Since we all use water on a regular basis to take showers, cook, use the bathroom, for drinking, and in relation to other activities, it’s important that we always have clean pipes. The problem is that it can sometimes be difficult to know when it’s time to get them professionally cleaned so we have clean pipes again. Here, we discuss a few signs that your pipes need a thorough cleaning.
- Water backing up. Perhaps the most obvious sign that your pipes need to be cleaned is when water starts backing up into your home. This occurs because of an obstruction and will happen in a lower fixture such as a tub or shower.
- Draining slowly. The most common sign of dirty pipes is a slow drain. This will happen periodically because of the multitude of foods, beverages, facial products, and the many other substances that get washed down our drains. Many homeowners ignore this until it becomes a bigger issue.
- Unpleasant odors. When certain chemical products or other items collect in your pipes, bad odors can come up through the drain. In most cases, though, the offending substances will be in the traps of your kitchen or bathroom shower drains.
- Gurgling or bubbling. If there’s a partial obstruction inside your pipes, your toilet might start making gurgling noises or start bubbling up. This is often a precursor to your drain getting completely stopped up.
Cleaning Your Pipes Vs. Calling a Plumber
If you’re experiencing small plumbing problems such as a slow drain or an unpleasant odor, you can try do-it-yourself methods such as pouring Drano or baking soda and vinegar down your drain to try to clean pipes. But, aside from these small issues, you should always contact a professional plumber. Not only will they clean your pipes, they can also fix any problems such as leaky or broken pipes. We’d also suggest getting your pipes checked every year or two so you can catch small issues before they become bigger problems.
If you have any questions about maintaining clean pipes in your home or you have any other HVAC needs, contact the friendly professionals at Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing today. We’ve been serving Indianapolis and the surrounding areas since 1970.
