You probably don’t give a lot of thought to your drain or sewer pipes as you go about your daily business. Unless you have a pesky clog or are experiencing other issues with your pipes, it’s likely you don’t give them a second thought. As long as they’re doing what they’re supposed to do, there’s nothing to worry about, right?
Not necessarily, say the experts. To keep pipes functioning properly, they all need periodic cleaning. As a matter of fact, pipe cleaning is essential to good water flow, something we often take for granted in our homes…until something happens that slows that flow.
The impact of dirty pipes
We often think of our pipes in regards to the fixture they serve. i.e. pipes for the toilet or for the kitchen sink. But under our homes is a whole collection of sewer pipes that work together and all need to be functioning correctly for everything to operate in tandem.
Clogs
Often, we don’t catch clogs and other problems caused by dirty pipes until they’ve developed into huge issues that not only cause frustration but can also cause plenty of water damage. That’s why cleaning pipes before you have a full-blown problem is the smart thing to do.
Catching a blockage before it becomes a problem has a lot of advantages. First of all, you can prevent a back-up which can, of course, cause water damage to your home (and cost you lots of money!). In addition, if that clog is caught before it becomes a dangerous issue, you can avoid having to shut down your entire system.
Furthermore, a little money spent on keeping your pipes clean will save you a ton of money in the long-run. A complete fix can be super costly as well as time-consuming. Time and money are generally things we prefer not to waste!
Foul odours
A build-up of waste in your plumbing system can also allow foul odours to permeate your home. Have you ever noticed that when your pipes are clogged that you seem to smell rotting food and all sorts of other terrible odours coming from your sewer system? In addition, the sources of these odours are usually impossible to address with only household drain cleaner or other store-bought products. You generally need professional services to address this issue and keep your home smelling fresh.
Noisy pipes
Squeaking and crackling pipes are a common occurrence when there are disruptions in water flow. That’s just another reason why it’s important to keep your pipes clean. When pipes are professionally cleaned and obstructions removed, pressure in the lines is reduced and those pesky noises will disappear.
Mold and bacteria
Those two words – mold and bacteria – generally make a homeowner cringe! The thought of having mold and bacteria in our home makes us worry about disease, allergies, and more and we become concerned for the health of our family, especially our kids and even our pets.
Because clogs in pipes and drains often result in standing water, bacteria, mold, and mildew can indeed accumulate. However, if you get rid of the clogs before they become an issue, you’ve eliminated the breeding ground for these nasty pathogens.
Pipe longevity
Just as with most other items in and around your home, if you take care of your pipes, which includes regular maintenance, they’ll last longer. A longer lifespan for your pipes means less out of pocket money that you’d rather be spending on something else.
Quite obviously, there are so many reasons why regular professional drain and pipe cleaning benefit you, the homeowner. Clogs and slow drains put a strain on your system, shorten the lifespan of your pipes, and – worst of all – can cause major property damage when leaks and overflows occur. Instead, by budgeting money for professional pipe cleaning at recommended intervals, you’ll avoid spending large amounts of your hard-earned dollars for major pipe catastrophes.
At Urban Water Works, our group of experienced plumbers can help you maintain your pipes and spot any potential problems that might arise in the future, while offering prompt and courteous service that’s just a phone call away. For more information about keeping your pipes clean and a host of other services we provide, call us at 604-790-8993 or get in touch using our contact form.