A slow drain may seem like a small inconvenience at first. It may start with a little water pooling in the sink or a slow shower drain. It may seem like a small problem to ignore and quickly solve with a miracle drain cleaner. However, a slow drain may simply be an indication of a much bigger plumbing problem. These plumbing concerns can cost not only money and time. They can even put your family members’ health at stake.
At Putman Plumbing, we understand that slow drains are a common issue that homeowners often encounter on a daily basis. However, they are also among the most underestimated problems that can occur in a home. This is why it’s important to handle the issue as quickly as possible and why it’s necessary to call the professionals when the time is right.
What’s Really Causing Slow Drains
Slow drains are often the result of more than a single clog. Sometimes in homes, a problem builds up over time inside the pipes.
As water courses through your plumbing, trace amounts of grease, soap scum, food particulate, and organic matter lodge onto the pipe walls. Over time, this all melds together into a slick, sticky layer or biofilm. Unlike an accumulation of loose debris, biofilm doesn’t rinse away. Instead, it clings to pipes, narrows the pathway for water, and encourages an environment where bacteria and odors can linger.
This buildup, as it thickens, makes for slower drains that are more prone to developing recurring problems, even though water still manages to appear to flow.
Hidden Health and Hygiene Concerns
When drains become slow, it is not simply a plumbing issue but also includes the trapping of moisture and bacteria in the buildup inside the pipes, creating odors and unsanitary conditions in kitchens, baths, and laundry areas. Over time, these conditions can affect indoor comfort and overall cleanliness throughout the home.
Drain issues that seem minor on the surface often have hygiene implications below, which is a reason why ongoing slow drainage should not be dismissed.
Why Chemical Drain Cleaners Can Cost You More
When one’s drain slows, it is common for homeowners to reach out for store-bought chemical cleaners. But these products come with several hidden costs:
- Pipe Damage: Harsh chemicals can corrode metal pipes and degrade older PVC, weakening your plumbing system over time.
- Incomplete Cleaning: Chemical cleaners often only dissolve surface debris. They don’t remove the deeper buildup or biofilm. Therefore, clogs might frequently come back.
- Environmental & Health Concerns: These products are toxic by design, and their residue can harm septic systems, landscaping, and even cause skin and eye irritation.
Instead of treating the symptom, chemical cleaners can lead to weakened pipes and recurring slow drains, eventually giving you bigger and more expensive repairs down the line.
When it’s More Than a Clog: Risks of Ignoring the Problem
A slow drain that remains slow is not harmless. But a slow drain that persists is a problem that can lead to a number of consequences. Here are some examples of how years of buildup can create.
- Full Blockages: A slow drain is usually the first manifestation of a developing clog. If left unchecked, this clog can turn into a full blockage, which will prevent the flow of water altogether.
- Water Damage & Mold: Water can settle in a home’s plumbing system longer and develop issues such as leaks, swelling cabinetry or walls on which the water is sitting, and even mold behind the walls or under the floors, which can be expensive repairs.
- Stress on Your Plumbing System: Even a partial blockage results in resistance in your pipes. It means your pipes have to work harder to push water through, and this results in leaks and failure of key components down the line.
How Professional Drain Cleaning Solves the Root Cause
Professional drain cleaning focuses on restoring the full interior of the pipe, not just breaking through a clog.
At Putman Plumbing, drain cleaning is more than just a temporary Band-Aid. We employ advanced methods such as hydro-jetting. This process uses high-pressure water to scrub the inside of the pipe walls to remove grease, residue, and buildups from inside of the pipes, allowing for proper flow and helping prevent repeated slow drains. If necessary, we use our state-of-the-art drain vision camera to inspect further the inside of your drainage system, to confirm the cause of the problem, and ensure the drain has been fully cleared.
This thorough approach will help to avoid the root of the problem in slow drains, and it will definitely protect your plumbing system from repeated issues or unnecessary damage.
Preventing Slow Drains: Simple Tips That Really Work
Although some plumbing problems need expert handling, here are a few things you can do to prevent slow drains on a day-by-day basis:
- Use drain strainers in order to catch hair and food particles.
- Do not pour grease or oil into the sink.
- The drains should be flushed from time to time with hot, but not boiling,
- Do not resort to using chemicals, as they just conceal the problem without solving it.
- Arrange for regular drain checks if there’s any indication of repeated slowdown.
Combining proper plumbing habits with professional maintenance can keep your plumbing system working efficiently for many years.
When to Call a Professional
Don’t wait until there is a complete blockage to call the plumber. Consider professional help when:
- You may have multiple drains in your home that are slow
- Slow-draining drains come back quickly after home remedies
- You notice bad smells, dripping, or water backing up in another fixture when a sink is being drained.
- You aren’t sure what is causing the slowdown
Our team at Putman Plumbing can evaluate your drains, determine whether it is a simple blockage or a more serious problem, and thus offer a solution to the problem.
Final Thoughts: Slow Drains Are a Sign, Not Just a Symptom
Slow drains are not just a hassle; in fact, slow drains are a warning that your plumbing system is crying for some attention. If neglected, it may cause you some health-related issues, further damage your pipes, and lead to a mold problem. So take care of your home and your sanity as well by taking immediate action for your slow-draining pipes.
If you have slow drains or are not certain of the issues that are taking place beneath the pipes, we can help.
To have your drains working properly again, contact us today.