A good drainage system is integral to your yard’s health and your home’s stability. Especially in North Carolina where rainfall is abundant, it’s important to keep an eye on your drainage and ensure everything flows smoothly. Otherwise, you may eventually be dealing with a soggy, murky yard or, even worse, water damage in your home.
One of the best ways to keep your drainage Weddington, NC in tip-top condition is to clean it regularly. This may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually pretty easy and only takes a few minutes. Plus, it has several benefits that make it well worth the effort, which include:
- Preventing Clogs
A clogged drain happens when there is too much debris in the water for it to flow freely. It can cause all sorts of problems, including bad smells, standing water, and flooding. Cleaning it on a routine basis can remove any potential clogs before they have a chance to form.
- Removing Debris
Even if a clog doesn’t form, all that debris can still lead to problems. It can attract pests, create a breeding ground for bacteria, and make your yard look messy. By removing it on a regular basis, you can keep your yard looking neat and help prevent any potential health hazards.
- Improving Curb Appeal
Keeping your yard in top condition is important if you’re trying to sell your home or just want to make a good impression on your neighbors. Cleaning your drainage Weddington, NC will help ensure that any standing water is removed and that your yard looks its best.
- Preventing Flooding
Flooding is one of the most serious problems that can occur if you don’t keep your drains clean. Too much debris in the drains can block the flow of water and cause it to back up. This can lead to costly repairs and even health hazards.
- Saving Money
Cleaning your drainage Weddington, NC routinely can save you money in the long run. It will help prevent problems like clogs, flooding, and water damage, which can be expensive to fix. Plus, it will keep your yard looking its best, which can add value to your home.
When Should You Clean Your Drains?
The frequency with which you need to clean your drains will depend on a number of factors, including the type of drain, the amount of rainfall, and the number of trees in your yard. But as a general rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to clean them at least once a year to ensure they are free of debris and functioning properly.
If you live in an area with a lot of rainfall, you may need to clean them more often. The same is true if you have plenty of trees in your yard, as the leaves can clog your drainage Weddington, NC. You can always ask a professional for advice if you are unsure how often to clean your drain.
How to Clean Your Drainage System
There are several ways that you can clean your drains, but the best method will depend on the type of drain you have. For example, if you have a French drain, you’ll need to use a different method than you would for a standard drain.
Here are some common methods for cleaning different types of drainage Weddington, NC:
Standard Drain
You will need a plunger and a plumber’s snake to clean a standard drain. Start by using the plunger to remove any debris that may be blocking the drain. If that doesn’t work, insert the plumber’s snake into the drain and turn it until you feel resistance. This will help break up clogs so the water can flow freely.
French Drain
Here, you will need a garden hose and a plumber’s snake. Insert the plumber’s snake into the drain until you feel resistance. Then, turn on the garden hose and place it into the drain. The water pressure will help to break up any clogs and allow the water to run smoothly. The same process also applies when cleaning a storm drain.
Sump Pump
One of the most popular types of drainage Weddington, NC, the sump pump is designed to remove water from your basement or crawl space. However, it may cause flooding when not working appropriately. To clean a sump pump, you’ll need to remove any debris blocking the intake or discharge pipe. You can do this with a garden hose or a plumber’s snake.
Septic Tank
If you have a septic tank, you’ll need to have it professionally cleaned on a regular basis. But you can help to keep it in good condition by frequently cleaning the drains that lead to it. This will help to prevent any sewage from backing up into your home.
Grease Trap
Similar to the septic tank, the grease trap should also be professionally cleaned. If you decide to handle the cleaning yourself, be sure to wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself from the fumes.
Can You Use Drain Cleaners?
It is common for people to reach for a bottle of drain cleaner when they notice that their drainage Weddington, NC is starting to get clogged. But be wary!
There are a few things you should know about using drain cleaners before you use them:
- They Can Damage Your Pipes
While drain cleaners are designed to break up clogs, they can also damage your pipes in the process, especially when used frequently. Mainly because the chemicals contained can eat away at the pipes, causing them to deteriorate. If you notice that your drains are starting to get clogged more frequently, it’s a good idea to switch to a different method of cleaning them.
- They Can Be Toxic
Drain cleaners are typically very toxic chemicals. If you have ever used one, you know that they come with warnings to use them with extreme caution. The fumes alone can be dangerous. If you get any of the chemicals on your skin, it can burn.
Ingesting drain cleaner can be fatal. Children and pets are especially vulnerable to these dangers. If you must use a product, make sure to follow the directions carefully and take all safety precautions.
- They May Not Be Effective
While some people swear by drain cleaners, the truth is that they don’t always work. They only become quite effective on small clogs close to the drain’s surface and organic materials such as hair and food scraps.
For deep clogs or eliminating inorganic materials (e.g., grease and soap scum), you may need to use a different cleaning method. Or better yet, hire someone professional to do the job on your behalf.
- They Can Be Dangerous
Other than causing damage to your pipes and health, most drain cleaners are dangerous since they are highly corrosive. Blindness and death are possible too.
In addition, drain cleaners can be very difficult to control once they are released into a drain, making them extremely dangerous for homeowners and plumbers alike. Again, we recommend following the directions carefully and wearing gloves and a mask to protect yourself.
- They Can Be Expensive
An average bottle of drain cleaner costs between $5 and $10. However, if you use it frequently, the price can add up. If you’re looking for a more cost-effective way to clean your drains, you may want to try using a homemade remedy or hiring a professional.
- They Should Only Be Used as a Last Resort
As soon as you notice that your drainage Weddington, NC is starting to get clogged, it would be best if you take action. The longer you wait, the worse the clog will become. If you’ve tried using a homemade cleaning solution or a plunger and a plumber’s snake without success, you may need to use a drain cleaner. But remember, they should only be used as a last resort.
What Else Can You Do To Prevent Clogged Drains?
It is never fun to deal with clogged drains. But there are a few things you can do to prevent them besides having regular drainage Weddington, NC cleaning:
- Never pour grease down the drain, even if it’s liquid. Grease tends to solidify once it cools down and can easily clog your drain.
- Be careful what you flush down the toilet. Only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed. Everything else should be thrown in the trash.
- Invest in a drain strainer or hair catcher. It will help catch hair and other debris before it has a chance to go down the drain.
Avoid the Disaster with Professional Drain Cleaning!
The best way to avoid clogged drains is to have them cleaned on a routine basis by a professional. This way, you can prevent the build-up of debris and the need for harsh drain cleaners.CrawlSpaxe Xperts is your local expert when it comes to drain cleaning, drainage installation, and other plumbing services. Whether you have a drainage Weddington, NC problem that requires solving or need expert advice, you can give our team a call at (980) 281-2404.
