How to Know When to Clean My Drain? - Executive Plumbing
Answer from Blake - Executive Plumbing Lincoln, CA
Most homeowners don’t think about drain cleaning until water stops flowing properly, but it’s actually a form of preventative maintenance. If your home is more than 30 years old and still has its original piping (such as cast iron), drain cleaning is recommended because older pipes are prone to buildup and corrosion. Other red flags include slow drains, frequent clogs, foul odors, or gurgling sounds from your pipes. Lifestyle habits also play a role—if you frequently use a garbage disposal, flush wipes, or put grease and food scraps down the drain, your pipes will accumulate buildup much faster. Depending on your home and habits, drain cleaning should be scheduled every 1 to 7 years. Hydro-jetting or snaking can restore proper flow and help extend the life of your plumbing system.
Summary:
You need drain cleaning if your home is older, if drains clog often, or if you notice slow draining and bad smells. It’s preventative maintenance that keeps your pipes clear, especially if you use disposals or flush items that cause buildup. Depending on your plumbing, it’s needed every 1–7 years.
