Clogged drains cause dirty water in your home and a foul smell that could be dangerous for you and your family. The best way to prevent this is to have your drains professionally cleaned.
This process is known as drain clearing. It clears out any grime and residue so that new debris doesn’t have a chance to stick. Contact Drain Cleaning Perth now!
Chemical drain cleaners are available at hardware stores and are a quick fix for blocked drains. These liquid solutions create a chemical reaction that dissolves or burns away the clog. However, repeated use of these products can corrode pipes and cause damage to drains and surrounding surfaces. In addition, they can harm the environment and human health by releasing toxic chemicals into the air and water. Homeowners should choose more environmentally friendly and natural methods of drain cleaning or hire a professional plumber for a more permanent solution.
Liquid drain cleaners are typically caustic, oxidizing, or a combination of both. Caustic drain cleaners contain substances such as sodium hydroxide or lye, which decompose organic materials such as hair and grease into smaller molecules that can be pushed through the pipe. Oxidizing drain cleaners are comprised of household bleach, peroxides, and nitrates, which bind to the organic material in a clog and break down the clog while creating heat and gas. A combination of both caustic and oxidizing chemical reactions can break down even the most stubborn clogs.
All chemical drain cleaners must be poured into the drain in a controlled manner to avoid splashing or spillage. In addition, the product label must be followed closely to ensure safety precautions are taken and first aid instructions are followed if any accidents occur.
Before purchasing chemical drain cleaners, homeowners should review the product’s Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). This provides detailed information about the chemical composition of the drain cleaner and its potential hazards. It also lists safe handling procedures and recommended protective gear for users.
In addition, consumers should look for a “green seal” on the bottle to indicate that the product meets environmental standards. It is also important to purchase a drain cleaner that has been independently tested for safety and effectiveness.
When a drain clog is severe, it’s best to call a plumbing professional for service rather than using one of the commercial chemical drain cleaners available at hardware stores. These drain cleaners may temporarily remove a clog, but they won’t resolve the underlying issue. It’s also worth noting that many of the same issues that prompt the use of chemical drain cleaners can be resolved by a professional plumber, including corrosion and broken pipes.
Hydro Jetting
Hydro jetting is a powerful drain cleaning technique that uses pressurized water to clear stubborn obstructions in your home’s plumbing pipes. This method of drain cleaning is used for resolving the toughest clogs that a snake or chemical cleaner can’t break up and can also be useful in removing scale, grease, and debris from interior pipe walls.
During hydrojetting, a plumber uses a special hose and nozzle to blast water into the drain or sewer line. The power of the water is enough to cut through most blockages, including clumps of hair and soap scum that a plumber’s snake cannot dislodge. Hydro jetting can also be useful for clearing out a sewer backup caused by a collapsed or broken line.
This drain cleaning method is also very effective for resolving tree roots that have penetrated the pipes. It’s important for homeowners to work with a licensed Alabama plumber when using hydrojetting since this method can cause serious damage to fragile or aging pipes. Before the plumber begins, he or she will use a video inspection to check the condition of your plumbing pipes and sewer system. This step ensures that the plumber will not worsen the clog or the underlying pipes.
In recent years, hydrojetting technology has advanced significantly. The new machines are more efficient and able to produce more powerful jets of water that can eliminate even the most stubborn clogs. Additionally, these tools are becoming more user-friendly and require less training to operate effectively. This means more successful drain cleanings and fewer risks of damaging your plumbing system when the tool is misused.
Whether you have a severe clog that needs to be tackled or want to make sure your pipes are free of buildup, hydro jetting can be an excellent solution. However, it’s important to understand that different situations call for different methods of drain cleaning. Be sure to consult with a professional plumber to determine which technique is best for your home and your budget. When paired with a regular preventative maintenance routine, hydro jetting can help keep your drains and sewer lines clean and healthy for years to come.
Plumber’s Snake
A plumber’s snake, also known as a drain auger, is a flexible metal wire that can be used to dislodge or break up clogs in plumbing pipes. It’s commonly reserved for clogs that can’t be loosened by household plungers. A drain snake can be purchased or rented at most home improvement stores. It’s typically made up of a helix-shaped section of metal with a broader gap at the end where the head is attached. It’s operated using a crank and inserted into a drainpipe to reach the blockage.
Once the snake is positioned over the clog, it’s cranked again to either break it up or latch onto it. Then the cable is pulled back up and out of the pipe, along with whatever is clogging it. This mechanical approach to clog cleaning is often preferred over chemical drain cleaners, which can be harsh on the pipes and the environment.
When using a drain snake, it’s important to take your time and use caution. If you try to push it into a pipe with too much force, it can damage the drain entrance or the pipe itself. It’s also important to ensure that the snake’s head and cable aren’t too long for the drain you’re trying to unblock.
Before beginning snaking, it’s a good idea to run water through the pipe for a minute or two. This can help to loosen up any debris and make it easier for the snake to move through the clog. It’s also important to periodically withdraw the snake and clean off any debris that has collected on it, as well as any that has come off of the clog itself.
After the snake has successfully dislodged the clog, it’s important to clean up and disinfect the area, as the process can be messy. Finally, it’s a good idea to check the drain regularly to see how clear it is. If the clog seems to be returning, it’s likely best to call a professional plumber for assistance.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar are household staples that can be used to clean a variety of surfaces around the house. From brightening laundry to removing stains from countertops, these two ingredients are versatile and inexpensive. They can also be used to clear a drain that has developed a minor clog. However, before you reach for the baking soda and vinegar, it’s important to understand how these common products work and when they should be used.
When baking soda and vinegar are combined, they create a chemical reaction that can help dislodge food waste, hair, soap scum and other debris. The bubbling action of the combination can often be enough to break down a clog and allow water to flow freely again. However, it’s important to note that this method is not effective on severe or persistent clogs. In these cases, it is best to use a plunger or drain snake or remove your trap to empty the probable blockage.
To use baking soda and vinegar to clean a drain:
- Start by ensuring that the drain is completely dry.
- Pour a small amount of baking soda down the drain and then slowly pour a small amount of vinegar down the drain as well.
- Allow the mixture to sit for 30 minutes or overnight for tougher clogs.
- Once the time has passed, flush the drain with hot water.
While baking soda and vinegar can be a great solution for a minor clog, they should not be used on older pipes. The chemical reaction that occurs when the ingredients are mixed together can cause damage to pipes made of metal or lead. In addition, vinegar is very acidic and can cause damage to some types of pipes over time.
If you are faced with a serious or persistent drain clog, it’s best to contact a professional plumber for assistance. Professionals have the tools and knowledge to clear even the most stubborn clogs quickly and safely. In addition, they can provide advice on how to avoid future clogs and prevent them from reoccurring. If you are experiencing a drain problem and need an expert, call your local ARS/Rescue Rooter today to schedule a service appointment.
