Category Archives: drain cleaning

The Science Behind Hydro Jetting: All You Need to Know About the Process and Its Effectiveness

the science behind hydro jetting.

The science behind Hydro jetting, also known as water jetting, is a cleaning technique that uses high-pressure water to remove dirt, debris, and obstructions from pipes, drains, and other surfaces. The process is more effective than traditional cleaning methods, such as sewer line rodding, because it can reach deeper into the pipes and blast away even the most stubborn obstructions.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the science behind hydro jetting and its effectiveness in cleaning pipes and drains.

How Does Hydro Jetting Work?

Hydro jetting works by using high-pressure water to clean pipes and other surfaces. The water is forced through a small nozzle at a pressure of up to 3,500 pounds per square inch (psi), which is enough to blast away even the most stubborn obstructions.

The water pressure is created by a specialized pump, which is designed to deliver a high volume of water at a very high pressure. The pump is connected to a long hose, which is then inserted into the pipe or drain that needs to be cleaned.

Once the nozzle is inserted into the pipe, the water is turned on, and the nozzle is slowly moved through the pipe, blasting away any obstructions in its path. The water is powerful enough to break up tree roots, grease, and other debris that can cause clogs and other problems in pipes and drains.

Hydro jetting is more effective than traditional cleaning methods, such as rodding, because it can reach deeper into the pipes and blast away even the most stubborn obstructions. It is also environmentally friendly, as it does not use any harsh chemicals that can harm the environment.

When Is Hydro Jet Cleaning Needed?

Hydro jetting is typically used when other cleaning methods, such as drain snaking and sewer rodding, have failed to remove obstructions from pipes and drains. It is also used as a preventative measure to keep pipes and drains clean and free of obstructions.

Hydro jetting is commonly used in commercial and industrial settings to clean large pipes and drains, but it can also be used in residential settings to clean smaller pipes and drains. It is especially useful in older homes and buildings where pipes may be clogged with years of buildup.

a hydro jetting service.

The Effectiveness of Hydro Jetting

Hydro jetting is an extremely effective cleaning method that can remove even the most stubborn obstructions from pipes and drains. The high-pressure water is powerful enough to break up tree roots, grease, and other debris that can cause clogs and other problems.

Hydro jetting is also effective at removing scale buildup from pipes. Scale buildup is a common problem in older homes and buildings where the pipes are made of galvanized steel or copper. Over time, minerals in the water can build up on the inside of the pipes, causing the diameter of the pipe to become smaller. This can cause problems with water pressure and flow. Hydro jetting can remove the scale buildup and restore the diameter of the pipe.

Hydro jetting is also effective at removing grease buildup in commercial kitchens and restaurants. Grease buildup is a common problem in these settings, as grease from cooking and cleaning can build up in the drains and pipes over time. Hydro jetting can blast away the grease buildup and restore the flow of water.

Overall, hydro jetting is an extremely effective drain cleaning method that can remove even the most stubborn obstructions from pipes and drains. It is also environmentally friendly, as it does not use any harsh chemicals that can harm the environment.

The Benefits of Hydro Jet Drain Cleaning

There are many benefits of hydro jetting, including:

  • Efficiency: Hydro jetting is an efficient cleaning method that can quickly remove even the most stubborn obstructions from pipes and drains.
  • Effectiveness: Hydro jetting is an effective cleaning method that can remove scale buildup, grease buildup, and other obstructions from pipes and drains.
  • Preventative maintenance: Hydro jetting can be used as a preventative maintenance technique to keep pipes and drains clean and free of obstructions.

The Bottom Line

Hydro jetting is an extremely effective drain cleaning service that can remove even the most stubborn obstructions from pipes and drains. It is also environmentally friendly and can be used as a preventative maintenance technique to keep pipes and drains clean and free of obstructions.

If you are experiencing problems with clogged pipes or drains, hydro jetting may be the solution you need. Contact a plumber near you to learn more about hydro jetting and how it can benefit your home or business.

How To Maintain And Prevent Your Drains From Getting Clogged

preventing drains from getting clogged.

Clogged drains are a common household problem that can be frustrating to deal with, especially when they happen unexpectedly. They can cause water to back up, unpleasant odors, and even damage to your plumbing system. Fortunately, there are simple ways to maintain and prevent clogs in your drains.

Understanding What Causes Clogged Drains

Before we get into how to prevent and maintain your drains, it’s important to understand what causes clogs in the first place. Some common causes of clogged drains include:

  • Excess hair, soap scum, and dirt buildup in bathroom drains
  • Food particles, grease, and oil buildup in kitchen drains
  • Foreign objects such as cotton swabs, dental floss, and small toys
  • Tree roots in outdoor drains

How To Maintain Your Drains

Regular maintenance is the key to preventing clogs from forming in the first place. Here are some simple ways to keep your drains in good condition:

Use A Drain Strainer

One of the best ways to prevent clogs in your kitchen sink is to use a drain strainer. This will catch food particles, grease, and oil before they have a chance to go down your drain. Similarly, using a strainer in your shower and bathtub can catch hair and soap scum.

Flush Your Drains Regularly

Flushing your drains with hot water on a regular basis can help prevent buildup and keep them flowing smoothly. Simply boil a kettle or pot of water and pour it down your drain. Do this once a week to keep your drains in good condition.

Keep Your Drains Clean

Regular cleaning can go a long way in preventing clogs. In the bathroom, use a natural cleaner to scrub the inside of your drains and remove any buildup. In the kitchen, avoid pouring grease and other oils down your sink and clean the drain stopper regularly.

a clogged kitchen drain cleaning attempt.

How To Prevent Clogged Drains

In addition to regular maintenance, there are other steps you can take to prevent clogs from forming in the first place.

In The Kitchen

The kitchen sink is one of the most common places for clogs to occur. Here are some tips to keep it flowing smoothly:

  • Scrape your plates and dishes into the trash before washing them
  • Avoid putting grease, oil, and other fats down the drain
  • Use a strainer to catch food particles
  • Flush your drain with hot water regularly

In The Bathroom

The bathroom is another area where clogs commonly occur. Here are some tips to prevent them:

  • Use a drain strainer to catch hair and soap scum
  • Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper down the toilet
  • Don’t pour chemicals down the drain, as they can damage your pipes and the environment
  • Flush your drain with hot water regularly

Outdoors

Outdoor drains, such as those in your yard or driveway, can also become clogged. Here are some tips to prevent this:

  • Avoid pouring chemicals down outdoor drains, such as fertilizers or pesticides
  • Use a drain strainer or cover to catch leaves and other debris that can fall into outdoor drains
  • Flush your drains with hot water regularly

When To Call A Professional

If you’ve tried the above methods and your drain is still clogged, it may be time to call a plumber nearby. They have the tools and expertise to diagnose and fix the problem quickly and effectively.

How Much Will A Plumber Cost For A Clogged Drain?

The cost of hiring a plumber to clear a clogged drain varies depending on the severity of the problem and where you live. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $500 for a clogged drain. However, this cost can vary depending on the time of day, the day of the week, and the complexity of the job.

Conclusion

By following these simple tips, you can maintain and prevent clogs in your drains. Regular maintenance is critical to keeping your pipes flowing smoothly and avoiding costly repairs. Remember to use a strainer, flush your drain with hot water regularly, and keep your drains clean to prevent clogs from forming. If all else fails, don’t hesitate to call a local plumber.

Meet The Experts: An Interview with Chicago’s Best Drain Cleaning Technicians

chicagos best drain cleaning technicians.

As a homeowner or business owner in Chicago, you know that clogged drains are one of the most frustrating and inconvenient plumbing issues you can face. Fortunately, there are plenty of skilled drain cleaning technicians in the Chicago area who can help you quickly resolve any problems with your plumbing system. We recently sat down with some of these experts to learn more about their work, their experience, and their approach to drain cleaning.

Methods and Techniques

When it comes to drain cleaning, there are a variety of different methods and techniques that can be used to get the job done. Some of the most common methods include snaking, hydro jetting, and chemical cleaning. One of the experts we spoke to, Jeremy from Chicago Plumbing Experts, explained that he prefers to use a combination of methods depending on the specific situation. For example, he might start with a sewer rodding service to clear out any blockages near the surface, and then use hydro jetting to clean out the deeper pipes.

Another expert, Michael from Suburban Plumbing Experts, emphasized the importance of using the right technique for the right job. For example, he noted that hydro jetting can be extremely effective for removing tree roots from sewer drains, but it may not be the best choice if you’re dealing with a lot of grease or other substances that can’t be easily flushed away with water pressure.

Equipment and Tools

In addition to using the right techniques, it’s also important for drain cleaning technicians to have access to the right equipment and tools. This might include a variety of different snakes, augers, and other devices for physically removing blockages from your pipes. Hydro jetting machines are also essential for many jobs, as they allow technicians to blast away debris with high-pressure water streams.

One common piece of equipment that many drain cleaning experts rely on is the sewer line video camera. This allows them to inspect your pipes remotely and identify any areas that may be clogged or otherwise in need of attention. As Donnie from Suburban Sewer Experts explained, “The camera gives us a look inside the pipes so we can see what’s going on. It’s like giving the doctor an x-ray.”

a lady performing diy drain cleaning.

Common Problems

While drain cleaning technicians in Chicago deal with a wide variety of different issues on a daily basis, there are some problems that come up more frequently than others. For example, many homeowners and business owners struggle with clogs in their kitchen sinks or garbage disposals, often caused by grease, food scraps, and other debris.

Bathroom drains are also a common source of trouble, especially shower and bathtub drains that can become clogged with hair and soap scum over time. And of course, sewer lines can become blocked or damaged by everything from tree roots to accumulated debris.

One of the most important things that drain cleaning technicians do is diagnose the underlying cause of your clog or plumbing issue. By properly identifying the problem, the technicians can recommend the best solution and help prevent the issue from happening again in the future.

Prevention and Maintenance

While it’s always best to leave major drain cleaning tasks to the experts, there are some simple steps that homeowners and business owners can take to help prevent clogs and other plumbing problems. For example, regular cleaning of your drains and pipes with hot water, a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, or other cleaning solutions can help keep your pipes flowing smoothly.

In addition, being mindful of what you’re putting down your drains (such as avoiding pouring grease down your kitchen sink) can help prevent clogs from forming in the first place. And if you notice any signs of an issue with your plumbing system, such as slow drains or gurgling noises, it’s important to address the problem sooner rather than later to prevent it from getting worse.

Conclusion

For anyone in Chicago dealing with clogged drains or other plumbing issues, the city’s top drain cleaning service plumbers are here to help. By using the right techniques, equipment, and tools, they can quickly diagnose and resolve your plumbing problems and help keep your system running smoothly for years to come. Whether you’re dealing with a minor issue in your home or a major problem in your commercial property, you can trust these experts to provide the reliable, high-quality service that you need to get your plumbing system back on track.

Choosing the Right Drain Cleaning Method for Your Chicago Home

drain cleaning methods in chicago.

Dealing with clogged drains can be a messy and frustrating experience for homeowners. Whether it is the kitchen sink, bathroom shower, or toilet, a clog can disrupt your daily routine and cause unpleasant odors in your home. Fortunately, various drain cleaning methods can help you unclog your drains and prevent future blockages. However, choosing the right drain cleaning method for your Chicago home can be overwhelming. In this article, we will explore some of the common drain cleaning methods and factors to consider when selecting the appropriate method.

Types of Drain Cleaning Methods

Before choosing a drain cleaning method, you need to understand the different techniques available. Here are some of the common options:

Chemical Drain Cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners are readily available in most stores, making them a popular choice for homeowners. These cleaners work by dissolving the clog through a chemical reaction. However, chemical drain cleaners can be harmful to your pipes and the environment if not used correctly. Moreover, they may not be effective for severe blockages.

chemical drain cleaners.

Plungers

The plunger is a simple tool that can unclog your drains by creating suction. Plungers work well for small to medium blockages and are also safe for your pipes. You can buy a plunger at most hardware stores or use a bathroom plunger for your sinks and shower drains.

Augers and Snakes

Augers and snakes are long, flexible tools that can reach deep into your pipes and break up stubborn clogs. There are manual and powered augers available, depending on the severity of the blockage. However, if not used correctly, these tools can cause pipe damage. Speak with a professional plumber in Chicago if you are unsure how to use them.

Hydro Jetting Service

Hydro jetting is a high water pressure drain cleaning method that can help remove the toughest clogs. This technique is ideal for commercial buildings and residential homes with severe blockages. Hydro jetting can be costly up front, but it is a long term solution that can prevent future clogs.

hydro jetting in chicago.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Drain Cleaning Service

Now that you know the different drain cleaning methods available, here are some factors to consider when choosing the right one to use:

The Severity of the Clog

The severity of the clog will determine the appropriate drain cleaning method to use. If it’s a minor blockage, a plunger or chemical drain cleaner may work. However, a severe clog may require an auger or hydro jetting to remove it.

Pipe Material

The type of pipe in your home can also affect the drain cleaning method. Older homes may have corroded pipes, which are prone to damage with certain cleaning methods. Contact a local drain cleaning plumber to determine the best cleaning method for your specific pipes.

Environmental Impact

If you care about the environment, you should consider using drain cleaning methods that won’t harm it. Chemical drain cleaners, for example, can be dangerous to aquatic life. Opt for eco-friendly options such as hydro jetting or plunger use instead.

Cost

The cost of drain cleaning services varies depending on the method used. Chemical drain cleaners are the cheapest option but may not be effective or long-lasting. Hydro jetting is more expensive but a one-time solution that can prevent future clogs. Consider your budget and the longevity of the solution when choosing a drain cleaning method.

Hiring a Professional Drain Cleaning Service

If you are not familiar with the available drain cleaning methods or are unsure which one to use, consider hiring a professional drain cleaning service. A local plumber will assess the severity of the blockage by way of a sewer camera inspection and determine the most effective method to use. Moreover, they have the expertise and tools needed to minimize potential pipe damage and ensure your drains are thoroughly cleaned. With a professional service, you can have peace of mind knowing that your home’s plumbing system is in good condition.

Conclusion

Clogged drains can be a nuisance for homeowners, but knowing the right drain cleaning method to use can make all the difference. Chemical drain cleaners, plungers, augers, and hydro jetting are all effective methods, but the severity of the clog, pipe material, environmental impact, and cost should guide your choice. If you are unsure which method to choose, consider hiring a professional drain cleaning service for expert advice and service.

Why is My Kitchen Drain Clogged?

a woman trying to unclog a kitchen drain.

As a homeowner, there are few things more frustrating than a clogged kitchen drain. Not only does it disrupt your daily routine, but it can also lead to unpleasant odors and even water damage if left unchecked. Here we will explore some of the most common reasons why your kitchen drain could be clogged so that you can take the necessary steps to prevent it from happening in the future.

Reasons Why Your Kitchen Drain Could Be Clogged:

1. Food scraps

Food scraps are one of the most common causes of kitchen drain clogs. When you rinse plates, pots, and pans in the sink, food particles can easily get washed down the drain. Over time, these scraps can build up and cause a clog. To prevent this from happening, make sure to scrape all food scraps into the trash can before washing your dishes. You can also use a strainer in your sink to trap any food scraps that may accidentally slip down the drain.

2. Grease and oil

Another common cause of kitchen drain clogs is grease and oil. When you pour grease or oil down the drain, it can solidify and cause a blockage in your pipes. To avoid this, never pour grease or oil down the drain. Instead, dispose of it properly by letting it cool and then scraping it into the trash can.

3. Soap residue

While soap is designed to clean your dishes, it can also leave behind a sticky residue in your pipes that can trap other particles and cause a clog. To prevent soap residue from building up in your pipes, make sure to rinse your dishes thoroughly before placing them in the sink.

4. Foreign objects

Sometimes, a clog in your kitchen drain may be caused by a foreign object that has accidentally been washed down the drain. This can include anything from a small toy to a piece of jewelry. If you suspect that a foreign object may be causing your clog, you should call a plumber to safely remove it.

an unclogged kitchen drain.

How to Prevent Kitchen Drain Clogs

1. Dispose of food scraps properly

As mentioned earlier, food scraps are one of the most common causes of kitchen drain clogs. To prevent this from happening, make sure to scrape all food scraps into the trash can before washing your dishes. You can also use a strainer in your sink to trap any food scraps that may accidentally slip down the drain.

2. Never pour grease or oil down the drain

To prevent grease and oil from causing a clog in your kitchen drain, you should never pour it down the drain. Instead, dispose of it properly by letting it cool and then scraping it into the trash can.

3. Rinse your dishes thoroughly

To prevent soap residue from building up in your pipes, make sure to rinse your dishes thoroughly before placing them in the sink.

4. Use a drain cover

Using a drain cover can help trap any foreign objects that may accidentally slip down the drain, preventing them from causing a clog.

5. Regularly clean your drain

Regularly cleaning your kitchen drain can help prevent clogs from forming. You can do this by pouring boiling water down the drain once a week or using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to break up any buildup in your pipes.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

If you’ve tried all of the above prevention methods and your kitchen drain is still clogged, it may be time to call a professional plumber. A plumber can use specialized tools to safely remove any blockages in your pipes and prevent future clogs from occurring.

A clogged kitchen drain can be a major headache for homeowners, but with a little bit of prevention and maintenance, it can be easily avoided. By disposing of food scraps properly, never pouring grease or oil down the drain, rinsing your dishes thoroughly, using a drain cover, and regularly cleaning your drain, you can keep your kitchen drain flowing smoothly. And if all else fails, don’t hesitate to call a nearby plumber to help you safely remove any clogs in your pipes.

What Are the Signs That You May Need a Drain Cleaning Service?

a kitchen sink

Clogs are the number one drain problem experienced in homes. You do not have to misuse your home’s plumbing for the home’s drains to become clogged. Drain clogs can happen as the natural consequence of your home’s drain doing what they are designed to do and in turn you may need drain cleaning service.

Clogs happen because the water that travels through your home’s drains contains debris. These can be tiny food particles from the kitchen sink or solid waste from the toilet. Some of these materials get stuck inside the drain pipes as wastewater passes through them.

Over time these small deposits can grow to become large buildups that obstruct the pipe and slow the water flow. When this happens, you may see the effects in a shower or toilet that drains slowly. It can also manifest as bad odors emanating from your drains.

Property Specialists warns that if these clogs are not dealt with promptly, they can result in even bigger issues. A sewer backup is one of the most common outcomes of neglected drain problems. Clogged drains also increase the stress on your home’s drain. They make the pipes more prone to premature failure.

But these issues can only happen if the early warning signs of the drain problem are not heeded. Most times, a clogged drain will leave signs that alert the homeowner of the problem. If these signs are missed, minor drain issues can quickly deteriorate into plumbing emergencies.

a running faucet

How do you keep your drain pipes free of clogs?

The best way to handle drain clogs is to prevent them. That means taking steps to ensure that the debris inside wastewater never builds up to a point where it clogs your home’s drains. The way to do this is to clean the drain pipes on an annual or biannual schedule.

The second best way to keep your home’s drains free of clogs is to detect when there is a buildup in the drains and remove that debris before it becomes a problem. To do this, you must know the signs that your home’s drain pipes are clogged and need cleaning.

What are the signs that debris is building up inside your drains, and it is time to hire a professional drain cleaning service to get rid of the materials inside your drain pipes?

Bad odors

If you have recently been dealing with bad odors from your drains, it is probably because your drain pipes are clogged. Bad odors happen when sewer gasses cannot escape from the drains (due to a clog), so they find their way back into your home.

Musty drains

A musty odor from your sink or bathtub is a sign of impending drain blockage. Moldy odors mean that mold is growing somewhere in the vicinity. If that odor is from your drains, the pipes are clogged with debris that allows mold to grow.

Gurgling sounds and air bubbles

If you see air bubbles rising out of the water or hear gurgling sounds when you flush your toilets, it is because there is a blockage inside your home’s drains. That also applies if the water in a toilet bowl moves whenever you use one of the other drains in your home.

Problems with fruit flies

Fruit flies in your kitchen – especially when you don’t have leftover food in the sink and your trash can is not overflowing – could mean there is a clog in your drain pipes. The fruit flies could be feeding on the food particles stuck inside the clogged pipe.

a clean drain after a drain cleaning.

Frequent clogs

If your home has been seeing a lot of drain clogs lately or your toilet seems to overflow easily, the root of the issues might not be in those drains. Clogs deep inside your drain pipes can manifest as frequently-clogged drains inside the home.

Multiple drain clogs

If shower, sink, and toilet drains are showing signs of slowness at the same time, the problem is often not with any of the affected drains. More often than not, this problem is from a clog inside your home’s main sewer line.

Standing water

You may find standing water around your laundry machine or dishwasher. When that happens, it is normal to assume the appliance is leaking. But standing water at the base of an appliance or toilet could be due to a clog in your drain pipes.

Sewer backup 

A sewer backup is the worst drain problem in a home. But sewer backups only happen when the other warning signs discussed above are ignored. A sewer backup is often an extreme outcome that happens as the final stage of a drain clog.

All the problems listed above can be solved or avoided easily. How?

By giving your home’s drains a thorough wash. You should not wait until you start seeing signs of a clogged drain before you do this. Cleaning your drains on a schedule, at least once a year, will help you avoid these problems and preserve your drains.

Clean Your Drains Regularly Before They Clean Your Wallet Out

a drain on a black-and-white background.

Clogged drains are a common source of frustration for many families. They could lead to costly plumbing repairs from a backed-up toilet or other fixture in your home. Why it’s so important to clean your drains regularly, how to do it, and how to prevent clogs altogether are all topics we’ll cover in this piece.

How to Clean Your Drains

The process of cleaning drains can be as simple as using a plunger or as involved as hiring a professional. But regularly cleaning your drains should still be done since floods are dangerous and you should try to prevent them. And regular cleaning is the best way to do so. Some of the more common methods include:

Hot Water

One simple way to clean drains is to flush hot water down them. If oil and other debris clog your pipes, running hot water through them may help loosen them. Just flush it with boiling water, and you’re done. You may need to use this method multiple times if your drain is clogged.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

One traditional home treatment for clogged drains is a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. To start, pour one cup of baking soda into the garbage disposal. A cup of vinegar should be added after that. The mixture will typically foam and bubble. Wait a few minutes for the sediment to settle, then flush the drain with hot water to remove any lingering debris. And this is a fast and easy way to clean your drains regularly.

a picture of a drain on a white background.

Baking soda and vinegar can be of great help

Plunger

When drains become clogged, a plunger comes in handy. Before using a plunger, make sure the sink or bathtub is empty. Over the drain, maintain a constant down-and-up pressure using the plunger. This will create suction, which will help clear your pipes of any debris.

Snake

Pipeline obstacles can be removed using a snake, sometimes called an auger. Use a drain snake by inserting it into the drain and twisting it as you work it deeper and deeper into the pipes. If a clog is encountered, the snake can be twisted to loosen it before being pulled from the drain.

Preventing Drain Clogs

Preventing clogs in the first place is preferable to fixing them after they have already formed. There are a lot of tips on how to avoid plumbing issues, but here are some just some of the ways to do so:

Use a Strainer

A strainer is one of the simplest ways to keep water from backing into your sink or tub. Strainers prevent clogs by collecting debris like hair and food scraps before they enter pipes.

make sure to clean your drains regularly for a clean drain like in the picture.

You can use a strainer when you clean your drains regularly

Avoid Pouring Grease Down Your Drain

Grease builds up and causes clogs in drains frequently. As the grease cools, it solidifies and can cause clogs in pipes. Put the used oil in the trash or a grease can instead of the sink.

Flush Your Drains Regularly

Grease and other buildups in your pipes can be easily removed by running hot water through your drains regularly. It’s a quick and easy way to avoid obstructions.

Don’t Flush Non-Biodegradable Items

Toilet paper and human waste are the only things in the toilet. Non-biodegradable items such as paper towels, sanitary napkins, and baby wipes can cause severe clogging problems in plumbing systems. Put these items in the trash can.

Maintain Your Plumbing System

Maintaining your plumbing system will help prevent clogs. Contact an experienced plumber regularly to check your pipes, identify any issues, and clean your drains regularly.

Why Clean Your Drains Regularly?

Maintaining a clean drain is essential to the health of your home’s plumbing system. Pipes can become clogged with debris like hair, soap scum, and food scraps. If you don’t remove the obstructions, water will back up and damage your pipes. Our friends at Pack & Go Movers also recommend cleaning your drains before moving or going away for the holidays. Nothing must clog when you are not home. 

If you have a problem with noxious odors from your drains, regularly cleaning them may help. When food and other organic materials rot in your pipes, odors can permeate your home. Maintaining a regular cleaning routine will help prevent this and leave your home smelling and looking great.

Dealing with Stubborn Clogs

Drains can become clogged even if you take preventative measures and clean them regularly. If you’ve tried DIY drain cleaning methods without success, it’s probably time to call a pro. There are many options when you decide to call upon drain unclogging services. But here are some signs you should do so:

a picture of a drain.

If you have persistent clogs, then you can call a pro for help

Persistent Clogs

If you have tried do-it-yourself methods to unclog the drain and it is still not working, it is time to call a plumber for professional drain cleaning services. No matter how pervasive, a licensed plumber can locate and clear any obstruction.

Foul Odors

A clog in your drain could be the source of a foul odor. This is especially true if gurgling or slow drainage accompanies the smell. A professional plumber can diagnose the issue and offer a solution.

Multiple Clogs

Multiple clogs in multiple drains could indicate a more severe issue in your home’s plumbing system. If there is an issue with your pipes, a professional plumber can camera inspect the sewer lines and find the source.

Backups

Clogged pipes can cause several unpleasant plumbing problems, including backups in the sink or tub. A licensed plumber can trace the problem to its origin and offer a solution to ensure it doesn’t happen again.

Conclusion

Maintaining the efficiency of your home’s plumbing system requires you to clean your drains regularly. You can avoid costly drain clogs by adhering to the guidelines. Put a strainer over the drain of your sink or tub, never put oil down the drain, flush your drains often, throw away any garbage that isn’t biodegradable, and ensure your plumbing is in good operating order. Following these simple guidelines, you can keep your drains in good working order and avoid costly repairs.

5 Reasons to Call a Professional Plumber for Drain Cleaning

5 Reasons to Call a Professional Plumber for Drain Cleaning

So, you think something inside your drain obstructs the channel and would like to clear it out. But how are you going to do that? What is the best way to clean your drains? Should you do it yourself or hire a professional plumber?

Doing it yourself typically means using a chemical drain cleaner. But while this is a quick method to get water flowing through the drains again, there are good reasons why it is not a good option, warns Rent Appeal, especially if you consider the long-term impact of this solution.

Most homeowners use chemical drain cleaners because they think they save time and money. But the sad truth is that chemical drain cleaners do not save you money. Using them in your drains will cost you more money in the future.

How is that?

Why you should never use chemical drain cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners contain corrosives, principally sulfuric acid and caustic soda.  These chemicals are so corrosive that after about five seconds of being inside your drains, they will not only start to eat away at the debris inside the pipes but also corrode them.

But the damage to your plumbing is not immediately evident when you use a chemical drain cleaner. That’s because drain cleaners thin out the pipes, making your plumbing fragile, more susceptible to leaks, and exposing your home to a greater risk of water damage.

The other reason not to use chemical drain cleaners is for personal safety. When using drain cleaners, you must wear rubber gloves and protective goggles. Additionally, you must pour the chemical very slowly because if it splashes on your skin, it will cause burns.

However, even if you succeed in pouring a drain cleaner into your drain without getting it on your skin or your eyes, drain cleaners sit inside your drain pipes for a long time. If the drain cleaner inside the pipe mixes with other cleaners, it can release deadly gases into your home.

So, if drain cleaners are harmful, what is the alternative?

You can buy a hand auger or plunger for nearly the same amount you pay for a chemical drain cleaner. These effectively remove clogs near the drain opening and can be used repeatedly. There are also lots of natural drain cleaning methods you can use.

But these methods do not address the root cause of the clogs in your drains. They only work as short-term fixes. The best long-term solution for keeping your drains in good condition is to hire a professional plumber. Why should you take this option?

Benefits of hiring a professional plumber

Solve problems effectively

Unlike when homeowners try to solve issues in their plumbing, a professional plumber does not just focus on the symptoms of the problem. A professional plumber will find the root cause of the problem by way of a sewer camera inspection service.

Also, unlike chemical drain cleaners, which do not distinguish between the debris inside the pipes and the PVC, metal, or enamel of your plumbing, the professional plumber can pinpoint the cause of the problem and solve it effectively.

They can educate you

Most blockages inside your drains are caused by the improper use of the drains, such as when you flush fats, oils, and grease (FOGs) into the drain or misuse of the garbage disposal. 

A professional plumber can prevent future problems by identifying behaviors contributing to your plumbing issues. They can give you advice that will help you avoid future problems and save costs.

Detect problems early

Most plumbing problems start as minor issues with early warning signs of the impending catastrophe. Blockages happen when those initial signs are overlooked. A professional plumber can save you money by catching problems at the beginning stages and solving them before they become significant costs; instead of compounding your plumbing issues, as chemical drain cleaners would, professional plumbers help you avoid problems.

Routine maintenance

A local plumber can help you do routine maintenance of your plumbing. Rather than wait for problems to happen before you pay attention to your drains, regular maintenance of the system will prevent issues. 

For instance, a camera inspection of your drains does not cost much, but this simple step will save you the thousands of dollars you would have spent to fix damage caused by a sewer backup.

Professional advice

A professional plumber will help you keep your plumbing up to date. From information about new regulations to innovative plumbing products that have just entered the market, your plumber is more in touch with the industry. 

They can ensure that instead of merely spending money to keep the system running, you can invest your money to improve your plumbing system. A professional plumber can help you build a resilient system with fewer problems and lower costs.

To sum up, why should you call a plumber for drain cleaning services? The straightforward answer is that only a professional plumber can clear the debris inside your drains by way of sewer rodding or high-powered hydro jetting service. Chemical drain cleaners and other methods will not do it.

Importance of Drain Cleaning

Importance of Drain Cleaning

Drains are among the most neglected parts of the home’s plumbing systems. The drains in your home are often out of sight – buried deep inside the ground. As a result, they don’t typically feature in most homeowners’ maintenance plans. Moreover, drains are not the most pleasant home features. They harbor smelly bacteria-laden water, so it is typical to avoid them.

But those smelly drains in your home serve a vital purpose. Issues with the drains can disrupt your lifestyle or even damage your property, warns SCUDOre.com. Everyday household activities, such as taking a refreshing shower in the morning or washing the dishes, can come to a screeching halt when the drains in the home malfunction. Furthermore, issues with the drains can result in damage to your home’s interior and landscaping.

Every single day, the following materials go down the drains in your home:

  • Different kinds of food particles and grease when you wash the dishes.
  • Soap, hair, and all kinds of dirt; when you take a shower or wash your hands at the sink.
  • Human waste from every time you use the toilet.

These go into the drains and cause build-ups. It eventually gets to the point when the collection prevents the proper functioning of the drain, such as when you have a blockage. But build-ups are not the only problems your drains can have. Several other artificial and natural issues can interfere with the drain’s performance.

But all these issues can be solved or prevented by cleaning your drains on a schedule. How often should you clean your drains, and what are the benefits of doing so?

Five good reasons to clean your drains

Reduce the risk of blockages

Blockages in the drains can be very costly in terms of how much damage they do to your home and the inconvenience they cause. Some of the possible outcomes of blocked drains are flooding from the bathroom drain or overflowing toilet, disgusting sewer backups, the possibility of damage to your lawn, and costly pipe replacements. The only way to take control and prevent these issues is to clean your drains regularly.

Reduce the risk of terrible odors in your home

The horrible smell emanating from the drains is typical because the drain carries wastewater. But these odors do not have to get into your home. Horrible odors from the drain find their way into your home when components of the drain stop working or are damaged. Regular cleaning of your drains not only gives you the chance to address the build-up that causes terrible odors but also lets you discover problems early and deal with them before they become plumbing emergencies.

Reduced risk of costly repairs

The tiniest issues can become big problems if you allow them to go on long enough. One thing you do not want in your home is an emergency due to problems with the drain. There is no telling how much such problems will eventually cost. It is easier to remove sludge from your pipes than to pay the financial consequences of a blockage, especially when it results in property damage. It is cheaper to remove harmful tree roots than replace the sewer line after roots destroy them.

Improve indoor air quality and health

By cleaning your drains regularly, you eliminate the risk of your family exposure to toxic bacteria-laden gases from the drains. These gases have a negative impact on your indoor air quality. Drain cleaning also eliminates the possibility of releasing disease-causing wastewater into your home. Cleaning the drains will keep your home sanitary and safe for everyone who lives in it. The cost of keeping the drains open does not compare to the financial and emotional toll ill health can take on you.

Prolong the lifespan of your drain

You can prevent most of the issues that shorten your drain’s lifespan by cleaning it on a schedule. Leaks and other problems become common when build-up inside the pipes is unchecked. The result is that the pipes will fail before the end of their estimated lifespan. Conversely, you can stretch the usefulness of your drain pipes beyond their lifespan by keeping them free of build-up.

How often should you clean your drains?

As a rule, clean the drains once every year. Do this whether there are issues with the drain or not. Cleaning your drain every year is a preventive step to help you avoid problems. You may need to clean the drains more than once a year or less than once a year. It all depends on the size of your household. Bigger households often need to have their drains professionally cleaned more than once a year. Small families can afford to clean their drains less regularly.

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The Absolute Best Drain Cleaning Method is Known as Hydro-Jetting

Is Hydro Jetting the Drain Cleaning Solution You Need?

Unfortunately, blocked drains in the home are a common problem. A blocked drain is a huge pain as it will reduce water flow, slow down or prevent drainage, and damage the plumbing. But as Blue Door Realty says, the worst is the possibility of disgusting wastewater backing up into your home.

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Thankfully, there are many ways to deal with a blocked drain. Anyone can unclog a blocked drain if they know how to use a rodding machine or snake. But plungers and drain snakes are only good if the cause of the blockage is close to the drain opening.

For blockages deep inside the drain system plungers and drain snakes won’t work. Finding the right solution for removing a drain clog is vital and this depends on the cause of the blockage, its position inside the drain, and how long the problem has been there.

The most common causes of drain blockages are hair, pieces of food, grease, soap, oil, mineral buildup, and items that accidentally fall into the drain. If any of these items manage to find their way deep into the drain system, they can’t be removed with a plunger.

For complex blockages like that, an advanced solution like hydro jetting is what you need. Hydro jetting will dislodge clogs no matter how deep they are inside the drain system. What is hydro jetting drain cleaning, what are its pros and when should you use this method in your home?

Hydro jetting drain cleaning: how it works and its benefits

Hydro jetting removes drain clogs by blasting them with high-pressure water via a special hose threaded into the plumbing system. This has an attached nozzle, which is able to create a stream of high-pressured water with a force of up to 4,000 psi (pound-force per square inch).

This is enough pressure to break down obstructions, shear away tree roots, and remove buildup. Hydro jetting can be used for pipes of various sizes and to resolve the most severe drain clogs. The size and design of the nozzle can be altered to suit the pipe and type of blockage.

What are the advantages of hydro jetting over other methods of drain cleaning?

It is quick

When you have a blocked drain, speed is of the essence. With hydro jetting, you don’t have to wait long before you can start to use your drains again. The process can be completed in a few hours.

It is not messy

Plumbing jobs almost always create a mess. You will not have this problem when you use hydro jetting. Since hydro jetting flushes away the obstructions inside the drain, you will not have to deal with any smelly unsanitary mess.

It is safe

Because you will not come into contact with wastewater from the drain or any stuff inside the pipes, hydro jetting does not expose you or your family to the risk of disease or illness.

Doesn’t use dangerous chemicals

Hydro jetting uses only water. No strong chemicals will be forced into your drain system. So you can be sure of the safety of your pipes and drain. 

It is versatile

Hydro jetting can be used for pipes of all sizes and any type of blockage. All that’s needed is a nozzle that matches the size of the pipe and the nature of the problem.

It removes sludge

One of the hardest types of drain clogs to remove is sludge. Whether it is sludge caused by soap scum, oil and grease, or coffee grinds, hydro jetting will remove it completely.

Useful for preventing clogs

You can use hydro jetting to protect your drain pipes and maintain the function of the drain system by having the system flushed occasionally. 

Does your drain need hydro jetting?

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You will need hydro jetting if any of these drain problems apply to you:

Other solutions have failed

Sewer rodding and drain snakes are no good when removing clogs that lie beyond the opening of your drain. For instance, if you are dealing with sludge buildup, a sewer rodding will only poke holes in the sediment, instead of fully removing it. The problem will return eventually. The best way to deal with blockages that are not easily resolved is to use hydro-jetting.

Major blockages

If you have substantial scale accumulation in your drain pipes, or you are dealing with tree root intrusion, silt, or heavy sludge buildup, the most effective way to solve the problem is with hydro jetting. Mineral/sludge buildup, if not dealt with effectively can damage your drain pipes. Hydro jetting is a more affordable option than replacing sewer pipes.

Your drain needs maintenance

If you want a way to maintain drain pipes that is effective but does not take a lot of time, hydro jetting is the recommended solution. It will clear away the debris inside sewer lines and return them to how they were at installation.

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