What You Need to Know About Drain Cleaning

Like we mentioned above, there are a variety of reasons why you might be suffering from a clogged drain. A clogged drain is one of the most common plumbing problems. Sometimes you can clear the clog yourself by running hot water and plunging. We don’t advocate for the use of chemical drain cleaner as it isn’t effective, is dangerous to handle, and can do more harm than good. If you have tried plunging to no avail, then professional drain cleaning is the next step.   Professional drain cleaning involves several methods depending on the severity of the clog.  

• Drain Snaking - Your plumber may choose to snake your drains. A snake also known as an auger, is a line with a drill like end that is fed down the drain. The purpose is to either break through the obstruction or grab on to it.
• Hydro-Jetting - Another method involves hydro-jetting, where high pressure water is used to clear away buildup that accumulates on the walls of your pipes. Hydro-jetting is an effective way to not only clear a clog, but also prevent future clogs by removing the grime that collects over time. 

Getting Ready for Your Appointment

If you have never had your drains cleaned before there are a couple of things you can do to make your appointment easier.  

• Make Way - Make sure there is a clear path to the drain cleanout (this is the access point to your main sewer line). You plumber will need some space for equipment, so make sure there is plenty of room. 
• Remove Items - If your plumber needs to get under the sink, clear the surrounding items away. This will save time and make things much easier.
• Remove Sewage Waste - If your clog is also accompanied by a sewer spill or flood, make sure you have the area cleaned by a remediation company. This can make gaining access to your homes plumbing difficult and can affect proper diagnosis.

Preventing Future Clogs

Sometimes a clogged drain is a fluke, sometimes it is the result of a more serious plumbing problem. It is important to talk to your plumber about what caused the clogged drain in the first place to form better habits and also treat the problem. If there is a more serious problem, like tree roots, drain cleaning may not solve the problem but only temporarily alleviate the symptoms. Talk to your plumber about proper drain usage, this involves watching what goes down the drain and preventative drain cleaning maintenance. You don’t have to wait until there is a clog to have your drains professionally cleaned. Over time a nasty sludge made of soap grime, debris, and bacteria can collect on the walls of your pipes. Regular drain cleaning can remove this grime and help keep things flowing the way they are supposed to.    For more information on how to prepare for drain cleaning or to schedule an appointment contact Rooter Hero today!