Drain cleaning is known as using a plumbing snake, toilet plunger, or another mechanical device to unclog clogged wastewater drains. In addition to the plumbing snake, drain cleaning is also possible using a chemical cleaner, drain auger, or plunger. In some cases, professional services may be required. If you cannot perform this task yourself, Plumbers Aurora CO can help you. Read on to learn more about different types of drain cleaning.
Hydro-jetting
If you’re tired of your sink drains smelling terrible, you should consider Hydro-jetting for drain cleaning. Not only does it eliminate that unpleasant odor, but it also ensures that your plumbing system will function properly. Tree roots often cause drain blockages. These roots are often inside drained and eventually reel into the sewage, expanding and clogging the pooled connections. Hydro-jetting is a safe and efficient way to remove these tree roots.
When using a hydro-jet, the plumber inserts a high-pressure hose into the pipe and then uses a high-pressure water jet to force debris up the pipes. Because the water jet is at such a high pressure, it can scour the interior of a pipe and send debris downstream. Hydro-jetting is an environmentally safe alternative to other drain cleaning methods, which can cause damage to pipes.
Using a plumbing snake, also known as an auger, can sometimes remove a clog, but it can’t reach deep enough in the pipes to remove all the materials. Hydro-jetting removes all of this debris, preventing future clogs and costly sewer repairs. To perform the process, the plumber must locate a cleanout on the plumbing system. The plumber will also use a camera to inspect the pipes and identify any damage that needs to be repaired.
Commercial properties often experience a high traffic volume, making it necessary to have hydro-jet drains to ensure no leaks or backups. A commercial establishment may also lose profits if a clog is not addressed right away. Commercial hydro-jetting is a great preventative maintenance method that will prevent clogs before they even occur. In addition to being a valuable tool for preventing costly plumbing problems, hydro-jetting can also be a great way to keep your plumbing in excellent condition.
When choosing a plumbing company to perform drain cleaning, it is important to make sure you hire one that uses hydro jetting. A licensed plumber will be able to evaluate your pipes and recommend the best solution for your plumbing needs. While hydro-jetting requires high-pressure drains, it doesn’t use chemicals, which is one of the main benefits of this technique. Store-bought drain cleaners can cause damage to pipes and can even eat away at them.
Plungers
When it comes to cleaning your drains, a plunger is your best friend. The tool works by creating a tight seal over the drain opening. Then, you use the plunger to push and pull water back down the drain. A few seconds of constant pressure will help you create the vacuum needed to clean the drain. However, you need to use extra force or plunge a little more to make it work effectively. Plungers are useful tools, but they are not always the best choice.
If you’ve tried a plunger but can’t seem to clear your drains, you may want to consider a different type. If you’re cleaning your bathroom or kitchen sink, a cup plunger may be the best solution. This tool works best on a flat surface and will unclog most clogs. However, if you’re working on a toilet or other large drain, you should use a plunger that’s shaped like a rounded ball.
Another tool you can use to clean your drains is a drain snake. These tools are designed to work by forcing water into a clogged drain. To use a drain snake, you need to feed the wire into the drain. Then, you should turn the handle of the plunger so that it pushes the wire into the pipe. The more you turn the plunger, the more suction will be created.
While using a plunger is an effective tool, it is not a good choice for major clogs. These can be caused by extensive tree root growth, plumbing infrastructure damage, or even a fatberg, which is a mass of non-organic matter bound together by oil. For these, you should seek professional assistance. In case you need more powerful drain cleaning tools, big box stores usually rent the appropriate equipment.
You can also buy a separate plunger for toilets. These tools are similar to sink plungers, but they feature an extra flap for your toilet’s drain. The extra flap creates a vacuum that forces items out of the pipe. Most people use a plunger when their toilet is clogged, but this tool works on other types of clogs as well. You just have to know which one to use.
Drain Augers
You can purchase drain augers in different sizes, each with its advantages and disadvantages. For example, handheld models are cheap and easy to find at your local hardware store. However, their reach is only about eight meters, and their blades can scratch ceramic plumbing fixtures. Additionally, hand augers are only suitable for small-diameter pipes, typically 40 to 50 millimeters in diameter. Additionally, you should wear protective eyewear when using these machines.
There are several types of augers, and the main difference between them is their strength. A lightweight auger can easily clear a blockage, while a heavy-duty one can cause damage to pipes. Also, drain snakes can easily injure you, so it is important to take precautions when using them. Electric drain snakes are particularly dangerous, as they require a high level of expertise to use.
A high-quality drain auger can reach a maximum of two inches in diameter. This device comes with a 25-foot reinforced steel cable and a trigger for manual control. It’s not intended for unclogging toilets, but it’s an excellent choice for drain cleaning smaller drains. However, if you have a large drain, it’s not recommended for this task. To get the best drain cleaning results, invest in a high-quality drain auger.
A high-quality drain auger will break up the blockage and clear any clogs in your drain. Some models have a coiled cable that works the same way as a plunger. These augers also feature a crank for easier use. This feature makes it easier to spin the cable inside the drain, breaking up the clog and clearing the blockage. And a high-quality auger will save you both time and money!
Traditionally, drain augers are longer than a drain snake and are designed for external use. Typically, they work with 1.5 to three-inch pipes and are relatively easy to maneuver. They are suitable for external plumbing and bathrooms as well. There are two main types of augers: the plumbing snake and the drain auger. However, both tools have their pros and cons. So which one is best for your home?
Chemical Drain Cleaners
There are several chemical drain cleaners on the market. The benefits of using them include their affordability, availability, and fast unclogging time. However, they can be dangerous if used improperly. To avoid this, make sure to wear protective gear, avoid getting too close to the cleaning solution, and store them properly. To avoid chemical drain cleaners, follow the directions on the packaging. To avoid exposure to toxic fumes, always wear protective gloves and eye protection.
Some chemical drain cleaners are highly toxic, with bleach being a particularly dangerous ingredient. Not only are they corrosive, but they also emit dangerous gases. As these cleaners are used to unclog pipes, they are a threat to water supplies, and they can pollute groundwater as well. To avoid this problem, use enzyme drain cleaners, which are safer. In most cases, enzyme drain cleaners work similarly.
The only difference between enzyme-based and chemical cleaners is that the former is not toxic. Enzymes help break down organic soil in drains. Enzyme cleaners work more slowly and can take hours to clear a clog. However, enzyme cleaners must be used by a plumber or drain cleaning technician because improper use may lead to damage. Also, the chemical heat can cause holes in metal and PVC pipes.
One common type of chemical drain cleaner is caustic, which contains a base with a pH of 10 or higher. Alkaline drain cleaners release OH-ions, which create heat and dissolve grease and other waxy substances in the drain. Oxidizing drain cleaners, on the other hand, contain oxygen, which has a positive charge and pulls electrons from clog molecules. The advantage of these chemical drain cleaners is that they are heavy, which allows them to pass through the water and reach clogs that are in the middle of the pipe.
The problem with chemical drain cleaners is that they contain powerful chemicals that can damage septic tanks and human health. This is especially true if these drain cleaners are used in a poorly ventilated area. The chemicals release toxic fumes that can be hazardous if breathed in. They can damage the respiratory system and even kill the person using them. A plunger, on the other hand, is not a good option if you live in a home with young children or pets.