A Guide to Professional Drain Cleaning
Drain and sewer line clogs are one of the most common plumbing problems that households face. Therefore, it’s important to know how to identify them so that a plumber can be called for drain cleaning, and to understand what causes them, allowing people to help prevent them. This guide will discuss the signs that indicate drain cleaning is needed, common causes of clogs, and how professional drain cleaning can be performed.
Signs Drain Cleaning Is Needed
Recognizing when professional drain cleaning is necessary can save homeowners money in additional repairs, as clogs can lead to other issues, such as leaks. Common warning signs of sewer line clogs and drain clogs, indicating the need to call for drain cleaning service, include:
- Slow-draining water
- Foul odors from drains
- Gurgling sounds from drains
- Water backing up in drains or toilets
- Recurring clogs
Common Causes of Drain and Sewer Line Clogs
Clogs can have various underlying causes and originate from different drains in the home or even environmental factors. Clogs can develop when people unknowingly send the wrong materials down their kitchen sink drains, such as grease and cooking oil that solidify inside the pipes, as well as food scraps.
A clogged drain or sewer line can also occur due to hair and soap scum that go down bathroom sink and shower drains, or when the wrong items are flushed down toilets, including wipes, feminine hygiene products, cotton swabs, dental floss, and more. So, to help avoid clogs, people should be mindful of what they put down their household’s drains and toilets.
Meanwhile, underground sewer lines can encounter an entirely different problem that also causes a clogged sewer line. Tree roots naturally seek out moisture and nutrients, which can lead them to infiltrate the joints or tiny cracks in sewer pipes, growing into massive blockages. So, people should be mindful of where trees are planted in their yards.
How Do Professionals Perform Drain Cleaning?
Professional drain cleaning services utilize advanced equipment to clear even the most stubborn blockages. One thing plumbers can do before drain cleaning to identify a clog and its cause, allowing them to determine the best solution, is a sewer camera inspection. A sewer line camera enables plumbers to gain a clear view inside the pipes, which leads to a more accurate diagnosis and repair.
Plumber's snakes, also known as drain snakes or drain augers, are a common tool that is used to unclog pipes. It is a long, flexible cable with a coiled end that is used to unclog the line. The rotating action either breaks apart debris or hooks onto it for removal.
Another method plumbers use to unclog pipes is hydro jetting. This technique utilizes high-pressure water streams from a specialized nozzle to blast away clogs and remove buildup from pipe walls. The hydro jetting process not only removes current blockages but also helps prevent future clogs from forming by removing buildup along the interior of the pipes. A plumber can determine the best solution based on the type of clog and the condition of the pipes.
About Super Plumbers
Super Plumbers is a family-owned and operated company serving the Tyler, TX area. They offer prompt, high-quality service, flat-rate pricing, and personalized service. Call them for drain cleaning services in Tyler, TX.
