A Guide to Professional Drain Cleaning
When a household is dealing with a clogged drain or sewer line, calling for professional drain cleaning is the solution to unclog the pipes and restore proper drainage. Having clogs addressed quickly is important, as it can help prevent additional issues such as leaks and backups. So, when homeowners notice signs of a clog, they should call a plumber as soon as possible. This blog post will discuss signs indicating that drain cleaning is necessary, common causes of clogs, and the methods professionals can use to unclog a clogged drain or sewer line.
Signs Drain Cleaning Is Needed
Common signs of a drain or sewer line clog that indicate professional drain cleaning is needed include:
- Slow-draining water in sink, bathtub, and other drains
- Unpleasant odors from the drains
- Gurgling sounds from the drains
- Water backing up from drains and toilets
Additionally, if people experience frequent clogs, this also indicates the need for professional drain cleaning, as it may signal a clogged sewer line or other issues within the drainage system that require expert attention.
Common Causes of Drain and Sewer Line Clogs
There are many potential causes of a drain or sewer line clog that can originate from different drains and factors. Understanding the common causes of clogs helps households take steps to prevent them. Some common reasons for clogs and where they often originate from include:
- Kitchen sink drains: Common causes of clogs originating from kitchen sinks include items that shouldn’t be put down the drain, such as grease, cooking oil, and food scraps.
- Bathroom drains: Hair, soap scum, and personal care products can go down bathroom sink, shower, and bathtub drains, causing clogs.
- Toilets: Clogs can also result from flushing the wrong items down the toilet, such as wipes, paper towels, tissues, feminine hygiene products, cotton balls, cotton swabs, and more. The only thing that should get flushed is toilet paper, but flushing too much toilet paper at once can also cause clogging.
- Underground: Another potential cause of a sewer line clog is tree roots that naturally seek moisture and nutrients, which can cause them to infiltrate and clog sewer lines.
How Do Professionals Perform Drain Cleaning?
Professional drain cleaning relies on specialized equipment to safely and effectively unclog the pipes. A sewer video inspection allows plumbers to get a clear view inside drain and sewer lines, which helps them identify the cause of the clog and assess the condition of the pipes, enabling them to determine the best solution.
Drain snakes are a common solution for unclogging the pipes. Also called a plumber's snake or drain auger, these flexible metal cables can extend into the pipes to break apart or retrieve obstructions. For stubborn sewer line blockages or lines that experience frequent clogging, however, hydro jetting may be the best solution. This unclogging technique uses high-pressure water streams to scour pipe walls for a thorough clean. Unlike drain snaking, which only focuses on the clog, hydro jetting can eliminate the clog while also removing buildup and helping prevent future clogs by thoroughly cleaning the pipes.
About RupCoe Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning
RupCoe Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning has been serving the South Plainfield community since 1985. They offer upfront pricing, fast turnarounds, and a satisfaction guarantee. Call them for drain cleaning services in South Plainfield, NJ.
