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Drain Cleaning Like a Professional

How Plumbers Tackle Clogged Drains

Many substances flow through the drains, so it’s inevitable for homeowners to experience a clogged drain once in a while. But with so many tips and tricks circling the internet, what advice seems like the safest and quickest way to get the job done? 

Drain cleaners are readily available at the supermarket but should not be used for clogged drains. Most drain cleaners house toxic chemicals that can harm homeowners, their families, and the plumbing of the drain itself while not always removing the build-up that caused the clog.  

DIY That’s Safe

methodsBecause most options out there can do more harm than good, the professionals recommend that homeowners use more natural concoctions if they want to take matters into their own hands.

A popular DIY method for clearing clogged drains is boiling water, vinegar, and baking soda. The boiling water is dumped down the drain first. Then the baking soda is poured over the drain and washed down into the plumbing with vinegar. The baking soda and vinegar will fizz and break the clog apart. Once the mixture has sat for around 30 minutes, the last step is to flush the drain with more boiling water. 

However, homeowners should not use boiling water if they have PVC pipes because the heat could damage them. DIY attempts don’t always work on tougher, more backed-up issues. 

 

What is Drain Snaking?snaking

Professionals will break out a gadget that houses an extremely long, agile cord with a metal spiral at the end of hard plastic spikes covering its exterior for tougher clogs or deeper cleaning. This is a drain snake, and they come in different sizes and can be manual or motorized depending on the location and severity of the clog. 

The cable will be inserted into the drain and sent through the piping system until the clog or buildup is located. The spikes will break up the debris from the sides of the pipeline, and the metal spiral will help break apart clogs that won’t budge. 

How Does Hydrojetting Work?

For a high-powered cleaning that can also be used to prevent clogs from forming, hydro jetting is the best option. It takes a snake auger and attaches a nozzle at the end, releasing water like a power washer. As the snake runs down the drain, the nozzle spraying water will remove any buildup that it runs across. This option is sure to unclog most, if not all, drains in the home with the utmost efficiency. 

The only downside to giving the home’s plumbing a powerwash is that some pipelines could become damaged. The professional on the job will have to run through a quick analysis of the plumbing before beginning the process of hydro jetting. The high-powered sprayer at the end of the snake could cause old, worn pipes to crack or burst due to the pressure. This is why homeowners should call plumbers if a drain has a serious clog.

About PlumbCrazy

PlumbCrazy has over three decades of experience providing their neighbors in Abingdon, MD, and the surrounding areas with personalized solutions for all their plumbing issues. PlumbCrazy offers top-notch customer service, emergency plumbing services, and affordable pricing. Call them today for drain cleaning services in Abingdon, MD.