Clogged drains not only cause unpleasant odors in your home but also promote the spread of bacteria and germs. Even a minor clog can create serious problems and require professional help.
Many people try to clear drain clogs with DIY methods. A popular technique involves using a combination of baking soda and vinegar. For more information, click the link https://www.draincleaningphiladelphia.com/ provided to proceed.
Clogged drains are a common problem that can affect any home. When these drains get clogged with hair, food, or grease, homeowners often reach for chemical drain cleaners to break down the blockage and move it away from the pipe opening. However, using chemical drain cleaners can be damaging to your pipes and your health. Here are a few reasons to avoid them:
Chemical drain cleaners release toxic fumes that can irritate your nose, throat, eyes, and lungs. Long-term exposure can cause chronic respiratory problems. These chemicals can also damage your pipes, causing leaks and requiring costly repairs. In addition, they can react with other household chemicals and create dangerous byproducts, such as hydrogen chloride (HCl), which can corrode metal pipes.
Liquid chemical drain cleaners dissolve clogs by creating a chemical reaction with what’s blocking the pipe. This reaction produces heat, which can melt or warp plastic pipes and wreak havoc on older metal ones as well. It can also leave behind a residue that attracts more debris and causes additional clogs.
Most liquid chemical drain cleaners require you to open a window and wear rubber gloves when handling them. They can also produce fumes that are harmful to your family’s health, especially if anyone has an asthmatic condition. These cleaners are also not environmentally friendly and can contaminate your soil and water supply if they enter the environment.
Caustic and oxidizing chemical drain cleaners are not safe to use with septic systems because they can kill the bacteria that breaks down organic waste in the tank. They can also be harmful to young children and pets who may come into contact with them.
The best way to keep your drains clear is by preventing them from getting clogged in the first place. Installing a drain strainer can help catch hair, large soap scum chunks, and other items that can clog your drains. Regularly checking and emptying your drain strainer can save you a lot of time, money, and headaches in the long run. If you do find yourself with a blocked drain, it’s important to contact your local plumber as soon as possible.
Hydro-Jetting
The most effective and safest way to clean a drain line is hydro jetting. This method is the choice of many professional plumbers, and it works wonders for clogged pipes. Unlike store-bought drain cleaners, hydro jetting uses no chemicals, so it is completely safe for your plumbing and sewer lines.
During the hydro jetting process, your plumber will attach a durable hose to a water tank that’s pressurized to high levels. The hose is then fed into your clogged pipe, where it shoots water at an incredible speed and power. This hose has different nozzles, which allow your plumber to choose the optimum angle and direction for cleaning your pipes. For instance, a rotating nozzle allows the water to spin and dislodge stubborn debris from all sides of the pipe.
Your plumber will also use the hose to clean your sewage line, which is a critical part of your home’s plumbing system. This will remove any bacteria and other harmful contaminants that are in your septic system, as well as foul odors. Your plumber can even use this method to blast away tree roots that have infiltrated your sewer line.
Another great benefit of hydro jetting is that it can be used to clean minor clogs that would otherwise require snaking. Many clogs are caused by a residual layer of soap scum, grease and hair, which can be blasted away with this powerful tool. A drain snake, on the other hand, can only be as wide as its tip, which is why it isn’t always a complete fix for these types of clogs.
Before your plumber begins the hydro jetting process, he or she will run a video inspection of your pipes to locate major blockages and areas of heavy build-up. This will help determine whether your pipes can handle the intense pressure of a hydro jetting session, which is not recommended for older or weaker pipes. In the case that your pipes are too old or damaged to withstand the high-pressure water flow, your plumber will suggest other options for clearing your clogged pipes.
Drain Snaking
If commercial chemical drain cleaners are too harsh for your home’s pipes, or if you prefer an environmentally friendly solution, consider drain snaking. This method involves manually inserting a metal snake into your clogged drain, which either breaks up or entangles the blockage and pulls it away. There are a number of different types of drain snakes available on the market, including flat tape and motorized versions. Before using a drain snake, make sure to read the instructions carefully and wear rubber gloves. Also, be prepared to come into contact with dirty drain water, which can be a health hazard.
First, make sure that you shut off the water to your clogged pipe. Look down the drain to see if you can visually identify the location of the clog. If you can’t, use a flashlight to help locate it and feed the snake into the pipe until it hits the clog. Once the snake reaches the clog, rotate the handle to slowly feed it through the pipe. You may need to jiggle the snake and apply pressure to get around tight bends. The snake’s tip will snag and break up a soft clog, or it may wrap around and entangle a solid or tightly packed one.
Once the snake reaches the clog, continue rotating the handle to push it through the clogged pipe until you feel resistance or notice that the cable begins to snag on something. Once the snake catches the clog, you can either pull it back up or, for a more powerful option, turn on your water to full force and let the pressure wash away the clog.
While you can use a DIY snake, it’s always best to call in a professional to ensure a thorough job and avoid causing additional damage to your drainpipes. A professional will be able to determine the underlying cause of your clog and prevent future ones from forming, which can save you time, money, and hassle down the road.
Plumbing Inspection
A plumbing inspection is a great way to keep up with your home’s pipes and avoid costly repairs. It is done by a trained plumber who uses a video camera to look at the interior of your plumbing system. This allows the plumber to see any obstructions, identify leaks and determine how well your water is flowing. The plumber can also spot any potential problems and recommend preventive maintenance to keep your home in top shape.
During a plumbing inspection, the plumber will check all of the drain lines throughout your house to look for clogs and leaks. They will also examine your toilets, showers, faucets and water heater for signs of rust and corrosion. In addition, the plumber will inspect your sewer line to look for breaks and other problems that can lead to sewage backups and other serious issues.
Sewer line problems are some of the most serious plumbing issues a homeowner can face. They often result in foul odors, water damage and property loss. A sewer line break can cause sewage to flow into the home, which is both messy and dangerous.
While a sewer line repair may seem like a big job, it’s important to catch these problems before they worsen. The best way to do this is with regular drain inspections. A plumber will insert a camera into your drains to see what is blocking the line and then clear it as needed. This process is much faster and more affordable than digging up your entire yard to find the problem pipe.
Plumbing inspections are also a good idea if you’re planning any major changes to your home or building. For example, adding a new bathroom or kitchen requires an inspection to ensure that your existing pipes can handle the extra water load. This helps you plan for any upgrades or replacements before the work starts, preventing unexpected expenses.
During a plumbing inspection, the plumber can also assess your water pressure and test for any unusual smells or tastes in your home’s water. They can also test your water appliances for proper function and look for any problems that could be causing high utility bills.