A clogged drain can be a real nuisance. While most people think of grabbing liquid drain cleaner from the store, this method is not the best way to go.
Store-bought chemical cleaners often fail to fully dissolve the clog and may even damage your pipes. If this is the case, calling a plumber is your best bet. Contact Drain Cleaning Perth for professional help.
Drain Cleaning is the process of removing obstructions that prevent water from flowing properly through a drain pipe. This is a crucial maintenance service that can help prevent plumbing backups, unpleasant odors and potential plumbing damage. Unfortunately, many homeowners attempt to use DIY methods to clear their own clogged drains. But doing so can actually do more harm than good. Understanding what drain cleaning is and how it differs from plumbing repairs can help you avoid costly mistakes.
While many people use the terms “drain cleaning” and “sewer cleaning” interchangeably, they are actually two distinct services. The main difference is that drain cleaning focuses on individual household drains, while sewer cleaning addresses the larger sewer line that runs from your home to the city’s wastewater treatment plant.
The main cause of clogged drains is food waste, hair, soap scum, grease, and other debris that accumulate in the pipes over time. When these materials are washed down the drains, they can block the flow of water and lead to expensive plumbing problems down the road. Fortunately, regular drain cleaning can reduce the amount of buildup that accumulates in your pipes and eliminate most clogs before they become severe.
A professional drain cleaner uses a wide variety of tools to clean out your clogged pipes and keep them in top condition. These include drain snakes and augers, which are long rods that can be fed into the pipe to grab and break up stubborn clogs. Chemical drain cleaners also work well, but they must be used cautiously to avoid damaging your pipes.
A professional plumber can also use a hydro-jetting machine to blast high-pressure water into your pipes and dislodge any clogs or debris. This process can also be used to scour the interior walls of your pipes, which helps reduce the risk of future blockages. Finally, a flex-shaft machine can be inserted into the drain line to remove large chunks of clog and break up any debris stuck inside the pipe.
How to Avoid Clogs
Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing problems homeowners face. However, there are many things you can do to prevent clogs before they become an issue.
For example, installing a drain filter is an easy way to keep large particles from entering your pipes. Another good idea is to use a regular drain cleaner. Chemical drain openers are not ideal, as they contain harsh acids that can corrode your pipes over time. If you must use them, do so sparingly.
Food waste is a major contributor to drain clogs. Fibrous vegetables, coffee grounds, eggshells, and starchy foods like pasta or rice can stick together and build up in your drain lines. You should also avoid putting grease and oil down your drains, as these substances can solidify and create serious blockages.
Hair is another frequent cause of clogged drains. Whether it’s your own or your pet’s, this can quickly build up in your drains and even result in complete blockages. Keeping showers and baths clean, as well as regularly brushing your hair, can help prevent this problem.
Toilets are not designed to accommodate anything other than human bodily waste and toilet paper. In fact, putting absorbent paper products such as tissue, cotton balls, facial tissues, and even “flushable” wipes in your toilet can cause serious clogs.
Dirt is also a problem, as it can build up and clog your drains over time. If you have a lot of dirt in your pipes, it may be time for a drain line replacement or upgrade.
If you notice any signs of a clog, such as slow drainage, gurgling sounds, or unpleasant odors, it’s important to act fast. Identifying the cause early on can save you a lot of hassle and money in the long run. Regular drain cleanings can also help prevent clogs and other plumbing problems from occurring.
What to Do When Clogs Occur
Clogged drains can be a major inconvenience, especially when they occur frequently. Fortunately, recognizing the warning signs and taking preventive action can help keep them at bay. Understanding what causes clogs in different types of drains can also make it easier to tackle them using DIY methods or professional tools.
Many clogs start small, with hair or soap residue clinging to the walls of pipes. Over time, these substances solidify into thick masses that even water has trouble passing through. Knowing the proper steps for dealing with these issues can save homeowners a lot of hassle and money in the long run.
For physical blockages, mechanical methods like plungers or drain snakes can be effective for removing loose hair or other debris. For deeper clogs, an auger or plumbing snake may be needed. These tools require more effort, but can be more effective than chemical agents.
If the clog is stubborn, it’s important to know when to call in a professional. A trained technician can inspect the drain line and recommend the best course of action. Frequent or persistent clogs or standing water can be signs of deeper problems that can cause serious damage to a home’s plumbing system.
While it may be tempting to reach for liquid drain cleaner, these chemicals can actually be harmful to your pipes. They contain strong bases or acids that can erode metal and PVC pipe materials over time. Rather than risking your pipes, try these natural homemade declogging solutions:
Boiling water can dissolve grease and loosen debris in drains. Use this method with caution if you have PVC pipes or a porcelain sink, as it could crack them. For a stubborn clog, try using a plunger to create suction and pressure. Position the plunger over the drain opening and pump vigorously. Be sure to maintain a tight seal and use smooth motions, not chaotic ones.
Why It’s Important to Have Regular Drain Cleanings
Drain cleaning services help to prevent major plumbing repairs. While there may be an upfront cost, this service helps homeowners save money in the long run by preventing costly repair expenses and extending the lifespan of their plumbing systems. These services also help to maintain clean pipes and smooth drain flow, which improves the overall quality of living in a home and reduces odors and other nuisances caused by clogged and slow-running drains.
One of the primary causes of clogged and slow-running drains is organic buildup. Items like hair, soap scum, and food scraps can all build up inside of a drain, blocking it or causing water to back up into the home. Educating household members on proper waste disposal methods is an effective way to avoid these common drain blockages.
Another common cause of clogged drains is mineral deposits. These are usually a result of hard water and can affect multiple drains in a home or business. This issue can be avoided with the use of a water softener system.
When water sits in a clogged or slow-running drain for an extended period of time, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. This can then lead to health issues for family members including respiratory problems and allergies. Regular drain cleaning and maintenance can ensure that these issues are addressed promptly to protect the health of a home’s occupants.
Blocked drains can also attract pests like cockroaches and rodents, which can create a messy and unsanitary environment. Regularly scheduled drain cleaning helps to prevent these pests from entering a home and can also extend the life of a plumbing system by keeping it free of debris that can damage it.
While it’s tempting to reach for the liquid drain cleaners that are available at most grocery stores, they can actually be more damaging than helpful. These chemicals are highly corrosive and can destroy the internal structure of a plumbing system. In addition, they can be toxic to pets and children and are harmful to the environment. Having professional drain cleaning and clearing services regularly done is the best way to protect your home or business’s plumbing and prevent costly repair costs down the road.