What Are The Different Methods of Drain Cleaning and How’re They Effective?

We all know that our plumbing system requires an inspection from time to time. So you hire a plumber, have them take a look at everything, and they happen to discover a clog. Many of us assume that a drain cleaner will be enough to remove it, but this isn’t usually how it works. What you will need to do is figure what is stuck inside your drain and locate the clog. There are several different approaches to drain cleaning, and you might be wondering which one is the most effective. Here is everything you need to know:

You have probably heard of hydro jetting before but you are not exactly sure what it is. It’s a cleaning process that involves pressurized water and a hose with a special nozzle. Hydro jetting is very effective in removing clogs because it will destabilize and disintegrate any of the sludge, soap, grease, and calcified deposits that build up inside your drainage system. Hydro jetting will greatly improve the water flow in your home and you can make use of your plumbing immediately once the cleaning process is complete.

Hydro jetting is an ideal option for many homeowners and business operators because it does not pose a risk to the environment. Also, unlike some of the more traditional methods, hydro jetting won’t cause any contamination to your water supply. Hydro jetting also allows you to avoid any extensive landscape digging and it won’t cause any damage to your pipes. It’s a viable solution in both residential and commercial settings, and the entire process only takes a few hours to complete.

If you have an outdated plumbing system, then you may need to utilize some of the more traditional tools used in drain cleanings, such as an auger or plumber. However, you will want to hire someone who has experience using these tools. An auger is extremely effective in removing clogs, but if you are not careful, you can end up doing more harm than good.

Augers (i.e., drain snakes) are most often used for clogged toilets and sinks. They can remove most minor clogs caused by clumps of hair and tissue. They can also handle some of the more serious clogs involving waste materials and debris. Augers are a long metal rod that will fit through any drain and they feature a hooked end which grabs onto whatever it is that’s stuck in your plumbing. You can also use an auger to drill through and break down the blockage so that you can restore the water flow in your drain.

Pouring hot water into your drain is a lot more effective than you think. All you have to do is boil some water and pour it in stages. With each successive stage, the hot water melts away the debris and loosens it. Keep repeating this process and eventually, you will remove the obstruction entirely. You should always avoid pouring water directly down your drain and instead let it hit the sink first. If there are solid objects stuck inside your drain, then you will need to go with another cleaning method.

New technology makes it much easier to locate clogs in your drain and remove them. Digital monitoring devices are now used by many professional plumbers. They provide a live video feed to the plumber so that they can inspect the inside of your pipes and accurately locate the clog. This will also help them determine the best way to clear it out. A camera inspection alone obviously won’t remove the clog, but it still serves a very crucial role during the cleaning process.

Everything depends on the location and cause of the blockage. Certain clogs will require professional assistance, so you should always have a plumber take a look at what’s going on inside your drain. You can never go wrong with a little troubleshooting.

If you end up using the wrong cleaning technique, you won’t get rid of the blockage. You may also end up causing more damage to your plumbing, which will cost you even more money to fix. This is why we advise that you should avoid any DIY cleaning solutions. We also recommend that you refrain from using commercial drain cleaners because they tend to contain harsh chemicals that will wreak havoc on your plumbing. Commercial cleaners can be effective, but it will come at a cost.

If you have any questions about drain cleaning, we encourage you to give us a call! One of our team members will tell you everything you need to know about professional cleaning solutions. We can also have a technician come out to your home and take a look at your plumbing.