Clogged pipes are the last thing any homeowner wants to come home to at the end of the day, but the reality is that slow drains, toilets that won’t flush, and standing water are all situations that are commonly encountered at home. This is why all homeowners need to understand what drain cleaning is.
Homeowners are advised to carry out preventive drain cleaning once a year or every other year to prevent clogs. This helps flush out any buildup along the length of the pipes that may lead to more serious blockages in the future. Clean drainage systems also require a conscious effort on the part of homeowners to keep harmful substances from entering their drains. Oil and grease are big no-nos, while nonflushable materials like wipes and corrosive chemicals should also be kept away from toilets and drains.
While preventive measures help avoid blockages, it may still be possible to experience a clogged sewer line needing professional drain cleaning. Here are some things homeowners need to know about when their drains need professional service and what methods are employed to make them clear and free-flowing.
How to Tell if Drains Are in Need of Cleaning
Many signs can indicate to homeowners they have a clog and need drain cleaning. Standing water and slow-moving drains are common indicators, telling homeowners that something is getting in the way of the water moving through the pipes. The sound of gurgling water from the drains can also point to a blockage in the line.
More serious cues of a clog include foul smells that hint at sewage backing up. Toilets that are difficult to flush or require constant plunging and sewage coming up in different places in the house also point to a clogged drainage system requiring professional drain cleaning to clear.
Using a Drain Snake
snakingLuckily, most clogs can be dealt with quickly by professional plumbers. They have plenty of tools in their arsenal designed to address even the toughest drainage problems. One of the most commonly used tools plumbers use to unclog pipes is a drain snake, also known as a plumber’s snake or a drain auger.
A drain snake is a long metal cable coiled into a protective drum with a spring at the end shaped like a corkscrew. This long piece of metal is designed to move deep into the plumbing system to get to blockages. The spring at the end turns with the handle to break down any clogs and clear the pipelines. This method has been around for a long time because it’s effective and poses little risk of damage to the pipes when done by professionals.
Using a Hydro Jet
While highly effective at unclogging, there are still some instances where drain snaking is not as helpful, such as for preventative drain cleaning, because they break up the clog but do not clear all the debris out of pipes. For this, plumbers use hydro jetting, which uses a stream of highly pressurized water to clean the inside of pipes.
Hydro jetting is extremely effective at dislodging clogs. Because it uses intense water pressure, it can also clean the pipes of any debris stuck to the walls, preventing future clogs. However, this method may pose a risk of damage to older pipes or ones that are already significantly damaged, to begin with.
About Plumbing & Cooling Nerds
Plumbing & Cooling Nerds handles a wide range of plumbing problems for the residents of Bonita Springs and the surrounding areas. They provide upfront prices, fully stocked trucks, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for drain cleaning services in Bonita Springs, FL.
