Washington, D.C. Drain Cleaning 

A clogged drain is, at best, a serious inconvenience. At worst, it can cause property damage. Businesses can suffer significant losses if drains are not cleaned out in a timely manner and then properly maintained. Our Washington, D.C. drain cleaning service has over 20 years of experience serving the areas of Alexandria, Fairfax, and Silver Spring. We’re here with prompt service, dependable work, and a long-term maintenance program. 

Call Emerald Plumbing at (240) 345-9920 or reach out here online today.

8 Signs You Need Drain Cleaning Services

Slow Drainage: When water takes longer than usual to drain from sinks, showers, or bathtubs, it could indicate debris buildup in the pipes.

Foul Odors: Unpleasant smells from drains may signal accumulated food, hair, grease, or organic matter, potentially leading to bacterial growth and odors.

Gurgling Noises: Hearing gurgling or bubbling sounds when flushing toilets or running water could suggest air trapped in pipes due to partial blockages.

Water Backup: Water backing up into sinks, showers, or toilets indicates a clog in the plumbing system, potentially causing inconvenience and water damage.

Multiple Clogged Fixtures: Simultaneous clogs in various fixtures, such as sinks and bathtubs, may indicate a blockage in the main sewer line, requiring professional attention.

Frequent Clogs: Dealing with recurrent clogs despite DIY methods suggests underlying issues that require professional drain cleaning for thorough resolution.

Standing Water: Puddles near floor drains or sewer cleanouts could signal a sewer line blockage, necessitating immediate attention to prevent sewage backups.

Old Pipes or Plumbing System: Older pipes and plumbing systems are more prone to corrosion and buildup, making regular drain cleaning essential to prevent serious blockages and prolong the system lifespan.

These indicators are common signs that it might be time to consider professional drain cleaning services to ensure your plumbing system functions smoothly and efficiently.

The Consequences of Clogged Drains

The problems property owners can encounter due to a drain clog are numerous. They can start with the fact that drain clogs can leave a nasty smell. The odor from sewer gas can leave anyone on the property nauseous and sick. Furthermore, the failure to drain wastewater properly will attract pests, be a breeding ground for germs and make it more likely that food will be contaminated. 

All of these are serious enough for anyone, be they a homeowner or a business owner, to take prompt action. For someone running a business, though, the risks are just starting. Additional consequences unique to commercial drainage systems include the following: 

• The business might be shut down for health code violations. Getting reinspection done is often a bureaucratic nightmare, preventing a fast reopening. 
• The grease trap can malfunction, leading to both sewage backups and fines from the health department. 
• Water overflow and grease-coated floors are safety hazards, which in turn lead to increased liability exposure.
• All of the above makes for an unpleasant customer experience, leading to bad word-of-mouth, lost revenue, and a long road to rebuilding one’s reputation and brand. 
• The immediate repairs required are often costlier than what might have been needed with regular checkups. 

These are more than serious problems. These are existential threats to the life of a business. We’re here to help prevent them from happening. 

What Causes Clogged Drains?

Drains can become clogged for various reasons, depending on the type of drain and the substances that enter it. 

Here are some common reasons why your drain might be clogged:

1. Hair: In bathroom sinks, showers, and bathtub drains, hair is a frequent culprit for clogs. Over time, hair can accumulate and create a blockage in the pipes.
2. Soap Scum: Soap residue can combine with minerals in the water to form a sticky film on the walls of the drainpipe. This film can trap other debris and contribute to clogs.
3. Grease and Cooking Oil: In kitchen sinks, grease and cooking oil are major causes of clogs. They can solidify in the pipes and trap food particles and debris.
4. Food Particles: Food debris can get caught in kitchen sink drains, leading to clogs. Always use a sink strainer to prevent larger food particles from entering the drain.
5. Foreign Objects: Items like jewelry, small toys, or other objects accidentally dropped into a sink or toilet can obstruct the drain.
6. Toilet Paper and Hygiene Products: Flushing excessive toilet paper, wipes, or hygiene products can cause clogs in toilet drains, especially in older plumbing systems.
7. Tree Roots: In outdoor sewer lines, tree roots can infiltrate pipes through small cracks or joints, leading to blockages.
8. Mineral Buildup: Hard water can leave mineral deposits in pipes over time. These deposits can narrow the pipe's diameter, causing reduced water flow.
9. Diapers and Baby Wipes: Flushing diapers and baby wipes down the toilet can lead to severe clogs due to their non-biodegradable nature and propensity to expand when wet.
10. Toiletries: Items like cotton balls, cotton swabs, and dental floss should not be flushed down the toilet, as they do not disintegrate easily and can contribute to clogs.
11. Sediment or Debris: In older or poorly maintained plumbing systems, sediment and debris can accumulate in pipes, eventually leading to clogs.
12. Collapsed or Misaligned Pipes: Structural issues, such as pipes that have collapsed or become misaligned, can obstruct the flow of water and cause clogs.
13. Inadequate Slope: If the pipes are not correctly sloped to allow gravity to assist in draining water, it can lead to standing water and clogs.

Understanding the cause of the clog is essential to effectively address the issue. 

Depending on the severity and location of the clog, you may need to employ DIY methods, such as plungers or drain snakes, or seek professional plumbing assistance for more challenging clogs. 

Preventing clogs in the first place through proper maintenance and responsible usage is always a good practice.

Our 5-Step EZ Flow Drain Maintenance Program

Did we mention “You get peace of mind” twice already? Good. Let’s do it a third time. As business owners ourselves, we know that you have enough on your plate each day without having to worry about something as basic as drain clogs. Let us worry about that. You can focus on providing your product or service.