Solving Your Clogged Drain Issues
When it comes to residential plumbing issues, the most common one is likely a clogged drain from a slow-draining bathtub impacted by hair to a gurgling kitchen sink that’s blocked up by cooking grease and food scraps. These issues not only lead to unsightly and embarrassing performance in some of the highest-used areas of the home but can also lead to extensive damage, depending on their location. In this article, plumbing experts share some insights into how drain cleaning is done, the tools of the trade, and what to do to prevent the issue in the first place.
Signals of Clogged Drains
While a toilet that won’t drain is a clear indication there may be a clogged sewer line, there are other signals homeowners can look for to determine whether the need for professional drain cleaning is on the horizon. This can include:
- Foul odors coming from the drains.
- Little to no water pressure in specific areas of the home.
- Gurgling noises when water passes through the drain.
- Fixtures that take overly long to drain – particularly the sink or bathtub.
- Changes in the lawn, including wet spots or overly lush lawn or shrubs.
The last sign is particularly problematic as it can also indicate a sewer line clog. Since sewer lines run under, around, and away from the home, a severe enough blockage that has damaged the pipe can sometimes lead to a water leak.
Drain Snaking 101
Although it may be tempting to run store-bought drain cleaners down the drain, they’re often abrasive and can cause extensive damage to the plumbing, particularly in older homes. Instead, opt for the help of a plumbing professional. They have various tools to do the job, with a plumber’s snake being the most popular.
These devices, also known as augers, are metal or sometimes plastic cables fed into the pipe where the blockage is. Once the clog is located, they can puncture a hole, allowing the water pressure to flush out the clog or twist into the blockage, tangling it up in the line and eventually allowing a plumber to pull it out.
A drain snake is highly effective with blockages like excess hair, toilet paper, or other smaller debris and is entirely safe to use on all plumbing systems.
Tough Blockages, Meet Hydro Jetting
Hydro jetting is likely the go-to process for homes requiring more heavy-duty drain cleaning. This device uses highly pressurized water to blast blockages inside the piping. Like an auger, a plumber feeds a line into the plumbing system. The hydro jetter has a nozzle towards the front and also blasts water behind it as it goes. This way, it scores the entire pipe as it's fed through the system.
Hydro jetting is often used for sewer line clogs and can help with blockages caused by invasive tree roots, years of hard water scale, or larger blockages in the plumbing system. Regardless of what drain cleaning method a homeowner opts for, working with a professional is always important to find an effective and safe solution for cleaner pipes.
About Henco Plumbing Services
Henco Plumbing Services has been helping homeowners in Vancouver, WA, and the surrounding areas since 2015. This family-owned company is dedicated to exceptional service with personalized solutions, honest advice, and flat-rate pricing. They’re also available for same-day service, so contact them for plumbing needs, such as drain cleaning services in Vancouver, WA.
