Have you ever experienced a clog drain problem in your home? We understand that this can cause a multitude or problems to any plumbing system. From clogged shower drains to sinks.
There are many DIY methods you can use in this case, however they can be ineffective. Which can waste you more time and result in more costs in the long run!
A professional has the expertise to promptly resolve the problem, leaving you with a seamless drainage performance. It’s important to note that professional assistance does involve higher costs. This depends upon the nature and scale of the problem, it can be quite costly. While most DIY methods use items that are easily available at home, our professionals utilise powerful tools and machines suitable for more complicated problems.
And it can be quite beneficial to know about the techniques that professional plumbers use to unclog blocked drains. That’s where we come into the picture by walking you through the common techniques used by professional plumbers for unclogging drains.
In most cases where DIY drain cleaning methods do not work, the reason is that the sewer lines and drains become clogged with a wide variety of materials over time, developing a stubborn ‘plug’.
Many of these materials cannot be cleared using baking soda and vinegar, which are commonly used in DIY methods.
Apart from that, denser clogs require more force to clear and allow the passage of water through the drain. And professionals have a range of powerful tools that utilise the latest technologies and get the job done most efficiently.
These tools are not available for home use and, in many cases, require training and qualifications to be used right.
See these below:
Also called a drain auger or a plumber’s snake, a manual drain snake is a tool used for boring and is pushed through denser clogs that are difficult to remove.
It has a corkscrew-shaped hook at its end, which is fed into the drain and rotates when the plumber turns the handle of the snake drum.
Drain augers are most useful in dealing with simpler toilet or drain clogs or removing debris and waste from the sewer system.
This is generally the tool that plumbers use for clearing clogs close to the drain surface rather than those that are much further inside.
If the blockage or clog is located at a depth of ten feet or is too dense to remove manually, a manual drain snake cannot be used.
For such problems, plumbers utilise a motorised drain snake that can reach up to 150 feet down a sewer line or drain and is powered by an electric motor. This motor provides additional power for rotating the tool.
Powered drain snakes are best for removing blockages caused by invading tree roots but can also be used for clogged sewage, food waste and grease.
However, using a motorised drain snake can come with its own risks. For example, if the plumbing is old and has corroded pipes, this tool can damage the line.
In case of total blockage of the sewer line or drain, even using a motorised drain snake might not result in any success. Then the plumber might have to depend on a high-definition snake camera. This camera allows the plumber to get a proper look at the interior of the plumbing and see what the cause of the blockage is.
Once the plumber understands the cause and location of the clogging, he can then select the most appropriate tools and methods to handle this.
A hydro-jetting machine is among the most powerful tools in a plumber’s arsenal. It uses concentrated water jets that can effectively flush away all sorts of debris accumulated, such as grease, soap scum and other waste.
Hydro-jetting machines can release water at a pressure of 35,000 PSI, which can practically eliminate any residue or clog from the drains.
The first step to resolving problems such as a drain clog is understanding what causes it. Oftentimes, homeowners unintentionally cause these clogs. Which is why, it’s important to be aware to prevent these from happening again.
See some common mistakes homeowners may make:
DIY methods can help deal with blockages that are not very dense and relatively easy to clean. But you should avoid using chemical drain cleaners, which are hazardous to health and can adversely affect the plumbing and the environment.
Instead of using chemical cleaners, use enzyme-based drain cleaners that can eliminate organic materials in the clog and prevent such problems from occurring again.
When all your DIY methods have failed to clear your clogged drains or sewer lines, it is time to call a professional. They’ll have a team of licensed and experienced plumbers familiar with all types of plumbing issues.
They are also equipped with the latest tools and trained in various methods. Which then allows them to deal with a wide range of plumbing problems. Besides this, there are certain safety precautions that you may not be aware of, which can put at risk your entire drainage system.
Plumbing professionals are well-versed with such precautions and ensure maximum safety while working. This is why using DIY methods is suitable for partial, non-serious clogs but not for more complicated ones.
Finding the right plumber for the job can be tough. But when it comes to drainage systems, our team are the experts in resolving any issues that arise. Leaving your home’s plumbing smooth and efficient for longer. From complete qualifications, years of experience, to a commitment to workmanship, see how we can make plumbing a hassle free experience.
We don’t believe in surprise costs. Which is why, you can trust that we’ll provide a fixed upfront quote from the beginning. And answer any questions or concerns that you may raise.
Turn to us today!
