It is a gross feeling when you realize that hair, soap scum, and old food have teamed up to create a huge clog. You might feel tempted to just ignore a slow drain. However, that tiny delay is usually the first warning sign of a much larger disaster waiting to happen. By the time you need a professional to come out with heavy machinery, you are usually facing a giant bill and a very messy afternoon.

Catching the Troublemakers

Take a moment to look at your drains every few months. You might notice that the kitchen sink gurgles when the dishwasher runs. Or perhaps you smell something slightly funky coming from the laundry room. These small clues tell you that grease is sticking to the sides of the pipes. This buildup can trap additional debris and restrict water flow over time. If you catch this buildup early, you can usually fix it with a flush of hot water and vinegar or with enzyme-based cleaners, rather than waiting for the pipe to clog completely.

Avoiding the Panic of a Midnight Flood

A major flood often occurs when a blockage deep in the main line finally clears under the water pressure. Regular inspections allow a plumber to use a camera to see deep inside the walls where you cannot reach. They can find tree roots slowly poking through the sewer line or see if the pipes are sagging due to ground shifting. Knowing about these issues on a sunny weekday afternoon is much better than dealing with them on a holiday weekend, when emergency rates are double the price.

Keeping Your Hard-Earned Money in Your Pocket

Plumbing repairs are rarely cheap. However, the cost of a professional inspection by a plumber is a fraction of the cost of a full pipe replacement. If you let a clog sit for too long, the constant pressure and trapped moisture can actually cause metal pipes to rust or plastic ones to crack. When a pipe bursts, you will have to pay other professionals in addition to a plumber. You will need to hire remediation specialists to fix the soggy drywall and the ruined flooring. This will cause a major drain on your bank account because hiring additional experts can easily cost you thousands of dollars.

Keeping your drains clear through professional plumbing inspections means that your appliances do not have to work as hard. This can actually help them last a few years longer than expected. Your daily routine also stays on track without any wet or smelly surprises. If you live in Cedar Rapids, IA or a surrounding area and need drain cleaning services, make your first call to Benjamin Franklin Plumbing.