Clogged drains are not just annoying, but they can also be dangerous. Food, hair, soap residue and other organic materials break down inside pipes to create foul odors and cause serious health problems.
Regular drain cleaning prevents these organisms from growing, ensuring clean pipes and proper home hygiene. It also helps prevent sewage backflows, mold growth and other outdoor complications that result from improper drainage. Contact Drain Cleaning Aurora, CO now!
Drain snakes are long, flexible cables with an auger or blade on the end. They can break up and cut through stubborn clogs, including tree roots. A plumber feeds the snake down the drain and then cranks it to bore into and remove the blockage. They can also use a hydro jetting technique, which blasts a high-pressure water stream into the pipe to clean it out. This is a more thorough method, but it can cause damage to pipes if the water pressure is too high.
Unlike chemical cleaners, which contain toxic substances that are harmful to humans and the environment, drain snakes are safe for pipes. However, they can be messy to use and require a bit of skill to operate. Using too much force or twisting the snake incorrectly can cause it to get caught in the pipe and break off inside, creating a new clog elsewhere in the line. In addition, if the snake touches dirty drain water, it can splash toxins onto your skin and hands as you work with it.
A drain snake is a good choice for smaller clogs that can’t be removed with a plunger or by using a chemical cleaner. It’s easy to find at hardware and home improvement stores for a reasonable price.
Although a DIY drain snake is fairly easy to use, it’s important to follow the directions carefully. If you’re not careful, you can scratch or scrape the sides of your pipes and make the clog worse. You may also come into contact with sewage, which can be dangerous if it isn’t treated properly.
If the clog is too severe to resolve with a drain snake, it’s time to call a professional plumber. If you can’t afford to wait, try a homemade solution that can sometimes dislodge lighter organic gunk like hair or soap scum from coating pipes. This MacGyver method involves straightening out a wire coat hanger and trying to hook it into the clogged drain. It takes a little patience, but can be effective in some cases. If you don’t have a coat hanger handy, you can fashion one out of a length of copper tubing.
Hydro-jetting
Unlike snaking, which relies on mechanical force, hydro jetting uses water to wash away obstructions. It involves inserting a hose with a specialized nozzle into your drain lines. The nozzles are designed to direct the spray forward or backward, depending on the type of clog. Plumbers can also select different nozzles that emit a more concentrated spray to break up hard-to-remove blockages.
The high-pressure water blasts away anything that is clogging your pipes, including the grease and soap scum that mechanical drain cleaners can’t dissolve. The process can also eliminate tree roots and other hard-to-reach clogs, such as those within sewer lines. Hydro jetting is more effective than snaking because it flushes your pipes completely, leaving them clean and free of debris.
Before the plumber begins the hydro jetting process, he or she will inspect your pipes using a camera to determine the location and severity of the clog. This will also help to identify any damage or leaks in your plumbing system. A plumber will then decide whether or not to use the specialized nozzle, which can be attached to a flexible hose that is easily maneuvered inside the pipe.
Hydro jetting is the preferred method of cleaning for commercial and residential drain and sewer lines. The high-pressure water is strong enough to clean the most stubborn clogs and can even remove corrosion from old pipes. It’s also an eco-friendly option, avoiding the use of chemicals and harmful fumes.
However, it is important to note that hydro jetting may not be suitable for all situations. If your pipes are very old or damaged, the pressurized water can cause them to crack or break. In addition, the water may not be able to reach all areas of the pipe due to its restricted range.
Chemical drain cleaners
Chemical drain cleaners are available in liquid, gel or powder form and break down hair, grease, food and other materials that block a drain or pipe. They are widely used and marketed as an easy solution to stubborn clogs by home improvement stores and big box retailers. However, they present a number of safety concerns and are best left to professional plumbers.
Caustic drain cleaners contain sodium hydroxide (also known as lye) or calcium carbonate, which generate heat and melt the materials that make up a clog. They are effective against hair and grease clogs that occur close to the drain opening, but will not work on a larger clog that is further down the pipe.
Acid drain cleaners are more powerful than their basic or alkaline counterparts and should only be used by a plumber who is licensed to use them. They are effective against a wide range of clogs, including those caused by paper products, but they can be dangerous and must be used with caution. They are very corrosive and can eat away at the metal pipes in your home, leading to leaks and bursts.
These chemicals pose a significant health risk when they come into contact with skin or eyes and can cause severe chemical burns if not properly worn or handled. They also generate a lot of heat, which can cause thermal damage to the skin and lungs. If they are ingested, these cleaners can have even more serious effects.
Most chemical drain cleaners require that they sit in a drain or pipe for at least 15 minutes while they work their magic. Once they have done their job, they should be flushed with plenty of water. This helps to wash away any remaining chemicals and debris, as well as any loosened clog material.
Although chemical drain cleaners often provide quick relief from clogs, they don’t always address the underlying issue. Many clogs are caused by issues deeper in the pipe, such as root intrusion or misaligned pipes. These problems are more difficult to resolve than a simple blockage of soap scum, hair or food particles.
DIY
A clogged drain is an inconvenient and frustrating problem. It can also be dangerous if not addressed promptly and may lead to further damage to your pipes and plumbing system. Many homeowners use commercial drain cleaners to get rid of a blockage, but these harsh chemicals can damage your pipes over time and are not eco-friendly. There are several homemade DIY methods for removing a blockage that are safer for your pipes and the environment.
A basic combination of baking soda and vinegar is one of the most effective DIY drain cleaning methods. This mixture creates a chemical reaction that eats away at a blocked drain and eliminates odors. Pour one cup of baking soda into the affected drain and then follow with a cup of hot vinegar. This method is most effective for tackling small grease clogs or soap scum.
You can also make a natural enzyme drain cleaner from household items to keep your drains clear and smelling fresh. Combine sugar, yeast, and fruit scraps to form a liquid that will dissolve organic materials in your drains without damaging your pipes or the environment. Pour this liquid down your drains once a month to keep them clean and odor-free.
If you’re dealing with a stubborn clog, try using a wire coat hanger to remove it. The hook on the end of the wire can be used to catch and remove hair, food particles, and other debris stuck in your drains. For best results, use this technique when the sink, tub, or shower is empty.
Another popular DIY drain cleaner is a solution of baking soda and boiling water. This method works well for a variety of blockages, but is especially effective for greasy, slow-moving clogs. Pour a cup of baking soda into the affected drain and follow with a pot of boiling water. This simple drain cleaning solution is safe for all pipes and can be repeated as needed.
If your DIY drain cleaning attempts don’t work, or you suspect that you have a larger issue like roots in the sewer line, it’s time to call a professional. A professional can evaluate your drains and pipes to identify and address the underlying cause of the clog, which could save you money and hassle in the long run.