How Often Should You Clean Your Drains?

CONTENTS

• The essentials of drain cleaning
• The frequency of drain cleaning
• DIY vs. Professional drain cleaning methods
• Maintaining your drains between cleanings
• Frequently asked questions
• Get in touch

Blocked drains can be a hassle, causing inconvenience and potential damage to your home or property. If it is a clogged sink, toilet, or shower drain, it can disrupt your daily routine and even lead to more complex issues if left unattended for too long.

At ICE Drainage, we provide various drain cleaning services that can keep your drains free of debris and well-maintained all year round. We use the best tools and solutions, allowing our engineers to fix it efficiently and quickly.

Read on to learn how to maintain your drains between cleaning, ensuring they remain clear and odour-free. 

The essentials of drain cleaning

Understanding common issues with blocked drains begins by recognising the warning signs. These include unpleasant smells, gurgling noises, visible damage, raised water levels in toilets or showers, and sewage backup.

Such symptoms suggest a blockage that needs immediate attention to prevent further complications. Watching for these signs is essential to step in quickly and prevent bigger issues. This can save significant time and money by avoiding more severe drainage problems.

Why regular maintenance matters

Routine drain cleaning plays an essential role in preventing blockages before they occur. Including preventative measures in regular maintenance routines helps keep your drainage system running smoothly. 

Proactively addressing potential issues, rather than just responding to them as they arise, is the key to a seamless drainage system. Adopting such practices ensures the longevity of your drains while keeping odours at bay and reducing the likelihood of unexpected plumbing emergencies.

The frequency of drain cleaning

Maintaining clean drains is crucial for the smooth functioning of plumbing systems and to prevent clogs and blockages.

The frequency at which drains should be cleaned depends on various factors, including usage patterns, the type of plumbing fixtures, and the presence of potential clog-inducing materials.

Regular maintenance schedule

Creating a regular maintenance schedule for drain cleaning is recommended to prevent build-up and blockages. For residential properties, once every few months to annually is best, depending on usage.

High-traffic areas

Drains in high-traffic areas such as kitchens and bathrooms may require more frequent cleaning due to the build-up of food particles, grease, hair, and soap scum. These areas may benefit from monthly or bi-monthly cleaning.

Commercial and industrial settings

Commercial or industrial drains may require frequent cleaning where drains are subjected to heavier usage and potentially harsher materials. Regular inspections and proactive cleaning can help prevent costly plumbing issues and downtime.

Environmental factors

Environmental factors such as hard water, which can cause limescale, may need more frequent cleaning. Similarly, areas with high humidity levels might experience faster mould and mildew growth in drains, requiring more frequent cleaning.

Preventative measures

Implementing preventative measures such as using drain strainers, or screens to catch debris before it enters the pipes can help extend the time between cleanings. 

Professional assessment

It is advisable to have a professional plumber assess the condition of drains often to determine the appropriate cleaning frequency based on specific circumstances. They can also identify any underlying issues that contribute to recurring clogs or slow drainage.

Property owners can maintain efficient plumbing systems and avoid costly repairs by following a regular drain cleaning schedule and taking proactive measures to prevent clogs.

DIY vs. Professional drain cleaning methods

The question of whether to tackle a blocked drain yourself or call in professional help is one many homeowners face. DIY methods, including using a plunger or chemical cleaners can sometimes provide a quick fix for minor blockages. 

However, these makeshift methods might not work for the deeper troubles hiding in your plumbing system. Recognising when it is time to seek professional drain cleaning services comes down to understanding the limitations of DIY approaches. 

For instance, if you are dealing with recurring clogs or notice water backing up regularly, it may be something beyond reach that needs attention. Advanced equipment like high-pressure water jetting is where professionals shine, where tools empty and clean your drains thoroughly.

The real perk of bringing in experts is their skill for pinpointing issues with tech like CCTV scans, paving the way for precise fixes. This precision ensures that the root cause is addressed effectively preventing future recurrences — something DIY methods simply cannot guarantee.

Maintaining your drains between cleanings

Proper disposal practices

To prevent blocked drains, it is crucial to understand what should not go down your sink. Food residue and cooking oils can solidify in pipes, leading to blockages. Use a kitchen drain unblocker regularly to tackle any build-up before it becomes an issue.

Avoid flushing non-biodegradable items like sanitary products or wipes down the toilet. These can cause severe clogs that not even the best sink unblocker might fix. A plumbing auger or an expert drainage solution might be necessary in more challenging scenarios.

Avoid common mistakes that lead to clogs

Many homeowners unknowingly contribute to blockages by pouring grease down kitchen sinks or ignoring hair in shower drains. To combat this, use strainers in sinks and baths and clean them regularly.

If you notice slow water drainage or bad smells coming from your drains, these could be signs of an impending blockage. Simple tools like a plunger or pipe unblocker for immediate relief help until professional help arrives.

Regular inspection routines

Scheduling regular inspections with local professional drain cleaning engineers can save you from unexpected emergencies. This includes overflowing manholes or sewage backup into your home because of blocked drains.

Including CCTV inspections during these visits allows specialists to assess the condition of underground pipes accurately, ensuring they catch potential issues early on and recommend necessary preventive measures accordingly.

To ensure thorough cleanliness post-professional service, ask for evidence of clear flow improvement through before-and-after footage where possible. Adopting tips such as running hot water after each use helps maintain clean drains between specialist interventions.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best method of drain cleaning?

Regular flushing with hot water and mild detergent works for most drains, keeping them clear without harsh chemicals.

What can I pour down my drain to clean it?

Baking soda followed by vinegar and flush with hot water afterwards. If this does not help, call for professional help.

What do plumbers use to unclog drains?

Plumbers often turn to motorised drain snakes or hydro-jetting devices for tough clogs, cutting through blockages efficiently.

What is the best way to deep clean drains?

To deep clean your drains effectively, you must contact a local plumber or reach out to a professional drainage service.

Get in touch

For drain cleaning services, you can rely on our team of engineers at ICE Drainage. Whether you require a one-off drainage solution or a new maintenance contract, we can create a bespoke plan of action to suit you and your drainage system.

To learn more about our drainage services, get in touch with our team today at 020 3376 4801 or [email protected]. We have emergency drainage teams stationed across the UK, operating 24/7, 365 days a year, so you can rely on our services all year round, no matter where you are.