A plumber performing a drain cleaning service.

How Often Should Your Drains Be Cleaned?

For many homeowners, the thought of how often their drains should be cleaned doesn’t cross their mind until they’re standing in a pool of water that’s refusing to drain. However, understanding the importance of regular cleanings and the role they play in preventing clogs can save you from a lot of unnecessary headaches.

Knowing how often drain pipes should be cleaned isn’t always obvious. There are several factors that can impact the frequency of these services. So, how often should your drains be cleaned by a professional plumber? Let’s go over everything you need to know in more detail below.

Why Regular Cleanings Are Important

Drains in your home, especially those in high-use areas like kitchen sinks and bathroom sinks, are susceptible to a gradual build-up of grease, food particles, hair, and other debris. This build-up can lead to slow draining and, eventually, complete blockages. Regular cleanings, carried out by plumbing professionals, can help keep your drains functioning correctly and prevent clogs from forming.

How Often Should Drain Pipes Be Cleaned?

So, how often should your drains be cleaned? As a general rule, professional drain cleaning should be scheduled on a regular basis, at least once a year. This frequency may increase depending on the usage and if you notice issues like slow draining or strange odors emanating from your drains.

Drain Usage

If your property houses a large family or a business with high footfall, your drains will inevitably be used more. This increased usage can lead to more frequent blockages and necessitate more regular cleaning. In such cases, you might need to schedule professional cleanings more often, perhaps twice a year or even quarterly.

Plumbing Issues

If you notice issues like slow draining, strange odors emanating from your drains, or frequent clogs, these are signs that your drains may need more frequent attention. These issues can indicate a buildup of debris or even more serious problems like tree root intrusion or pipe damage.

DIY Drain Cleaning vs. Professional Services

You might think a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar is all you need to keep your drains clean. While this method can help with minor clogs and maintain cleanliness between professional cleanings, it is not a substitute for a thorough, professional solution.

Professional drain cleaning services utilize methods such as high-pressure water jetting, which uses a high-pressure water stream to remove stubborn build-ups and debris that simple home remedies cannot. Plumbing professionals also have the ability to inspect your sewer line to ensure there are no major issues that could potentially cause serious damage to your home.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Waiting until your sink drains become completely blocked is never a good idea. Not only does it create an inconvenience, but it can also lead to more serious issues, such as damaged pipes, which might require expensive drain repairs.

Schedule Your Drain Cleaning Today

Now that you understand how often your drains should be cleaned and the importance of regular cleanings, it’s time to take action. Don’t wait for the telltale signs of a clog to schedule your professional drain cleaning service.

At Magnolia, our team of professionals in Washington, DC, is ready to ensure your drains are clean and functioning correctly. Whether it’s your kitchen sink, bathroom sink, or the entire sewer line, we’ve got you covered.

Don’t delay! Schedule your drain cleaning services today and keep your home running smoothly. You’ll be thankful you took preventative action to maintain the health of your drains. Remember, when it comes to how often drain pipes should be cleaned, regular is always better. Keep your drains happy. Contact us today!