Many homeowners aren’t aware that regular, professional drain cleaning services should be part of the home maintenance routine. If you have been skipping drain and pipe cleaning regularly, then you may be surprised to learn about the benefits. Professional drain cleaner services in Elmhurst, IL can improve the functioning of your plumbing and help you avoid major issues in the future. Here is what you need to know.

Reduce Sewer Blockages

Over time, blockages can build up in drains and pipes that haven’t been cleaned regularly. Although small blockages, such as slow drains in the shower caused by hair, may be easy to fix on your own, a more serious blockage could be developing inside of your drain pipes that could cause serious sewer problems. When that occurs, all of the drains in your home may clog, water may spurt out of your drains when you flush the toilet, and eventually, and overflow or burst pipes can cause significant damage to your home.

Prevent Foul Odors

Without the periodic service of a professional drain cleaner, mold and bacteria will accumulate in your drains and cause odors. The flow of water through the drains and pipes from normal usage is not sufficient to clean away the odor-causing particles, which thrive in the damp, dark environment of your drains and pipes. These bacteria and mold can even make your family sick if they grow in large enough numbers. Regular drain cleaning will remove them completely, preventing odors and the potential for illness.

Protect Your Home from Damage

When drains and pipes aren’t cleaned, small blockages turn into large ones, pipes can become corroded, and backflow can occur from your toilet. The water that will spill into your home if this occurs is waste water which not only causes water damage, but also allows dangerous bacteria to seep into your walls and flooring. To repair this kind of damage, all of the affected areas must typically be removed, which can be extremely costly and time consuming.

To avoid clogged drains near Elmhurst, it is best to keep a plunger in the house. You can use a plunger to clear most drains before needing to call for plumbing services. However, the more extensive the clog or pipe repair becomes, the more it becomes necessary to call your plumber for professional plumbing services .

Watch the short video for more information on how to keep your drains clear of clogs. If you have a clog in your sink or bathtub, you can use your plunger to try to remove it. Be sure you have water in the sink or tub to give the plunger a good seal around the drain. When you run your garbage disposal, you should always have water running in the system. Cold water should be used while running the disposal, and then turn it to hot to help wash the food remains down the drain.

Choosing the right type of pipe is vital for your home plumbing. Though you should always heed the advice of your Elmhurst plumber , it helps to know more about what you’re agreeing to. For example, you might take a minute to learn about the differences between two common types of piping: PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) and copper.

PEX piping usually comes in different colors, including blue for cold water and red for hot. It’s also very flexible and requires fewer fittings, making it very easy for plumbers to install. PEX piping can save you in terms of material cost and in the cost of labor. Copper, though more expensive, is a tried and true piping material because it resists corrosion and is unaffected by UV light. That said, copper can corrode if the pH of your local water is too acidic or too basic. PEX also has its share of disadvantages: for example, it can’t be used outside and it can’t be recycled. The type of piping you choose depends on your budget, the nature of the project, and several other factors.