Drain Clearing: Slow, Smelly, Frustrating
No, not the person in front of you in the grocery store line. We’re talking about drains.
Dealing with a clogged drain may not be your idea of a peaceful Sunday afternoon, but you’ll wish you had taken care of it sooner if it turns into an expensive and avoidable plumbing problem.
Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing issues faced by Tampa homeowners. While often unsightly and inconvenient, clogs occur for a variety of reasons, some more obvious than others. The first culprits that come to mind are items and debris that find their way into drainpipes, sticking to the sides and creating buildups that restrict water flow.
Common clog-causing culprits include:
- Hair – One of the biggest offenders in bathroom sink and shower obstructions, it easily catches on pipe walls and binds together over time into stubborn clumps.
- Food – Scraps from dishes and garbage disposals are a frequent source of kitchen sink and drain line clogs. Fats, oils, and grease are especially problematic as they solidify.
- Dropped items – Toys, jewelry, and other small items dropped or flushed.
- Minerals – Over years of use, lime, calcium rust, and other deposits from water can accumulate along pipe walls, narrowing the circumference.
- Roots – Particularly in older homes with aging pipe systems, intrusive tree and shrub roots can penetrate small cracks and openings.
- Damage – Pipes that crack, collapse from ground/soil movement, or are misaligned during installation create areas for debris to snag and accumulate.
Clear Your Drain, Clear Your Conscience
Even with preventative drain cleaning (we recommend professional service once a year) eventually all drains will face some level of clogging over their lifetime. Put your mind at rest and let the pros at Service Minds Benjamin Franklin clear your drain problems away. Whether from visible debris buildups or hidden structural issues, recurring drain obstructions indicate an underlying problem that needs attention. Here’s how you’ll know your drains need clearing:
- Dilatory drainage: Water lingers longer in your sinks, bathtubs, or showers before draining away.
- Unpleasant Scents: Consistent bad smell coming from your drains.
- Unsettling noises: Gurgling sounds from your disrupted water flow.
- Chemical dependency: Your drain gulps household de-clogging products which only provide temporary fixes.