Keeping your drains clean is one of the best ways to prevent clogs and promote a healthy, hygienic living environment. Regular maintenance using biological cleaners, hydro-jetting, or chemical drain cleaners can reduce the need for more targeted and costly cleaning services in the future.
While DIY tools like plungers may work in the short term, they can also cause damage to plumbing and drainage systems. Contact Drain Cleaning Perth now!
Drain snakes are a useful tool for homeowners to have on hand for those times when a plunger and caustic chemical cleaners just aren’t getting the job done. Also known as a plumber’s snake or a clog hook, the device is basically a slender flexible auger with a helix shaped hook at its end that can latch onto and cut through soft blockages like hair and soap scum, while the rotating handle digs into and breaks up hard ones.
To use the snake, first remove any drain covers and access the clogged line by removing the stopper, P-trap or overflow assembly, depending on the location. Next, put on some work gloves (work gloves are best because latex can get caught in the coils of the snake) and feed a few inches of the wire into the clogged pipe. With the snake inserted, crank the handle to gradually extend the wire, jiggling it occasionally to help it negotiate any tight bends in the pipes. Continue cranking the handle until the wire feels resistance, which indicates that it’s reached the clog. Once the snake feels resistance, stop cranking and pause to check its progress. If the auger hooks onto or breaks up the clog, pull the snake out of the pipe and dispose of any discarded clog material. Repeat the process as needed until the clog is clear.
It’s important to note that although the snake is a great way to remove many common household clogs, it can be dangerous and even damaging to pipes if it’s used improperly. It is highly recommended to seek professional help in such cases, as continuing to force the drain snake could result in injury or damage to the pipes.
To avoid causing any damage, there are a few tips to keep in mind while snaking a drain. Always start gently and avoid excessive force, as this can cause the device to loop back or potentially damage the pipe. It’s also a good idea to periodically withdraw the snake and clean it to remove any debris or bacteria that may have accumulated during the snaking process.
Chemical Drain Cleaners
Using chemical drain cleaners can be tempting for homeowners faced with a frustrating, stubborn clog. However, these products can actually be damaging to your pipes and should only be used as a last resort. These cleaners work by creating a chemical reaction with the clog material. They can also be harmful to your health and the environment if not properly disposed of.
There are several different kinds of chemical drain cleaners on the market, each with its own unique set of benefits and drawbacks. Caustic drain cleaners, which contain sodium hydroxide (lye), are the most common and are available in liquid, gel, or powder form. They’re often marketed as a quick fix for tough clogs and can be found at most grocery stores, hardware stores, or big box retailers.
Oxidizing drain cleaners, on the other hand, usually contain bleach, peroxides, or nitrates. These products are less harsh than acidic drain cleaners but can take a while to break down clogs. They also release a lot of heat which can melt or dislodge debris in the drain and pipe.
Acidic drain cleaners, which typically contain sulfuric or hydrochloric acid, are the most powerful but should only be used by professional plumbers as a last resort. They can create a dangerous chemical reaction with the water and clog material, creating hydronium ions which attract electrons and dissolve the clog. They’re also extremely harmful to plumbing pipes and can damage or corrode them over time, leading to leaks and broken pipes.
If you’re considering using a chemical drain cleaner, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly. These cleaners must sit in the drain or pipe for at least 15 minutes to give the chemicals time to react with the clog material. After the chemical drain cleaner has had time to do its work, it’s crucial to flush the drain with hot water to avoid any residual buildup. Alternatively, you can try using natural drain cleaners like baking soda and vinegar. This is a cheaper and more environmentally friendly alternative to chemical cleaners. Simply pour a mixture of equal parts baking soda and vinegar down the drain and wait overnight.
Hydro-Jetting
Hydro jetting is one of the most effective drain cleaning methods. It uses powerful jets of water to cut through hard material like grease, soap scum, minerals, and food buildup. It can even clear away tree roots that have penetrated the pipes. This technique is more precise than other drain-cleaning methods and can help prevent future clogs from occurring in your home or business.
In addition to being fast and effective, hydro jetting is also environmentally friendly. It does not use any chemicals that could harm the environment or your pipes. Furthermore, hydro jetting can clear out blockages in underground pipes without the need for invasive digging. In this way, it can save you a lot of money and time.
If you have a slow-draining sink or a sewer line that is backing up into your home, it is important to contact a plumber as soon as possible. If you wait too long, the clog may become more severe and can lead to a costly repair bill.
Unlike store-bought drain cleaners, professional plumbers have the equipment to fully unclog your pipes and can do it much faster. They can also use a video inspection to determine the cause of the problem and recommend the best solution.
The nozzles on a hydro jetting machine can be adjusted to control the direction of the spray, so plumbers can target specific areas for maximum effectiveness. They can also change the pressure to ensure that the water is safe for your pipes. This process can be very useful for older buildings with corroded or difficult-to-reach pipes.
Another benefit of using hydro jetting is that it can remove stubborn odors caused by food scraps, grease, and other materials that have been trapped in your plumbing pipes. It can also flush out your sewer line and restore its proper function. If you’re experiencing a recurring odor in your kitchen sink, it might be time to call a plumber and ask about hydro jetting.
Whether you have a slow-draining toilet, clogged sink, or damaged drainpipe, you should always trust a licensed and insured plumber to do the job safely and effectively. Doing so can help you avoid costly repairs in the future and keep your property in top shape for years to come.
Video Inspection
Whether you have frequent drain backups, slow draining, or are looking for preventative maintenance, the key to a healthy sewer line is early detection. Problems such as misaligned pipes, tree root infiltration, broken pipe sections, and structural damage can develop over time without being immediately obvious. Video inspection allows plumbers to get a glimpse of what is inside the pipes, and can help determine the cause of the issue so that it can be fixed promptly and effectively.
Plumbing professionals can insert a long metal hose with a camera lens on the end through an access point, such as a cleanout, and into your drain pipes. This lets them see exactly what is in your drains and pipes, including blockages, foreign objects, cracks, and more. The footage can be viewed in real-time, which provides an accurate diagnosis and allows technicians to plan and execute the most efficient cleaning method possible.
The benefit of video inspection is that it can save both time and money in the long run. By identifying the source of the problem quickly, plumbers can eliminate guesswork and use targeted, precision cleaning, which reduces labor costs and property disruption. This also helps to minimize the need for expensive chemicals that can cause further damage and are harmful to the environment.
Video inspection can also be useful for homeowners who have insurance claims for sewer line repairs, as it can provide the evidence that a professional plumber has done the necessary work to resolve the problem. Additionally, it is an excellent way for new homebuyers to assess the condition of a potential property’s plumbing and sewer lines before making a purchase.
In addition, a video inspection is an effective tool for commercial properties as well. Businesses that are experiencing repeated problems with their drains can use a video inspection to identify the root cause of the issue and address it before it becomes a larger problem. This can prevent costly property damage, enhance customer satisfaction, and improve overall drain efficiency. The best part is, a video inspection only takes a matter of minutes, and can be performed at the same time as a traditional drain cleaning service.