Should You Clean Your Drains on a Regular Basis?

If everything seems rosy with your drains, a drain cleaning schedule may be the last thing on your mind. However, trouble could be lurking in the dark twists and turns of your plumbing system in the form of greasy, soapy buildup — not to mention the hair that washes down the drain every time you shower.

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Drain cleaning isn't glamorous, but making time for it could save you from the stress and expense of future plumbing nightmares. This guide explains how often you should clean your drains and how to tackle this essential maintenance job.

Do You Need to Clean Your Drains, Even If They Don't Seem Clogged?

Over time, grease, hair and debris can accumulate in your drains, eventually leading to clogs. At first, you won't see the signs of gunk building up inside your pipes. However, you'll likely notice nasty smells, slow drainage and blocked pipes as the problem worsens. Ignore clogged drains for too long, and the problem could develop into leaking or burst pipes.

Of course, you should always clean your drains as soon as you see the signs of a blockage. Cleaning your drains routinely is also wise because minor buildup is easier to remove (and less likely to cause a plumbing disaster) than a full-on clog. Therefore, many plumbers recommend regular DIY cleaning, even if your drains appear in perfect working order.

How Often Should You Clean Your Drains?

There are several schools of thought on how often to clean drains. Some plumbers recommend drain cleaning as frequently as every week, while others say quarterly cleaning should suffice. For most households, cleaning your drains monthly should be enough to keep them flowing freely.

Many homeowners schedule professional drain cleaning services every year in addition to DIY cleaning on a regular basis. Professional plumbers use specialized equipment to remove stubborn grease and scum from inside your drainpipes, helping keep them in good condition longer.

Caring for your drains can also help prevent clogs and make cleaning your plumbing system easier. Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper, including menstrual products, diapers and facial wipes. Don't pour used oil down the sink, and consider installing a plughole basket to catch food debris when you wash your dishes.

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How Do You Clean Your Drains?

There are several safe, effective ways to clean your drains yourself. Mixing two tablespoons of baking soda with a cup of white cleaning vinegar and pouring it down your drains helps dislodge buildup, shift minor clogs and improve unpleasant odors. Allow the mixture to sit in the drain for several minutes before rinsing it away.

Pouring boiling water down the drain can help remove fatty deposits from your plumbing. Furthermore, you can clean drains with vinegar and baking soda before rinsing the solution with boiling water for more comprehensive cleaning.

Many DIY stores sell strong chemical products designed to clean drains and dissolve clogs. While these products are often effective unblockers, they contain harsh ingredients that can degrade your pipes. Repeated use could increase the risk of significant plumbing damage, potentially leading to leaks. Chemical unblockers can also irritate the skin and may be harmful to aquatic life.

DIY drain cleaning is an effective way to save money on avoidable repairs. However, you should never ignore the signs of more serious drainage issues. These include:

• Repeated drain blockages that return after cleaning

• Multiple clogged drains

• Water rising out of the sink and shower drains when you flush the toilet

• Backed-up sewage in your plumbing fixtures

These issues could signify a more severe blockage or a problem with your main sewer line. If your sewer line becomes blocked, sewage can enter your home and release potentially hazardous gases, putting your family at risk. Severe drainage issues require more than a DIY fix, so you should call a plumber to diagnose and repair your plumbing system as soon as possible.