
Blocked Drains Be Gone!
There are always surprises when it comes to owning a home. Everything is working as it should be until the pipes start leaking, the hot water stops flowing, or the drains start slowing. Slow and blocked drains can be a real hassle. They are a common problem caused by hair, dirt, mineral buildup, or other things that get caught in the drain and stop water from flowing well. Blocked drains cause dirty water to set onto the sink bowl or the shower or tub floor.
In this article, homeowners can learn about the best methods to get rid of blocked drains when they happen.
Snaking the Drain
In the case of a blocked drain, one of the first products homeowners turn to is liquid drain cleaner. However, these contain harsh chemicals that can be hazardous to a person's health and can even damage the plumbing system. Therefore, it's best to avoid these types of products and use different methods like snaking to clear the drains.
A drain snake is a flexible device that can maneuver inside pipes to catch and clear out clogs that may block them. Plumbers will insert the snake into the pipes and rotate the device to grab hold of the clog and pull it out. While it's an easy tool to use, there are some potential pitfalls for homeowners that try to snake drains by themselves. If not used properly, the snake could push the clog further down the pipe, where it becomes harder to reach and remove. Therefore, it's best to let a professional plumber handle the snaking process.
Hydrojetting the Pipes
Hydrojetting is another popular option that is safe and effective for the plumbing system. It's a more eco-friendly cleaning option since only water is used to clear the clogs rather than chemicals or other materials. The method sprays a blast of high-pressure water into the plumbing pipes, which forcefully clears out clogs and removes any other buildup.
Hydrojetting is commonly used to clean out sewer lines, but it can be used on any clog, whether in a sink, a shower, toilets, or other plumbing mechanisms. As mentioned, it's very safe for pipes, but only when handled by the right people. High-pressure water is more powerful than most people think; it's strong enough to cut through metal! And when it's not in the right hands, it can open holes in the pipes and plumbing system. Only trained professionals should execute hydrojetting to ensure that the plumbing system remains safe and intact.
A Temporary Solution with Baking Soda & Vinegar
When homeowners are looking for a plumbing solution, they often turn to the DIY options. In the case of blocked drains, baking soda and vinegar are commonly used as a solution. When these ingredients get mixed, they create a chemical reaction to help remove clogs and buildup that exist in the drain. However, homeowners should know that this solution is only temporary and won't work against larger, tougher clogs that may be at play. Plumbing professionals would only recommend this method to give some initial relief until a long-term solution can be implemented.
About B&L Plumbing
B&L Plumbing is a local Colorado Springs, CO plumbing company dedicated to providing top-quality service for its customers for over two decades. They believe that being a great plumber means more than just having a license and the right tools. It's also about providing exceptional service, and B&L plumbing offers both.