Drain Cleaning Sarasota is a service that removes organic buildup from the pipes and plumbing systems around your home. It eliminates bad odors, helps extend the lifespan of your pipes, and prevents serious plumbing problems in the future.
A professional plumber uses chemical cleaners, mechanical augers, and hydrojetting to clear blockages and allow water to flow freely. Read on to learn more about these techniques:
- Hydro-Jetting
Unlike store-bought chemical drain cleaners that eat away at pipes and often end up causing more problems than they solve, hydro jetting offers a fast and efficient way to clear even the most stubborn clogs. The process involves blasting a powerful stream of water through a hose inserted into your plumbing system. This high-powered stream of water scourers through the entire length of your pipes, breaking apart and washing away everything from hair and soap scum to tree roots and mineral buildup.
The power of water also makes it easy to reach even the most hard-to-reach places in your plumbing pipes. It is a highly effective method for cleaning out your entire drain line and sewer pipe and can even be used to prevent future blockages. It is also an environmentally friendly option since it uses only water and does not release any harmful chemicals into the environment.
If you are experiencing slow drains or have noticed that your sewage backs up into your home, it is likely time to call for professional help. Our plumbing technicians can inspect your pipes using a video camera and recommend the best action for your situation.
It is important to note that hydrojetting should only be performed by a licensed and experienced plumber. This is because the high-powered water stream can cause serious damage to older, fragile pipes if not properly inspected and applied. We have the experience and knowledge to safely use this powerful drain cleaning tool, preventing damage to your pipes while ensuring your clogs are completely cleared.
A professional can spot even the most subtle issues with your pipes, allowing you to resolve them before they become serious clogs requiring more extensive removal methods. Hydrojetting can be especially helpful for homeowners with young children or pets, as it is a safe and effective method of drain cleaning that will not harm them.
A clogged drain or sewer is never good news and should always be addressed immediately. Leaving even a small problem unattended can lead to a serious disaster in just a few days, so call us today if you think your pipes need a clean-out!
- Chemical Cleaners
Chemical drain cleaners are easy to buy and use at home. They rely on powerful chemical reactions to open and clean blocked drains. However, these chemicals can corrode pipes and cause serious injuries if mishandled. They also kill the good bacteria in your septic system, breaking down waste and preventing clogs.
There are several chemical drain cleaners, each designed for a specific clog. Oxidizing cleaners, which contain ingredients like bleach and peroxides, release oxygen that breaks down organic materials such as food particles and paper. They are effective for toilet and shower clogs but less effective for hair or grease. Caustic drain cleaners, which contain ingredients like lye or potassium hydroxide, generate heat to break down and dissolve soap scum, fat, oils, and hair.
Using liquid chemical drain cleaners may splatter and burn your skin, eyes, or nose. They can also be harmful if inhaled over long periods. Long-term exposure can damage your respiratory tract and lead to chronic coughing and wheezing.
Liquid chemical drain cleaners often require a plunger to activate them, which can cause the chemical to splash and irritate your skin or eyes. They also must be flushed with water to remove the remaining chemicals and avoid damaging your pipes.
Mechanical tools can dislodge and pull out the blockage for more severe clogs. These include a hand-held drain auger with a bent metal rod with a hook on the end or an electric snake with a rotating head that cuts through and removes debris from the pipe. A video camera can also be attached to the drill to see what is causing the clog so it can be corrected.
If you use chemical drain cleaners, following the directions on the bottle closely is important. It is best to choose a natural alternative or call a Plumbing + Drain professional for safe, fast, and effective service. We can even offer emergency drain cleaning services if you need help immediately! Just give us a call.
- Plungers
A plunger is the most common tool for clearing a drain clog. They are found in nearly every bathroom across America. They are simple and inexpensive, and they work very well. While they are less powerful than a drain snake, most clogs can be cleared with one.
The plunger works through the power of pressure and suction. The rubber bellows on a plunger create a seal around the drain and are then pushed down by the user to increase pressure within the pipes, pushing water and clogs downward. When the plunger is pulled up, it creates a vacuum that pulls clogs upward and out of the drain. The process can be repeated to break up and dislodge the clog.
First, you must ensure that the rubber bellows are fully covered with water to use a plunger. This prevents the potential of creating a messy situation and is important for ensuring the plunger can form a seal over the drain. Next, ensure the clog is located at or near the drain opening. Then, position yourself over the drain and plunge down and up several times. This can be done as often as needed, although plunging too forcefully can damage your pipes.
Try using a drain snake if you cannot clear the clog with the plunger. This more powerful hand tool is better suited to clogs more deeply lodged in the drain system. However, the clog must be close to the drain trap so the snake can reach it more easily.
There are two types of plungers: toilet plungers and sink plungers. While they look very similar, they have distinctly different purposes and design features. Knowing how to use both tools correctly to get the best results is very important. In addition, keeping the appropriate plunger in your home for each type of clog is a good idea, as this can help prevent cross-contamination and sanitary concerns.
- Baking Soda & Vinegar
Those who want to save money on commercial drain cleaners often turn to household ingredients such as baking soda and vinegar. While these two common substances help clear clogged drains, they must be used properly to avoid damaging the pipes. Using these chemicals improperly can create an unstable chemical reaction that may cause damage to the plumbing system.
If you are uncomfortable experimenting with this home remedy, a professional plumber can safely remove stubborn debris from your pipes. Pouring a mixture of vinegar and baking soda down a drain will produce a fizzing action that loosens and dissolves most types of gunk. This includes hair, soap scum, grease, and other organic material that builds up on the sides of your drainpipe. The resulting carbon dioxide bubbles can also help to clean your pipes.
Vinegar is a dilute acetic acid, and baking soda is sodium bicarbonate. When the two are mixed, they react to form carbon dioxide gas that fizzes and foams. This is the same chemical reaction you probably experimented with in science class when making a volcano. This chemical reaction can dislodge most gunky clogs and even help unstick some items stuck in your pipe walls.
After the fizzing stops, rinse the drain with boiling water to flush your plumbing system. This step is important because it will ensure that the baking soda and vinegar are fully removed from your pipes.
You can use this simple solution on a sink, tub, or shower drain. However, if you have a very deep clog, it will likely take several attempts to unclog the pipe fully. If you encounter this issue, try squirting a little bit of grease-fighting dish soap down the drain in addition to the baking soda and vinegar. This will help to break down and dissolve greasy clogs that might otherwise require the use of a commercial drain product.
Baking soda and vinegar can safely clean many other types of surfaces. Mixing equal parts of the two will produce a mild abrasiveness that can help to clean and shine your kitchen or bathroom tiles. This can be a safer alternative to harsh scouring pads that can scratch and damage delicate tile or porcelain. The same mixture can be used to clean dirty pots and pans. Place the baking soda and vinegar in the dirty pan, wait a few minutes, then rinse with hot water.