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Unleashing the Power of Hydro Jetting: Say Goodbye to Drain Clogs in Chicago

Unleashing the Power of Hydro Jetting

A clogged drain is one of the most frustrating plumbing problems in the home. Once a drain starts to clog, the problem never goes away. As Harper Management team explains, that is because most drain-cleaning solutions never really solve the problem; they offer a temporary fix.

To help you understand how this happens, below is a detailed explanation of how and why clogs and blockages occur in your home’s drains. The post also shows you the most effective method for fixing and preventing drain clogs in your home.

How and why do drain clogs happen?

It is almost impossible not to have clogs inside a modern drainage system. The simple reason for this is that the wastewater from the various plumbing fixtures in your home always carries some semi-solid and solid materials.

These non-liquid materials are deposited inside the pipe as water enters the system. That happens because the water current is not strong enough to wash the debris out of the line, or it could also be because the slope of the pipe is insufficient.

This buildup process starts slowly, with small amounts of debris, but with time, the rate of buildup increases until enough material has accumulated to interfere with water flow through the pipes. That can eventually lead the drains in your home to stop working.

Why drain clogs and blockages never go away?

When your drains stop working, the next step is to find a way to unclog the pipes. Some people do this with a chemical drain cleaner (an absolutely bad idea) or a DIY home remedy. You can also unclog your drain by having a plumber perform a sewer rodding of the pipes.

But regardless of which solution you use, the drain problems are almost sure to return after a short time. The reason this happens is that the drain-cleaning method you used didn’t solve the actual problem; it just provided a short-term solution.

Most of these methods focus on restoring the water flow inside your drain pipes. They do this by poking/burning a hole through the clog or simply pushing aside the debris. The rubbish inside the pipe is not removed, and with time, it causes yet another blockage.

These less-than-ideal methods for dealing with drain clogs cause homeowners more stress and waste hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. But thankfully, there is one drain-cleaning method that solves the problem.

a hydro jetting being performed on clogged drains in chicago.

Hydro-jetting does not just poke a hole through the blockage inside your drain lines; it will scour the sides and bottom of the drainpipes to fully dislodge any buildup.

Hydro-jetting and Why it is the perfect drain-cleaning method

Hydro-jetting is a drain-cleaning method that relies on the power of high-pressure water to clear debris from clogged drains. To clear a clogged line, water is pumped into the pipe at pressures high enough to dislodge any blockage in the system without damaging the pipes.

The typical hydro-jetting setup uses special equipment known as a “Jetter” which has the following components:

  • A tank of water where the water for the operation is stored.
  • A flexible metal hose is inserted into the drain that is about to be cleaned.
  • A steel nozzle that comes in a range of shapes and sizes.
  • A pressurizing device to increase the water pressure.

To clear a clogged drain, the hose – with the nozzle mounted on one end – is inserted into the drain line through a cleanout. The nozzle for the operation is chosen based on the size, materials and age of the pipe, as well as the kind of blockages inside the system.

A blast of high-pressure water is then sent into the pipe as the hose travels through the line. The water pressure can be as high as 3,500 pounds per square inch (psi). That is enough pressure to shear away tree roots and remove debris inside the line.

The benefits of this drain-cleaning method over other methods include:

  • Thorough cleaning: Hydro-jetting does not just poke a hole through the blockage inside your drain lines; it will scour the sides and bottom of the drainpipes to fully dislodge any buildup.
  • Total waste removal: In addition to dislodging clogs, hydro-jetting will wash the debris out of your drain pipes. Other drain-cleaning methods leave these materials inside the pipes, worsening problems with drain clogs for a long time.
  • Hydro-jetting is safe: No harmful chemicals are used in hydro-jetting. The process uses only water or heated water. This makes it safe for the environment. Moreover, the water pressure used in hydro-jetting can be adjusted to ensure the safety of your pipes.

Finally, hydro-jetting is probably the only drain-cleaning method that can be used as an effective measure to prevent drain clogs. By hydro jetting your drains every year, you will drastically reduce the risk of drain clogs in your home and cut your overall drain maintenance costs.

How to Safely Unclog Your Drain without Risking Pipe Damage

How to Safely Unclog Your Drain without Risking Pipe Damage

Clogged drains are a common problem in homes; they happen following the day-to-day use of your plumbing system. Ordinarily, Safe House Management company notes that clogs in your drain lines should not be a cause of concern since most drain clogs are avoidable and easy to solve.

Yet, at the same time, drain clogs can cause massive damage to your plumbing and building. Fixing them can also take a huge toll on your finances. But a clogged drain will only cause you big problems if you make the following three mistakes in your home:

  • Improper maintenance of the drainage system.
  • There are longstanding drainage issues that have been ignored.
  • Choose the wrong solution for your clogged drains.

If drain lines are not maintained to make it easy to spot and solve problems quickly, the system will be more vulnerable to severe clogs. Minor drain issues will have more time to grow into major plumbing emergencies.

As a result, your home’s drain issues will not only cost more money to fix, but the risk of pipe damage will be higher. This problem can get worse if you choose the wrong drain cleaning solutions. What are ways to safely clear a clogged drain line in your home?

DIY methods to unclog your home’s drain safely

Use a plunger

A plunger is a simple tool that all homeowners should learn how to use. Plungers use suction force to suck debris out of a blocked drain. Place the plunger over the drain opening in a way that ensures a tight seal between the two surfaces.

The handle is then pumped up and down with quick movements. The vacuum created by this action allows the debris inside the pipe to be pulled out. There are two kinds of plungers – sink and toilet plungers. Never interchange them.

Use a handheld drain snake

This is a handheld device which can be manual or automatic. The snake is inserted into the drain opening until it reaches the location of the clog to clear the affected drain. Twist it gently to push through the blockage or snag the debris.

When pulled from the drain, the wire will pull the attached debris with it. You may repeat this process several times to clear the pipe completely. Manual drain snakes and plungers are only effective if the clog is close to the drain opening.

Use baking soda, vinegar and hot water

To unclog a blocked drain with vinegar and baking soda, pour a half cup of vinegar into the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Cover the drain opening and let the mixture fizz for 30 minutes. Flush the drain with hot water.

You can do this with hot water alone. Slowly pour hot water into the drain. Give it time to work its way through the pipes. Repeat this process until the grease and debris inside the pipes melt away. Do not pour boiling water into PVC pipes.

Use borax

Use this natural drain cleaner instead of chemical drain cleaners that can damage your pipes. To clear a clogged drain with this method, pour a solution of one part borax to four parts boiling water down the drain and let it sit for 15 minutes. Flush with hot water.

To unclog a toilet, scoop out as much water from the toilet as you can. Pour a half cup of borax powder into the toilet and let it sit for 15 minutes. Follow this with boiling water. You may need to do this a couple of times to get the desired result.

a plumber performing a hydro jetting service to unclog drains.

Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to blast away the clogs inside the drain line.

Professional drain cleaning methods that will not damage your pipes

The above methods only work for minor drain clogs. For chronic drain clogs or clogs that are deep inside the drainage system, you need a more powerful method. The recommended solutions for these drain clogs are sewer rodding and hydro jetting services.

Sewer rodding

This is a motorized version of the traditional drain snake. Also known as an auger, drain snake, or plumbing snake, rodding machines are several times larger than handheld drain snakes and can remove difficult clogs like sludge and tree roots.

Hydro-jetting

This uses high-pressure water to blast away the clogs inside the drain line. Like a plumber’s snake, hydro jetting will remove sludge and tree roots. But it has the added advantage of washing the debris out of your pipes.

Finally, note that you will not get the best results from any of the above drain cleaning methods if you don’t have an effective drain maintenance strategy. Ideally, this should be a program of preventive maintenance. Preventive maintenance is the best way to care for drains.

That entails a plan for inspecting and cleaning the pipes periodically, whether there are problems or not. That will let you catch problems in their early stages or even eliminate drain clogs. Would you like to know more about preventive drain maintenance for your home?

How To Maintain And Prevent Your Drains From Getting Clogged

How To Maintain And Prevent Your 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 for a sewer rodding service. Plumbers have rodding machines 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 drain cleaning service.