2 Ways To Cure a Drain Block (And 1 Way To Make It Worse!)
Slow, clogged drains dragging down the household routine? It makes sense to want those drains cleaned right away, but there’s a right way to do it! Plumbing experts know how to handle blocked drains without compromising the entire home’s system or making a situation worse. Read on to find out how plumbing professionals clear drains - and the one method they recommend avoiding whenever possible!
Do - Drain Snaking
The first tool in the plumber’s proverbial de-clogging belt is the drain snake. This chemical-free system works great for older homes with fragile plumbing or for smaller clogs. Snakes come in motorized or hand-cranked versions.
Drain snaking utilizes a long, thin cable attached to the auger, which is then snaked or pushed through the pipe to unclog debris in the system. The cable rotates as the auger is turned, helping to displace any clogs.
Benefits of Drain Snaking
As previously mentioned, drain snaking is chemical-free and safe on older and newer pipes alike. Sinks, toilets, and sewer lines can all be snaked for clogs.
Snaking drains reduce odors, reduces the chances of overflows, and helps improve pipe longevity alongside getting rid of pesky clogs and improving drain speed.
Do - Hydro-Jetting
Benefits of Hydro-Jetting
Hydro-jetting works great for a comprehensive, deep clean of the plumbing in a home. It eliminates everything from dirt to deep clogs, all from one central location in the home. It’s chemical-free, and when done correctly, is perfectly safe for older pipes.
After a hydro-jetting clean, homes experience faster plumbing, reduced odors, and fewer chances of bacterial build-up in the pipes. Plus, hydro-jetting tends to clean more efficiently than snaking and usually needs to be completed less often than snaking, too.
Don’t - Liquid Drain Cleaners
Everyone has used over-the-counter drain cleaners in their home - but that doesn’t mean they should. The label of liquid drain cleaners usually includes highly corrosive ingredients like bleach, lye, aluminum, and salt. When paired together, these ingredients work wonders on breaking down clogs while posing a severe risk to the home.
Risk of Liquid Drain Cleaners
Liquid drain cleaners come with a batch of warnings plastered on their label for a reason: they are dangerous. The highly acidic nature of the cleaners can eat through pipes and pose a hazard to the skin and materials that the liquid comes in contact with. Additionally, prolonged use of liquid cleaners puts plumbers working on the home at risk of experiencing their corrosive effects. In the long run, liquid cleaners are more harmful than good for a home and its occupants.
When it comes to getting slow drains fixed, let the professionals handle it. Methods like drain snaking and hydro jetting can fix blocked drains without putting a home or its occupants at risk and get the pipes flowing in no time.
About B&L Plumbing
For over two decades, B&L Plumbing has been providing its community with affordable, expert plumbing care. They offer a full range of plumbing solutions, from water heater replacement to pipe installation. So call them today for blocked drain cleaning in Colorado Springs, CO.
