Whether you’re a homeowner of a brand new build, fixer-upper, or anything in between you will most likely face a drain clog in your home. With any home service issue you face you will most likely have a few questions before diving into fixing the problem. Our Peter Levi Plumbers are EXPERTS when it comes to your plumbing and drain needs, and we’re happy to answer any questions our customers have. Let our team dive into some of the most common questions we receive about drain clogs so you can determine what your next steps are. 

How Often Should I Schedule A Drain Clearing?

Every 18-22 Months

While many of the systems around your home require regularly scheduled inspections and cleaning, like your A/C or furnace, your drains are significantly lower maintenance. However, that doesn’t mean it’s okay to leave it alone for years on end. When it comes to cleaning your drains, you want to do it often enough to prevent clogs from forming. We find drain clearings are most effective when performed once every 18 to 22 months.

Are Drains Clogs Typically A Minor Issue?

Not Always

We’d like to be able to tell you that all drain clogs are minor, but that’s simply not the case. Yes, some drain clogs are minor and can be fixed with a plunger or hand-cranked snake. While some can also indicate more serious problems lurking down in the drainage system, such as a broken or clogged sewer pipeline, root infiltration in the sewer line, or blocked drain vents. If these larger issues aren’t dealt with ASAP, clogs could soon be in every household drain and sewage may start to flood into the lower parts of your home house.

I Don’t Put Anything Bad Down My Drains. Why Am I Still Experiencing Clogs? 

They’re inevitable!

First things first, thank you for being a proactive homeowner! Making sure food scraps don’t  make theirs way down your drain and using drain covers are great ways to prevent future drain clogs. If clogs are still happening, please remember that you can’t stop all food waste from going down the drain. Eventually, drains are going to clog up, and this is one of the reasons routine drain cleanings are so helpful! Clogs can also be caused by things other than food waste like hard water deposits, soap scum, & hair.

Should I Use Store-Bought Drain Cleaner To Unclog My Drain?

NO

The simple answer: NO! Any plumbing professional would tell you to avoid using store-bought drain cleaners, like Drano. Why? Store-bought cleaners aren’t very effective, since they only open a small hole through the drainpipe obstruction without actually cleaning anything, letting the clog come right back. They can also cause MORE damage to your drain pipes due to their acidic elements. This will end up causing you more money in the long run by creating a more severe problem than just a clogged drain! 

We hope that through answering some of these common drain clog questions we have helped you make a decision on what your next step is! Whether you are dealing with a minor or major drain clog it is best to let the professional TAKE CARE OF IT. If you have any further questions or believe you are dealing with a clogged drain, our Peter Levi team is here to help. Give us a call today at (855) 433-6800!