Tag Archives: chicago drain cleaning

May '24

Unclogging Drains in Chicago Rental Apartments

If you’re currently facing a stubborn clog in your apartment’s drain, you’re not alone. Clogged drains can be a common issue due to various factors such as hair, soap scum, food debris, and mineral build-up. Below we’ll provide you with practical tips and techniques to effectively unclog drains and restore proper drainage in your rental apartment.

Understanding the Common Causes of Drain Clogs

Before we dive into the methods of unclogging drains, it’s important to understand the common causes of drain clogs in rental apartments. By identifying the root cause of the clog, you can take preventive measures to minimize the occurrence of future clogs. Here are some common culprits:

Hair: Hair is one of the primary causes of clogged drains, especially in bathrooms and showers. Over time, hair accumulates and combines with soap residue, forming a stubborn clog.

Soap Scum: Soap residue can build up inside drains, diminishing their capacity and leading to slow drainage.

Food Debris: In kitchen sinks, food particles, grease, and oil can accumulate and cause clogs.

Mineral Build-Up: Minerals present in the water supply can accumulate in drains, resulting in reduced water flow.

Tips for Preventing Drain Clogs

Prevention is always better than cure. By following these simple tips, you can minimize the occurrence of drain clogs in your Chicago rental apartment:

Use Drain Guards: Placing drain guards in sinks and showers can effectively catch hair, food particles, and other debris before they enter the drain.

Avoid Pouring Grease: Never pour grease, oil, or fat down the drain. Instead, dispose of them in sealed containers and throw them in the garbage.

Regular Cleaning: Establish a routine of cleaning your drains with a mixture of hot water, baking soda, and vinegar. This can help break down any build-up and prevent clogs.

a woman unclogging an apartment drain with a plunger.

Start by using a plunger specifically designed for sinks or toilets, depending on the location of the clog.

Unclogging Drains: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re currently dealing with a clogged drain in your Chicago rental apartment, follow these step-by-step instructions to unclog it:

Use a Plunger: Start by using a plunger specifically designed for sinks or toilets, depending on the location of the clog. Place the plunger over the drain and apply firm pressure, creating a seal. Begin plunging with vigorous up and down motions to dislodge the clog.

Try a Plumbing Snake: If the plunger fails to remove the clog, a plumbing snake or auger can be used. Insert the snake into the drain and rotate it to break apart or remove the clogging material.

DIY Drain Cleaner: You can create a natural drain cleaner by combining 1 cup of baking soda, 1 cup of vinegar, and hot water. Pour the mixture down the drain and allow it to sit for 15-30 minutes. Then, flush the drain with hot water to clear any remaining debris.

Chemical Drain Cleaner: If the DIY methods are unsuccessful, you can try using a chemical drain cleaner specifically designed for the type of clog you’re dealing with. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and use caution, as these cleaners can be harsh and potentially damaging to pipes.

Contact Maintenance: If all else fails, it’s time to reach out to your apartment’s maintenance team. They have the necessary tools and expertise to handle stubborn drain clogs.

When to Seek Professional Help

While the methods mentioned above can effectively address most drain clogs, there are situations where it’s best to seek professional help. Consider contacting a professional plumber if:

The clog persists despite multiple attempts to unclog it.

You suspect a more severe underlying issue with your plumbing system.

Your rental agreement specifies that certain drain clogging issues should be drain cleaning service professionals.

Unclogging drains in Chicago rental apartments doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By understanding the common causes of drain clogs, taking preventive measures, and following our step-by-step guide, you can effectively unclog your drains and restore proper functionality. Remember to prioritize safety and reach out to a Chicago plumber when necessary. Enjoy a hassle-free living experience in your rental apartment with smooth and unclogged drains!

May '24

The Importance of Sewer Rodding in Chicago

In a city like Chicago, there are countless systems in place to ensure its smooth functioning. One such vital system is the sewer system. It may not be the most glamorous topic of discussion, but understanding the importance of sewer rodding is crucial for every resident and business owner in Chicago.

The Role of Sewers in Chicago

Before getting into the significance of sewer rodding, let’s first explore the role of sewers in Chicago. The sewer system is responsible for transporting wastewater and stormwater away from homes, businesses, and streets. It plays a critical role in maintaining public health, preventing flooding, and preserving the environment.

Chicago’s sewer system is an intricate network of underground pipes that span for miles and connect to treatment plants. These pipes collect and carry wastewater from toilets, sinks, showers, and other sources to ensure it is properly treated and disposed of. Additionally, the storm sewers collect rainwater and runoff to prevent water accumulation on the streets, reducing the risk of floods.

The Importance of Sewer Rodding

Sewer rodding, also known as drain rodding or rooter service, is a maintenance procedure that involves clearing the sewer lines of any obstructions or blockages. It is a preventative measure that aims to keep your home sewer system functioning optimally. Here are several reasons why sewer rodding is of utmost importance in Chicago:

Preventing Blockages and Backups

Over time, debris, grease, tree roots, and other foreign objects can accumulate in the sewer lines, leading to blockages. If left unaddressed, these blockages can cause sewage backups, which can result in property damage, health hazards, and significant disruptions. Regular sewer line rodding helps prevent these blockages, ensuring the smooth flow of wastewater and stormwater.

Maintaining Public Health

A properly functioning sewer system is critical for safeguarding public health. When sewer lines are blocked or compromised, wastewater can overflow into your home or business. This can contaminate the environment, exposing residents to harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. By having your sewer line rodded out, the risk of sewage backup and potential health hazards is significantly reduced.

Minimizing Flooding Risks

Chicago is no stranger to heavy rainfall, and inadequate sewer maintenance can exacerbate the risk of flooding. When storm sewers are clogged with debris and sediment, rainwater cannot efficiently drain away, leading to streets and neighborhoods being inundated. Routine sewer rodding helps keep the sewer system clear, allowing rainwater to flow freely and minimize the chances of flooding.

Extending the Lifespan of Sewer Pipes

Regular sewer rodding helps extend the lifespan of sewer pipes. When blockages occur, the pressure within the pipes increases, potentially causing them to crack or burst. These pipe failures can be costly to repair and may require extensive excavation. By proactively clearing sewer lines, the stress on the pipes is reduced, contributing to their longevity and minimizing the need for costly repairs or replacements.

a professional sewer rodding service taking place in chicago.

By scheduling periodic drain rodding services, you can proactively identify and address any potential blockages or obstructions before they escalate into major problems.

Best Practices for Sewer Rodding

While the significance of sewer rodding is evident, it is essential to approach this maintenance task with caution and expertise. Here are some best practices for sewer rodding:

Seek Professional Assistance

When it comes to sewer rodding, it is highly recommended to seek the services of a professional plumber in Chicago. Trained technicians have the knowledge, skills, and specialized equipment necessary to safely and effectively clear sewer lines. Attempting to perform a drain rodding without proper expertise can result in further damage or incomplete blockage removal.

Regular Maintenance Schedule

Establishing a regular maintenance schedule is key to preventing sewer issues. By scheduling periodic drain rodding services, you can proactively identify and address any potential blockages or obstructions before they escalate into major problems. The frequency of sewer rodding may vary depending on factors such as the age of the sewer system, the number of users, and the surrounding environment.

Use High-Quality Equipment

Professional plumbers utilize specialized sewer rodding equipment designed to effectively remove blockages without causing damage to the pipes. These tools, such as high-pressure hydro jetting service and mechanical rodding machines, ensure thorough cleaning while preserving the integrity of the sewer lines. Investing in high-quality equipment guarantees the best results and reduces the risk of complications.

Consider Preventative Measures

In addition to sewer rodding, implementing preventative measures can further enhance the functionality and longevity of the sewer system. Regularly inspecting sewer pipes, installing backflow valves, and educating residents about proper disposal practices can help minimize the occurrence of blockages and sewage backups.

While sewer rodding may not be the most glamorous topic, it holds immense importance in maintaining Chicago’s sewer system’s efficiency and preventing issues such as blockages, backups, and flooding. By understanding the significance of drain rodding and following best practices, both residents and business owners can contribute to the overall well being of the city while ensuring the longevity of the sewer infrastructure.

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In need of sewer rodding service for your home or business in Chicago? Contact us by form below or call us at 773-599-9181!

Aug '23

The Magic of Hydro-Jetting: Say Goodbye to Clogged Drains in Chicago

Clogs are the most common and most persistent problems in drain systems. A drain is clogged when wastewater cannot flow freely through the pipes. This problem happens in residential and commercial drain systems, regardless of their age or the type of materials they are made of.

Drain clogs happen for two major reasons:

They are also the inescapable consequence of how drains are designed to work. That is because of the solid and semi-solid materials contained in wastewater. These materials accumulate inside drainpipes and cause them to clog.
Drain clogs also happen because of how a drainage system is used. If the plumbing is misused by those who live in a home or by the occupants of a commercial building, the drainage system will be more likely to experience clogs.

As with buildings everywhere, drain clogs are common in Chicago homes and businesses. Every year, millions of dollars are spent by homeowners and businesses to fix drainpipes that have been damaged by clogs. The sad thing is these problems and costs are entirely preventable.

Hydro-jetting, the definitive solution for clogged drains in Chicago

Drains that clog often wear out faster because of the constant stress of buildup on the pipes. Any solution that relieves this stress by quickly and efficiently removing the offending materials from the pipes will not only cut your maintenance costs but also prolong the life of your drainage.

Olympic Management says that solution is hydro-jetting

What is hydro-jetting? How does it work, and why is it the best solution for cleaning clogged drains?

Hydro-jetting is a drain-cleaning technique that uses high-pressure water to clear clogs from drainpipes while also cleaning the pipes. The method is effective for dealing with stubborn clogs or buildup and will even remove tree roots that have found their way into the pipes.

To hydro-jet a drain system, a machine (a “jetter”) sprays water at extremely high pressures into the pipes. This pressure can range from 3,000 to 8,000 pounds per square inch (psi). The correct pressure depends on the severity of the clogs and how long they have been there.

Unlike other drain-cleaning methods, hydro-jetting can be used to prevent drain clogs. That’s because this method will wash your drainpipes. Where other drain-cleaning methods leave the dislodged materials inside the pipes, hydro-jetting will flush them out.

Drainpipes that are clean function better and also last longer. The cost of maintaining them is lower because no sediment inside the pipes can snag debris and cause clogs. Hydro-jetting does not just address the symptoms of drain clogs; it solves the problem.

The best thing about hydro-jetting is how it can clean the drains. Since it uses water, hydro-jetting will completely remove debris from the nooks and crannies of your drain system.

Advantages of hydro-jetting

It is non-invasive

With this method, there is no need for expensive excavations in your yard. As long as the drains can be accessed through a cleanout, toilet or floor drain, they can be hydro-jetted.

It is fast

The entire drain system in a building can be hydro-jetted in a few hours. The amount of disruption to your family or business is minimal, and there is no mess to clean up after the operation.

Thorough cleaning

The best thing about hydro-jetting is how it can clean the drains. Since it uses water, hydro-jetting will completely remove debris from the nooks and crannies of your drain system.

It is versatile

Hydro-jetting works for all kinds of drain systems (residential, commercial, or industrial), regardless of the kind of debris inside them. It also works for a wide range of pipe materials.

Lasting results

The results you get from hydro-jetting are long-lasting. Chronic clogs and recurrent drainage problems are quickly and easily solved by hydro-jetting the drain system.

Hydro-jetting uses only water, environmentally friendly cleaning solutions and heat.

Eco-friendly

Hydro-jetting your drains will not harm the environment. No harmful chemicals are used in the process. Hydro-jetting uses only water, environmentally friendly cleaning solutions and heat.

It is preventative

Instead of waiting until your residential or commercial drain system is damaged by clogs, you can use hydro-jetting as a preventive and cost-effective measure to keep them working.

Should you hydro-jet your drains today?

If the drainage system in your Chicago home or business is showing the following signs or you have the following habits, you need hydro-jetting:

Slow drains: Slow drains or toilets that don’t flush well could be due to clogs deep inside the drains
Recurring clogs: If you have tried everything to fix the clogs in your drains, but they keep coming back
Issues with grease buildup: If you constantly flush FOGs (fats, grease and oil) into the kitchen sink
Non-flushable items in the toilet: If you flush anything but toilet paper and human waste into the toilet
Tree root intrusion: If there are trees near your sewer line and they have invaded the pipes in the past

Lastly, you need hydro-jetting if you simply want to keep your drains working efficiently, reduce maintenance costs and prolong the lifespan of your drains.

Jun '23

Meet The Experts: An Interview with Chicago’s 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 service 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 sewer line with a camera 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.”

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.