this disruptive due to the smell, but it’s a serious health and safety risk due to harmful bacteria and contaminants.
Increases the Lifespan of Your Drainage System
Like anything, if maintenance and cleaning are fulfilled, something lasts longer. Your drainage system is no different. A neglected drainage system can promote mould growth, and water damage, and increase wear and tear. Without preventative maintenance, you can expect to reduce how long your drainage system works without needing costly repairs, replacements and emergency callouts.
Improves Drain Efficiency
Having your drains cleaned regularly is going to improve the efficiency of how your drainage system works. If it’s cleaned of all debris, water and sewage are going to be able to flow through it much more effectively. Food scraps, hair, soap scum, and toilet paper are common causes of clogging drains. By removing the build-up of these materials regularly, you decrease the risk of a build-up within your pipes.
Prevents Mould Growth
Standing water in your drainage system can be a hotspot for mould and mildew growth, creating a hazardous environment for you and your family and even the structure of your drainage system. If mould growth is left unchecked this can lead to bad odours from your drains, leading to costly repairs.
What are the Signs My Drain Needs Preventative Maintenance?
- Slow drainage – if the water is taking longer than usual to drain from, sinks, showers, and bathtubs
- Bad odours – if foul smells are coming from your drainage system this may be a sign that your drains may be clogged and need cleaning
- Frequent blockages – if your toilet keeps blocking regularly, this suggests there’s a build-up of debris within your drains
- Gurgling noises – unusual gurgling noises and sounds when water is being drained is a sign that there’s air trapped by blockages in the pipes
- Water backups – if you experience water backing up in your sink or bath it’s clear that there’s a blockage which should be treated instantly
- Visible mould – visible mould growth around drains, pipes, or under the sink can be a sign of standing water within your drainage system
What Gets Stuck In a Drainage System?
Various materials get stuck within a drainage system which can lead to clogs, slow drainage and blockages. Here are some of the main materials:
- Hair – it’s common for hair to fall out during a shower, or shaved hair to get stuck within the drain and cause a blockage
- Grease and oil – when poured down the sink, oil can solidify and minimise water restriction
- Food scraps – many people wash food scraps down the kitchen sink which can build up within the pipes
- Soap scum – soap scum is a sticky residue which can build up within the drainage system, leading to blockages and restricted water flow
- Toilet paper and wipes – excessive amounts of toilet paper can lead to clogs and “flushable” wipes don’t break down properly which can block the sewer system
Trent’s Drains Preventative Maintenance
Trent’s Drains is a local drainage company based in Bristol which offers preventative drainage maintenance services for domestic and commercial properties. Having your drains regularly maintained can help avoid costly repairs and emergency call-outs in the future. Contact us today at 0117 453 3802 to schedule our maintenance service.