The Best Residential Plumbing Solutions for Unclogging Drains

The clogged drain in your kitchen sink or bathroom toilet is making your life a lot harder than it needs to be, isn’t it? We understand how frustrating it is to have to deal with such an annoying issue. Now your focus needs to be on getting it fixed. However, you are not exactly sure what residential drain cleaning solutions entail.

A residential plumbing company knows how to diagnose the issue and go about fixing it. They can also provide drain maintenance and cleaning services on a routine basis to prevent clogs and other major mishaps. However, when there are signs of an impending blockage, then you will need to hire a professional drain cleaning company to remedy the situation immediately.

Slow drains and drains that are prone to backups will require more than a simple fix to permanently solve the problem. A clogged drain is something that doesn’t just go away, and the same goes for a clogged drain pipe or sewer line. The most effective drain cleaning solutions in which your residential plumber will make use include the following:

Drain snaking is a very common solution to unclogging any blockage or buildup inside your pipes and drain lines. It’s the first thing that your residential plumber will try before moving on to other solutions. A drain snake, also referred to as an auger, is a long flexible cable that extends into your drain pipes and breaks up clogs and buildup. Drain snakes can reach fairly deep into your drainage system, and it is effective at removing most obstructions. However, some clogs are extremely stubborn to remove, and you will need to make use of a different drain cleaning solution.

When the clog is severe and located deep inside your sewer line, then you will need to undergo a camera inspection. Most residential plumbing repair companies have access to video monitoring equipment that enables them to inspect the entire inside of your drainage system. The technology will allow you to determine the exact location and nature of the clog, which will provide your drain cleaning specialist with enough information to go about removing it.

Some older homes have drain pipes made of cast iron and over time they will eventually collapse due to blockage. Businesses, on the other hand, usually have pipework and plumbing fixtures installed that can handle a lot of demand. However, drains in commercial buildings are also prone to clogs created by sludge, grease, and organic waste material. This will prompt a lot of business owners to install a grease trap to limit buildup.

Perhaps the most efficient drain cleaning method is hydro jetting. This involves the use of highly pressurized jets that produce a strong stream of water that clears out clogs and obstructions in your drain pipes. Hydro jetting is similar to using a pressure washer on your concrete patio or garage flooring. It scours the inside of your system to provide you with optimal drain cleaning efficiency. Hydro jetting is effective in removing some of the most stubborn clogs that you can encounter.

There is a downside to using hydro jetting. While the process itself is very efficient and dependable, it can potentially damage or weaken your drain pipes. In other words, they can end up doing more harm than good if you are not careful. Of course, you will need to hire a residential plumbing repair company or drain cleaning specialist to undergo the hydro jetting process. This is another reason why camera inspections are so important: the technician will get a good look at your system and determine the best approach for removing the clog or obstruction.

Whether it’s a clogged bathroom sink or toilet, you want to learn more about the best drain cleaners that are available to you. However, we always recommend that you avoid any commercial cleaners that contain harsh chemicals. These cleaners are likely to damage your drain pipes and sewer lines – especially if you are using them improperly. They are certainly tempting to use because they work quickly and they present a cheaper alternative to hiring a residential plumbing company. The best cleaners are usually enzymatic or home remedies because there is minimal risk in pouring them down your drain. 

Here are some additional tips on promoting drain efficiency and longevity:

• Never pour any grease, oil, banana peels, eggshells, bones, or seeds down the drain
• Put ice cubes in your garbage disposal occasionally to sharpen the blades 
• Always run cold water when you are operating your garbage disposal
• Install a hair trap inside the sinks, bathtubs and shower drains in your bathroom to limit buildup and clogs

There are several signs that your drain is compromised and you will need to hire a drain cleaning and repair specialist. One tell-tale sign that things are bad is when your sinks, tubs, and shower drains are struggling to evacuate water. This typically indicates that a major clog is on the horizon. You may also notice that your drain is emitting a funky smell that’s permeating your entire home. Backups in your sewer line will allow bacteria to fester and proliferate, which is what’s usually causing the nasty odor.

You may also begin to notice dirt or grime residue appearing in your basement laundry tub, which is also a very concerning situation and will require assistance to fix the issue. However, perhaps the most dreadful scenario is when sewage and wastewater enter your home. It’s right there in plain sight and it’s a situation that is very revolting for most of us. Sewage that seeps into your home will require you to hire a professional plumbing company to remove and dispose of it properly. Any time you are dealing with sewage inside your home, you have a potential health and safety risk on your hands. You need to treat it as an emergency and remedy the situation as quickly as possible.

Hiring a drain cleaning company is always a big deal because you want to ensure that you are optimizing your home plumbing systems. Contacting and consulting a professional is going to make a world of difference in bringing about a reliable solution for your drainage problems. If you feel that you need to contact someone right now about your problem, then don’t wait another second!