Drains. They’re an overlooked yet essential part of our daily lives. From washing dishes to taking showers, we rely on our drains and plumbing systems a lot. But it isn’t until there’s a problem that most of us think about them!
As with anything we discuss here in this blog, drain cleaning and plumbing are required for your drains to function properly. Neglecting them, as you may be aware, can lead to clogs, slow drainage, and worse—much worse.
So, let’s avoid those issues, shall we? Today, we will explore some of the more common mistakes homeowners make with their drains and offer a few DIY maintenance tips. But not before we look at the fascinating history of how modern drain systems came to be!
Ready? Let’s get started.
The History of Drains: From Ancient Civilizations to Modern Homes
The concept of drains is far from new—even though they feel like a modern luxury.
Early civilizations recognized the importance of managing wastewater. As a result, several impressive drainage systems were created long before the advent of modern plumbing. The ancient Indus Valley Civilization (circa 2500 BCE) is one of the earliest examples, with cities like Mohenjo-Daro featuring intricate drainage systems, including covered drains made of brick. These early systems were designed to carry wastewater away from homes and public spaces to maintain sanitation and prevent disease.
As civilizations progressed, so did the complexity of their drainage systems. Ancient Rome, for instance, designed their famous Cloaca Maxima, one of the oldest and most advanced sewage systems ever built, which helped drain the marshlands of Rome and carry away wastewater from homes and public baths. The Roman Empire even built public restrooms!
Fast forward to the 19th century, and say, "hello!" to the Industrial Revolution. This phase in our history brought indoor plumbing to the masses. Homes began to be equipped with modern drains. The introduction of household plumbing, complete with separate drainage systems for waste and wastewater, drastically improved living conditions by promoting sanitation and cleanliness.
Common Drain Clogs: What You Should Avoid
When it comes to keeping your drains in good working order, the key is knowing what not to put down them. Many homeowners unknowingly contribute to future clogs or blockages simply by disposing of the wrong materials down their sinks and toilets, like:
Cooking Oils and Grease
Whether you're frying up some bacon or sautéing veggies, it’s tempting to pour leftover oil down the drain. However, doing so leads to grease buildup inside your pipes. Over time, this buildup solidifies and can trap food debris, leading to serious blockages.
Instead, consider disposing of oils in the trash or composting them. You can also use paper towels to wipe up excess grease before washing dishes.
Food Debris
For those with garbage disposals, remember that not all food scraps are suitable for the disposal. Hard-to-grind items like bones, fibrous vegetables, and large amounts of starchy foods (like pasta) can cause jams and clogs in the disposal system. Only ever use your disposal for small, soft scraps and avoid overloading it.
Flushable Products
The term "flushable" can be misleading regarding certain products like wipes and hygiene products. While many of these items may appear safe for flushing (or even say on the packaging that you can flush them!), they do not break down as toilet paper does. Over time, these products can accumulate and cause blockages in your pipes. The best rule of thumb? Stick to toilet paper and dispose of wipes and hygiene products in the trash.
Drain Cleaning and Plumbing Maintenance: How to Keep Your Drains Flowing Smoothly
Maintaining your drains is key to preventing issues. While it's easy to forget about your drains until there’s a problem, regular drain cleaning and plumbing (and these tips) can save you a lot of headaches!
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: When drains slow down, many homeowners turn to harsh chemical products. While these products can offer a quick fix, they can corrode your pipes over time, leading to leaks. Instead, consider using a solution like baking soda and vinegar as a natural alternative to break down small clogs.
Don’t Use Boiling Water for Slow Drains: Capable of warping plastic pipes, hot water is a DIY solution that often causes pipes to become brittle, leading to cracks or leaks. Boiling water can also damage the seals in your plumbing system. If you're dealing with a slow drain and don’t want to call in a plumber just yet, try using a plunger.
Regularly Clean Your Drains: Prevention is the best strategy for drain maintenance. Periodically pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain, let it sit for a few minutes, then flush it with warm water. Regular cleaning can help prevent grease, food particles, and even scum from soap from building up and causing clogs.
Signs Your Drains Need Attention
Catching drain issues early can prevent a small inconvenience from becoming a major problem. While some signs of trouble are obvious, others may be more subtle. Here are a few indicators that your drains might need attention:
Slow Drains: One of the first signs that something is wrong with your drains is when they’re draining more slowly than normal. This often means there’s a buildup of debris or grease inside your pipes. Small clogs can form over time, gradually slowing down water flow. If left unaddressed, these slow drains can eventually lead to full blockages.
Gurgle Sounds: All drains will gurgle a bit. These sounds occur when air is trapped in the pipes. But sometimes, it’s trapped due to a clog or blockage further down the line. When water tries to flow through, it forces air through the pipes, creating those familiar gurgling noises. If you hear these sounds once in a while, it’s generally not a big deal. If you hear them more regularly, you may have a more serious clog on your hands.
Unpleasant Odors: Bad smells coming from your drains are rarely good. These odors typically indicate the presence of stagnant water, food debris, or mold in the pipes. If you notice bad smells that won’t disappear with the old baking soda and vinegar trick, we encourage you to have them inspected by a professional plumber.
Final thoughts
Maintaining healthy drains can help keep your home’s plumbing system running smoothly. And the good news is, as with most things in your home, a little attention today can go a long way!
That said, if the drains in your Rochester, NY, home or business are running slow, it’s probably time for a drain cleaning. You can try to clean them yourself, or you can connect with us for help.
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