Few things symbolize achieving the American dream more resoundingly than owning a home. As of the writing of this article, a large proportion of the U.S. population are proud homeowners. According to the consumer financial services company Bankrate, the homeownership rate in the U.S. reached 65.6% in the second quarter of 2024. And it has been on the rise for the last couple of years.
The same data from Bankrate shows that the number of first-time homebuyers increased to 32% in 2023. That’s up from the 26% reported in 2022.
Most homeowners agree that owning a home provides more benefits than renting. Some of these benefits include stability, tax deductions, building equity, and appreciation. But it does not end there; homeowners have the freedom to personalize and customize their living spaces in any way they choose.
All of these arguably outweigh the lower upfront costs, zero property taxes, and flexibility associated with renting. That said, there are drawbacks when it comes to owning a home. Like repairs, homeowners are responsible for the general upkeep of their homes, and that includes regular drain clearing.
What Is Drain Clearing?
Drain clearing, is a form of preventative plumbing maintenance that involves clearing blockages and buildup in pipes. Both of these can go a long way toward ensuring proper water flow and preventing complex plumbing issues that can set homeowners back hundreds or thousands of dollars.
According to HomeGuide, an online platform that connects homeowners with local home service professionals, drain pipe repairs that arise from failing to proactively clear drains in a home can cost homeowners up to $8,000. Meanwhile, preventative drain cleaning with a licensed plumber is between $147 and $345, with most homeowners spending around $241. That’s according to Angi, another online platform that connects homeowners with home service professionals.
What Does Drain Clearing Entail?
Before discussing what drain clearing entails, let’s first take a moment to go over how often it should occur. According to most professional plumbers in the Tampa Bay area, homeowners should have their drains professionally cleared annually to remove pipe debris that can eventually lead to clogging.
And this applies even if drains in the home seem to be functioning just fine. Professional plumbers can clear pipes and drains in multiple ways after performing an inspection.
To inspect pipes and entire drain systems, most plumbers use a specialized waterproof video camera to view sewer lines and other underground pipes, including those under cement and below the home’s foundation.
If there is noticeable buildup or clogging, the plumber will select the appropriate drain-clearing method to remove any accumulated debris. The following are among the most popular:
- Drain snaking – This process involves using a flexible metal wire or cable with an extendable pointed attachment at the end that can be inserted into a drain to pull out and break up debris. Depending on the length and diameter of the drain and the type of clog, plumbers will use either a hand-cranked or motor-operated drain snake. Drain snaking is ideal for cleaning or clearing out smaller drains.
- Drain augering – This powerful method for clearing stubborn clogs and buildup is perfect for larger drain systems. It is similar to drain snaking in that it involves using a rotating, flexible metal cable to break apart or remove blockages. Professional-grade drain auger cables can extend 100 feet or more and cover diameters ranging from 1 1/2 inches to 3 inches, making them an ideal choice for clearing large pipes found in bathtub and shower drain lines, laundry room drain lines, and kitchen drain lines.
- Hydro-jetting – Most plumbers will use this drain-clearing method when hard water or other buildup has created a clog in a home’s pipes or drains. As the name probably suggests, hydro-jetting is a drain-clearing process that involves using high-pressure water, up to 4000 psi, to break up blockages and clean drains. Hydro-jetting is ideal for removing blockages, grease buildup, and mineral deposits from sewer lines and drain pipes.
- Professional chemical drain cleaning – Sometimes, professional plumbers use specialized chemical drain cleaners that can liquefy and disperse grease, soap scum, food residue, and other waste material that builds up in drains and pipes over time. These professional-grade chemical drain cleaners are ideal for removing minor clogs in sinks, tubs, and showers, say most plumbers in the Tampa Bay Area. Although exceptionally powerful, professional chemical drain cleaners are safe for the environment as they are non-acidic, non-caustic, and non-corrosive.
How Regular Drain Clearing Saves Homeowners Money
In addition to ensuring water continues to flow through pipes unobstructed, routine professional drain clearing helps homeowners save money. Multiple studies show that this form of preventative plumbing maintenance minimizes the risk of property damage that can arise from leaks, flooding, or sewage backups, lowers the risk of costly clogs, and increases the lifespan of pipes in the home.
Long story short, preventative drain clearing drastically reduces the likelihood of slow drains or complete blockage. In turn, that helps facilitate efficient drainage throughout the home’s plumbing system. That includes drainage in sinks, showers, and bathtubs.
Signs That Indicate Your Drain Needs Immediate Clearing
There are almost no signs of a problem when a home’s drain system is only mildly clogged. Problems become very apparent, however, when there is significant buildup. Common signs that indicate homeowners should immediately have their drain cleared include the following:
- Bad or foul odors
- Changes in water pressure
- Frequent clogs
- Frequent debris in water or coming out of faucets
- Gurgling sounds
- Slow drains
- Water backing up in sinks, showers, toilets, or bathtubs
In summary, regular preventative drain system clearing by a licensed plumber can save you money and the frustration of having to deal with plumbing problems caused by heavily clogged pipes or drains.
To learn more or to schedule a service call, contact Tampa Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, a full-service residential plumbing services company serving the greater Tampa Bay area.