Our guide to keeping your drains clean and clear

Tips for better drains

You’ve probably experienced a clogged sink or stopped-up shower drain. First, you notice water pooling around the bottom of the shower or sink. Then, you stoop down to inspect the problem and maybe move the drain cover out of the way. You might reach in with your fingers to try to scoop out any surface debris. Some homeowners even have a wire hanger to snake their own drains when things get tough. After more confusion and wasted time, the water is still gathering and the drain is not clearing up.

First things first—you should call a professional team to come out and take a look. While you’re waiting for the team to arrive, take a minute to review some preventative tips you can use to avoid clogged drains altogether:

• Install drain catchers: These handy drain features can catch hair, dirt, and more, leaving your drains clearer than ever.
• Don’t overwork your appliances or faucets: If you run your pipes and faucets 24/7, you’ll eventually experience some breakdowns. Be conscious of your water conservation efforts.
• Schedule regular maintenance: Maintenance can be the difference between thousands of dollars spent on a burst pipe and peace of mind knowing your plumbing is being looked after.

Rely on our professional team

Above all, you should use a professional team of plumbers who are experienced, friendly, and affordable. That doesn’t mean you should find the cheapest person to do the job—careful research is crucial when picking a team to come into your home and inspect your home systems. In between maintenance visits, you can take these tips and tricks into account and use them on your own drains. Stay proactive as a homeowner and take a closer look at what’s going down your drains.

Here in Chicagoland, King Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is the clear-cut choice for your plumbing service needs. We handle drain cleaning jobs throughout Chicago’s Southlands, including Oak Forest, Joliet, and Frankfort. Contact us for a free plumbing inspection.

1. Be aware of specific plumbing issue areas

There are a few key areas around your home that you should keep an eye on year-round to be able to catch any potential plumbing problems before they actually happen. These areas include your toilets, your water heater, and the state of outdoor faucets. All of these areas should be periodically inspected to ensure there are no leaks, cracks, or other visible damage.

We recommend that you set up a home maintenance checklist that includes checking these key plumbing areas. Go through your checklist monthly, or—if you don’t have time for that—at least quarterly. A little preventative maintenance on the front-end can prevent a huge plumbing headache later down the line. Or, at the very least, this will give you a chance to catch a big problem so you can call the team at King to deal with it before it becomes larger, more complex, or more expensive.

2. Pay close attention to your aging fixtures and pipes

Depending on your home’s age, your pipes might be getting to the point where they could start having problems. It’s especially important to keep an eye out for small pipe leaks in an older home. Leaks can originate from several different sources. One common scenario in older homes is when the actual pipe material has started to break down or corrode, which means that you’ll probably need to repipe your entire home in the near future.

Another issue many homeowners encounter is a clogged pipe, or—even worse—a clogged sewer drain. This happens because years of grease, oil, and other food waste has formed a clog in the pipe. In return, this causes all kinds of problems for your home, from increased pipe pressure to the worst-case scenario: a sewer line blockage and ensuing sewer backup into your home.

If you suspect that your home’s pipes are having any issues, your best course of action is turning off the water immediately and calling King so that our plumbers can come out, inspect the issue, and determine exactly what the problem is. Pipe repair and replacement are not projects you want to DIY, seeing as even the smallest mistake could cause a major water damage disaster inside of your home.

4. Call professionals when you need help

Honestly, one of the most important things you can do to prevent a plumbing catastrophe is to realize when you’re in over your head. Many homeowners can tackle simple plumbing fixes like unclogging a drain. But, anything more complicated than that should really be looked at by a professional first. We have friendly, certified plumbing professionals right here, ready to serve you. Sometimes, trying to fix a plumbing problem on your own can cause more harm than good.

Conclusion

Your home is a central hub for life’s events, but how often do you consider the health of your plumbing and drains? While it may not be top of mind amidst daily routines, neglecting this crucial aspect of your home can lead to significant issues and expenses down the line. The truth is, the health of your drains plays a critical role in your overall plumbing system’s effectiveness. A single clog can escalate from a minor inconvenience to a major problem, and DIY fixes might do more harm than good in the long run.

For comprehensive care, King Heating, Cooling & Plumbing offers professional plumbing services right here in Chicagoland. We not only resolve immediate issues but also provide free inspections to preemptively address potential problems. Keeping your drains clear is not just about responding to visible signs of trouble like slow draining sinks or water backups. It’s about being proactive with regular maintenance, such as installing drain catchers and being mindful of what goes down your drains—like avoiding fats, oils, and non-biodegradable items that can cause severe blockages.

To ensure your plumbing system remains in peak condition, consider setting up a maintenance schedule that includes regular inspections of high-risk areas such as toilets, water heaters, and outdoor faucets. These preventative measures can save you from the disruptions and high costs associated with major plumbing emergencies. And remember, for any signs of aging infrastructure or more complex issues, it’s crucial to call in the professionals. King Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is here to assist with expert, friendly, and cost-effective solutions, ensuring your home remains a safe and comfortable castle.