All About Drain Cleaning
Drain cleaning is one of the most important and often encountered plumbing services. Most homeowners, at some point or another, have had to get a clogged drain or pipe cleaned out because clogs are a common domestic occurrence. Food residue, soap scum, hair - all this debris may unintentionally make it into the pipes.
So to keep a home’s plumbing functioning optimally and prevent serious clogs from disrupting daily life, it is vital for homeowners to clean their drains, both as preventive maintenance and as a way to clear clogged pipes when they do inevitably occur. Most experts recommend professional drain cleaning at least once every 18 to 22 months. With proper waste disposal habits that keep substances like oil, grease, corrosive chemicals, and hygiene products such as paper towels and wipes away from drain pipes, drain cleaning can keep a home’s plumbing in good condition for a long time.
Signs of a Clog That Requires Drain Cleaning
Drain cleaning is not only used for prevention. It can also be used to clear away clogs, and several signs can indicate to homeowners that drain cleaning is needed, including:
- Slow drains or standing water
- Backed up plumbing
- Sewage smells
- Gurgling water sounds
When these signs are present, it’s time to call a professional plumber because they indicate the sewer line is clogged. Tough clogs will need plumbers and special techniques and equipment to solve them.
Method 1: Drain Snaking
Drain snaking is one technique plumbers may use to clear a clogged pipe. This method involves using a device called a drain snake, otherwise known as a plumber’s snake, which is a long, flexible, yet sturdy cable, usually made of metal, that is inserted into the pipes. Holding the other end, a plumber turns the handle of the drain snake, or it turns mechanically, which allows the metal cable inside the line to break down any clogs that might be getting in the way.
Drain snakes have been around for a long time and are considered a tried and tested tool in a plumber’s arsenal of techniques to clear out clogged pipes. Aside from being an effective method for drain cleaning, drain snaking also comes with little risk of pipe damage when done by a plumber and is generally considered a safe and gentle process for drain cleaning.
Method 2: Hydro Jetting
While drain snaking is great at breaking up clogs, its primary liability is that it is not as effective as a preventative measure against clogs. For clog prevention, the best drain cleaning method available is a technique called hydro jetting. Hydro jetting involves using a hydro jet or a highly pressurized continuous blast of water that is highly effective at dislodging even the most difficult clogs and cleaning debris out of the pipe that could form a clog.
Hydro jetting can clear pipes more thoroughly than a drain snake can since water can get to any areas that drain snakes can’t. However, only professionals should perform hydro jetting as the water pressure is so intense that it can damage pipes, especially ones that are already old or failing if not operated correctly.
About Jim Wagner Plumbing, Inc.
Jim Wagner Plumbing, Inc. is a plumbing, heating, and air conditioning company serving Lombard, IL, and the surrounding areas. They offer upfront pricing, on-time service, and honest advice and recommendations. Call them today for sewer line drain cleaning in Lombard, IL.
