A Guide to Professional Drain Cleaning
Every homeowner has experienced frustration when water refuses to drain properly, indicating a clog in the drain or sewer line. While reaching for a bottle of chemical drain cleaner might be tempting, professional drain cleaning is the more effective and safer long-term solution for maintaining the home's plumbing, as the chemicals in chemical drain cleaners can damage the pipes.
Understanding when to call professionals for drain cleaning is important to prevent the clog from leading to additional problems and leaks. This post will share telltale signs indicating it's time for professional drain cleaning and common methods plumbers use to unclog a sewer line.
Signs of a Clog
Recognizing the signs of a sewer line clog is crucial for maintaining the home's plumbing system and preventing costly damage. Some of the most common indicators include:
- Slow draining or standing water that won’t drain
- Gurgling sounds from the drains
- Water backing up from drains
- Foul odors coming from drains
When these symptoms occur, they often signal a sewer line blockage in need of drain cleaning. Professionals have specialized equipment and the expertise to unclog lines safely and effectively.
Drain Snake or Auger
A drain snake, also known as a plumber's snake or auger, is a specialized plumbing tool consisting of a long, flexible metal cable with a coiled spring on one end and a handle on the other. Professional plumbers use this versatile tool to clear stubborn clogs deep within the plumbing system. The snake is inserted into the drain opening and rotated manually or with a power drill attachment as it's fed further into the pipe, allowing it to break up or retrieve obstructions.
One of the primary advantages of professional drain snaking is its ability to effectively clear blockages without damaging pipes, unlike harsh chemical solutions. Professional plumbers can utilize different types of attachments depending on the nature of the clog, whether it's tree roots, accumulated debris, or solid materials. Furthermore, the drain snake's flexibility allows it to navigate through pipe bends and turns while maintaining effectiveness.
Hydro Jet Drain Cleaning
Hydro jetting is a drain-cleaning method that uses highly pressurized water to clear clogged lines. During this process, professional plumbers insert a hose with a multidirectional nozzle into the line. The nozzle releases powerful streams of water in multiple directions to clean the line thoroughly and blast through the clog. The force of the water not only breaks up stubborn blockages but also scours the entire interior surface of the pipe, removing built-up residue that other drain cleaning methods, like drain snaking, cannot remove.
Unlike traditional drain snakes that merely remove the obstruction or create a hole through the clog to restore drainage, hydro jetting provides a comprehensive cleaning solution that also helps prevent future blockages. This thorough cleaning process makes hydrojetting particularly effective for commercial properties with grease-laden pipes and residential homes with chronic clogging issues. Additionally, the method is environmentally friendly, using only water without harsh chemicals.
About Lambert Plumbing & Heating, LTD
Lambert Plumbing & Heating, LTD has been serving the greater Vancouver area since 1977. They offer upfront pricing and clean, respectful technicians. Call them for drain cleaning and clog repair services in Vancouver, BC.
