Drain Maintenance & Inspection

Drain Inspection & Drain Maintenance in Salisbury

The concept of home drainage systems requiring regular cleaning and maintenance can seem strange at first. After all, when we think of cleaning, we usually think of wiping things down with soap and water, two elements that regularly go down the drain during day-to-day activities, such as taking a shower, running the washing machine, or doing the dishes. If soap and water make things clean, it follows that the drains should be one of the cleanest areas of your home. But in actuality, this is very far from the truth.

Why is Drain Cleaning Necessary?

For starters, consider everything else that ends up in your drains apart from mere soap and water. When showering, humans often shed hair, dead skin cells, and layers of grime. When washing clothes, all the dust and dirt from your clothing ends up in the pipes as well. And when washing the dishes, we often allow small bits of food, grease, leftover sauces, and other such related substances down the drain.

Over time, all of these elements can start to form build-up layers or create minor blockages within the pipes. These are relatively harmless at first, but as they continue to grow, they can degrade the integrity of your pipes, emit foul and unpleasant odors, or result in dense blockages that completely clog your drainage system. If the issues are severe, this could necessitate expensive and time-consuming repairs.

Why Should Drains Be Inspected?

Even if your pipes are cleaned on a regular basis, they can still be damaged or impacted by other means. That is why drain maintenance does not only involve cleaning the pipes. Another part of the maintenance process involves an assessment of the current condition of your drainage system to check for any potential damage. This thorough inspection allows for your plumber to catch any issues before they can deteriorate into disastrous and costly problems. This especially true with older properties, where the pipes may be constructed out of outdated, worn materials. Even if the pipes themselves are well constructed, the natural settling of the ground can warp them and damage their structural integrity.

How Often Should Drains Be Inspected and Maintained?

If you have never scheduled a maintenance visit with your local plumber, then the best time to do so is as soon as you are able. There are all sorts of plumbing-related issues that do not become evident until they have already caused significant amounts of damage to your home. For instance, a small leak in a relatively unused area of the home could go unnoticed for weeks. During that time, water damage could slowly but surely spread throughout the house, rotting the wood, promoting the growth of toxic mold, and putting you at an increased risk of experiencing an electrical fire.

Another reason why you may wish to schedule an appointment as soon as possible is if you suspect that there may be an issue. Even if you have not directly witnessed any large leaks or clogs, there are other signs of trouble you can look out for. When the pipes are leaking, it is common to see a sharp, unexplained increase in the water bill. Another sign is an unusual loss of water pressure. Clues that clogs may be in the process of forming include foul odors emanating from your drains and noticeably slower draining in general.

Once you’ve scheduled your initial inspection, a good rule of thumb is to have your plumbing inspected and maintained at least once a year. This ensures that your pipes are regularly kept in good shape. To move forward with scheduling your first maintenance visit, simply contact Contact Alan’s Plumbing Service for further assistance. Our professional plumbers are standing by to address any questions or concerns you might have and ensure that your drainage system continues to effortlessly operate year after year.