Many homeowners don't seem to care about their drains until they clog. The truth is that you should invest in drain cleaning services earlier than that to avoid inconveniences. Besides, cleaning your drains keeps them running smoothly. The following signs should prompt you to hire a professional drain cleaning service.

Slow Drains

The first sign that your drains are due for cleaning is sluggishness. As you well know, sinks and bathtubs should drain water at a fast rate. Signs of sluggishness can mean there is dirt or grime buildup in the drain pipes. Sometimes water will stagnate for a long time before it finally drains. The solution is to have the drain pipes cleaned professionally. While at it, a plumber can check for other plumbing and drainage problems.

Foul Smell

If you have noticed a putrid smell coming from your sink, shower, toilet, or bathtub, it's time to have the drains checked. As long as your drain pipes have dirt buildup, they'll harbor a lot of bacteria that will then produce a nasty odor as they attempt to break down the waste. Unfortunately, the smell will find its way out, and it's hard to miss it. You can solve this problem by inviting a plumber to hydro jet your drain pipes and sewer line.

Plenty of Bugs

A clean sink doesn't attract bugs. So, the presence of drain flies, fruit flies, and roaches around the drains should tell you that something is off. These bugs shouldn't appear around the drain unless something is attracting them. In most cases, your drains have food particles that need to be cleared. You can try the baking soda/vinegar treatment. If that fails, contact a professional plumber to clean the drains.

Gurgling Sounds

Wastewater should flow smoothly without making any sounds. That isn't always the case when dealing with dirty drains. Dirt buildup will narrow the drain pipes, leaving very little space for the wastewater. The water will then make gurgling sounds as it forces itself through the limited space. Such noises should alert you to get a professional drain cleaning service.

Frequent Clogs

If you have been dealing with clogs from time to time, you definitely have a drainage problem. Most homeowners solve clog problems using a plunger or by pouring hot water into the drains. Unfortunately, these methods don't solve the real problem. The real reason your drains are often clogging is that they are extremely dirty. Having them cleaned professionally is the only way to get out of that mess.

Other signs include:

• Wastewater backup
• Overflowing toilets
• Standing water
• Using too much drain cleaner