There isn't a hard and fast answer to this question, but many homeowners find that cleaning their drains every month is the ideal time. 

This is because it's not so frequent as to be a hassle but not so infrequent that you forget to do it. It also allows you to use safe drain cleaning methods as well as plan ahead for the project, reducing your risk of major plumbing issues later. 

Prevent Clogs 

If you have a plumbing system, it is important to keep your drains clean. This will prevent clogs and ensure your pipes are working properly for years to come. 

To prevent clogs, it is recommended to clean your drains at least once a year. This will help protect your plumbing pipes and ensure that all sinks and fixtures in your home are draining properly. 

It is also a good idea to avoid throwing non-food items into your sinks and garbage disposal. These can clog the drains and cause other problems such as leaks and pipe displacement. 

Hair is another common reason for drain clogs in bathroom sinks and showers. Using a drain filter can help to keep this debris out of your drain. 

It is a good idea to run boiling water down the drains in your sinks once a week. This will help to dissolve soap scum and any other build up that may be in your pipes. 

Keep Your Pipes Clean 

Your drains have to scour through a lot of greasy, sticky gunk every day. This includes cooking fats, oils and grease, hair, soap scum, food, coffee grounds and more. 

This can build up and cause a clog in your pipes. You can prevent this by being careful what goes down the drain and by cleaning them regularly. 

You can also use a simple cleaning solution that uses baking soda and vinegar. Simply pour a cup of baking soda into your drain and then slowly add boiling water to the mixture. 

This will dissolve the grease that is clogging your pipes and help keep them clear. The mixture is safe for plastic plumbing and is very effective at clearing away clogs. It’s best to clean your drains every month or so. 

Prevent Damage to Your Pipes 

Homeowners tend to overlook drain cleaning because it is not something they do often, but regular preventative maintenance can help you avoid expensive repairs. It can also help you detect minor issues before they become major problems that

require more costly repairs. 

Grease: Many homeowners casually pour their used grease from cooking down the drain, but this grease will eventually turn solid and clog your pipes. A yearly professional drain cleaning can help prevent this type of problem. You may consider hiring a plumber in Adelaide to come help with the drain cleaning. 

Sewage: Blocked drains can cause sewage water to leak into your home, which is dangerous for you and your family. This can also lead to water damage and mold growth if left untreated, which can be an expensive repair. 

Odors: Getting your drains professionally cleaned will remove odors that come from food, grease, hair, calcium buildup, and foreign objects. It also helps to eliminate bacterial growth, which can lead to septic problems. 

Frozen Pipes: It’s important to keep your pipes from freezing in the winter. Investing in insulation sleeves for your pipes will prevent them from becoming damaged by freezing. 

Avoid Chemical Cleaners 

There are a number of reasons you should avoid chemical cleaners when cleaning your drains. The most obvious reason is that they can cause serious damage to your plumbing system. 

These products generate heat in a chemical reaction that can destroy your pipes, especially plastic pipes made of PVC. They also can melt or warp metal pipes over time. 

Moreover, these chemicals can be hazardous to your health and are very harmful for pets or children. They can cause burns, eye irritation, and even death if swallowed. 

The other big downside of using chemical drain cleaners is that they are extremely harmful to the environment. The chemicals are non-biodegradable, and they end up in landfills and water supplies. 

They can also be very dangerous for your skin, eyes, and nose if they splatter when you plunge the drain. They can also be harmful to your septic tank, and they can harm the bacteria that helps your pipes function properly.