Hard water is a known issue in Spokane, and over time, it does more than leave white spots on your fixtures. It gradually builds up in your plumbing system, leading to reduced water pressure, increased wear on appliances, and, perhaps less expected, clogged or sluggish drains. That’s why many homeowners turn to a water softener in Spokane to protect their plumbing. But for long-term results, one step often isn’t enough. We recommend pairing water softening with professional drain cleaning in Spokane to help your plumbing system stay efficient from the inside out.
Hard water doesn’t just affect your tap. It affects every part of your water system, and the buildup that starts in your pipes doesn’t just vanish once you add a softener. If you’re planning to install a water softener in Spokane, it’s the perfect time to clean out existing mineral buildup and prevent future issues from taking root.
How Hard Water Leads to Drain Problems
Mineral-heavy water carries dissolved calcium and magnesium that accumulate inside pipes over time. As that scale builds up, it narrows the passageways through which water travels. This reduces flow and creates rough surfaces where other materials, like grease, hair, and soap scum, can catch and build up further.
This creates two compounding issues:
- Slower drains and more frequent clogs
- Pipes that are more susceptible to corrosion and long-term damage
By the time homeowners notice drain issues, the buildup is often already significant. Installing a softener at this point will stop the problem from getting worse, but it won’t remove what’s already there. That’s where professional drain cleaning makes a real difference.
Why Schedule Drain Cleaning Before or After Installing a Water Softener?
Installing a water softener improves your water quality, protects your fixtures, and extends the life of your appliances. But if your drains are already restricted by years of mineral buildup, you’re only solving half the problem. Drain cleaning clears the slate, so you can actually feel the full benefit of soft water.
Here’s what happens when you combine both services:
- You reduce pressure on your plumbing from the start.
- You stop existing debris from catching future scale or residue.
- You increase flow efficiency throughout the system.
Think of it as hitting the reset button. Rather than letting the effects of hard water linger in your drains, you’re giving your plumbing a clean, fresh start.
Signs It’s Time to Address Both
You don’t need to wait for a full blockage or a high energy bill to take action. Here are some signs your home could benefit from both water softening and drain cleaning:
- Slow-draining sinks or tubs, even after DIY clearing
- White, chalky residue around faucets or showerheads
- Low water pressure throughout the house
- Appliance wear or reduced lifespan
- Water heater sediment issues or noises
If you’re seeing two or more of these symptoms, it’s worth looking at both sides of the plumbing equation: water quality and drainage condition.
Choosing the Right Team for the Job
We know Spokane homes, and we know how hard water affects everything from kitchen sinks to main sewer lines. As one of Spokane’s trusted local plumber companies, we offer both water softener installation and drain cleaning services designed to work together.
Our licensed team evaluates your home’s plumbing system as a whole. That means we won’t just install a softener and walk away. We’ll take a close look at the state of your drains and offer real solutions based on what we see. If the buildup is significant, we can clean your lines before the new system goes in. If it’s minimal, we’ll help you monitor and maintain both for maximum efficiency.
Long-Term Benefits of Tackling Both
Pairing drain cleaning with softener installation isn’t just about short-term relief. Over time, this combo offers serious value:
- Fewer clogs and backups
- Extended pipe lifespan
- Better appliance performance
- Reduced maintenance needs
- Lower utility bills
Water softeners reduce wear from scale. Drain cleaning removes the damage scale already caused. Together, they help your plumbing system function like it should, with less strain and fewer surprises.
Further Reading:
- Spokane Homeowners: Avoid Winter Clogs with Professional Drain Cleaning
- Essential Winter Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Spokane Water Heater Reliable
Let’s Make the Most of Your Plumbing Upgrade
If you’re considering water softener installation, talk to us about your drain system too. Our experienced team at Pace Plumbing can help you get the most out of your investment, both now and in the years ahead.
Experience smoother plumbing and a healthier home by pairing drain cleaning with your water softener in Spokane.
