Drain Cleaning Perth is an important preventative maintenance task that removes build-up within your home’s drain and sewer systems. This can be caused by hair, food particles, soap scum, and more.
Many people use over-the-counter chemical drain cleaners. However, these products aren’t good for the environment and can be dangerous to your health.
A skilled plumber uses a specialized hose and nozzle to shoot water at high pressure (around 1500 psi on average, but it can reach up to 5000 psi). This level of force blasts away anything clogging your pipes – from the grease and soap sludge mechanical drain cleaners can’t break down, to tree roots invading sewer lines. It also flushes away mineral deposits that can constrict pipe flow.
Unlike chemical drain cleaners, which can be toxic and cause burns and respiratory issues, hydro jetting only uses plain water. And unlike augers or drain snakes, it’s not invasive and can be used on both residential and commercial lines.
Before starting the process, your plumber will inspect your plumbing and sewer system with a small camera to see what’s causing the blockage. This allows them to determine the type and severity of the clog, as well as its location within the pipes. They’ll then insert the hose with the nozzle at the appropriate angle to clean the pipes.
Once the nozzle is in place, the plumber turns on the water and directs it at various angles to ensure thorough cleaning. The intense force of water breaks through and washes away clogs, as well as any debris lodged in the sides of the pipe walls. It also removes sludge, leaving your pipes looking brand new.
The best part is, hydro jetting is quick and painless – no digging or breaking into your pipes. And because it flushes out all the gunk, it reduces future clogs and helps your pipes last longer. That’s why it’s a great preventative maintenance technique.
Signs that it’s time for a hydro jetting include frequent clogs or backups, gurgling drains, foul sewer odors, and soft ground above your sewer line. These symptoms indicate that the clog is caused by something more stubborn than simple grease rings, soap sludge, or mineral buildup. Only a full 360° high-pressure water clean can clear these tough clogs and prevent them from returning.
Traditional Methods
A clogged drain is a common plumbing problem that affects almost every home at some point. Depending on the type of drain and the cause of the blockage, choosing the right cleaning method can make a huge difference in your plumbing system’s health. Traditional methods like snaking and chemical solutions are often used to tackle these obstructions, but are they really the best options?
Store-bought drain cleaners often contain corrosive chemicals that generate heat to break down clogs. This can damage your pipes over time, leading to leaks and other serious problems. Instead, opt for professional drain cleaning services that use safer and more sustainable techniques.
Traditional methods are also typically less effective than hydro jetting when it comes to addressing complex clogs. For instance, if your clog is caused by a broken pipe or misaligned sewer line, these tools won’t be able to reach the obstruction. Instead, professional plumbers can use video inspection to pinpoint the problem and identify the underlying issue.
Once the source of the clog has been identified, plumbers can implement more advanced techniques like pipe lining or bursting to repair the damage and prevent future clogs. This method is much more effective than simply removing the symptom of the clog and can save you money over the long term by preventing costly repairs down the road.
For homeowners, simple DIY methods like boiling water can help clear minor blockages in kitchen sinks and bathtubs. However, this approach is only a temporary solution and may not be enough to address more serious issues like sewage backups. If your clogged drains are caused by serious structural damage, hiring a professional to handle the problem is essential to protecting your property and your health.
Traditional methods are often less expensive than hydro jetting, but they’re also not as thorough. For instance, snaking may punch a hole through the clog, but it won’t remove any residue that’s left behind. When hair, soap scum, and other gunk enter your pipelines again, they’ll get stuck on that residue and create another clog. Water jetting, on the other hand, completely cleans your entire plumbing network, ensuring that nothing is left behind to create new obstructions.
Preventative Maintenance
Taking a preventative approach to drain cleaning involves using chemical solutions in your plumbing system that are designed to thwart blockages before they happen. The goal is to keep your drain lines clear and running smoothly, preventing costly repairs and emergency situations like sewer system backups.
This method of drain cleaning is affordable and simple enough for most homeowners to implement on a regular basis. Pouring a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain monthly can help break down and remove gunk that leads to minor blockages. This technique also helps deodorize and keep your drains clean.
Similarly, flushing your drains weekly with hot water can help keep the pipes free of grease and soap scum. It can even break down clogs and eliminate odors. This is an especially good idea in kitchens where food and grease buildup can be a major problem.
Other preventative methods include using a non-toxic chemical that dissolves and digests fats, oils, and grease. Many of these products are biodegradable and are safer than the toxic chemicals found in most store-bought drain cleaners. This type of product can be used in kitchen sinks, bath tubs and showers, garbage disposals, septic systems, and more.
Another preventative strategy is to have a professional inspect your drain line every year and perform any necessary cleaning or repairs. They can identify and address potential problems like tree roots infiltrating the sewer line before they cause a disaster.
Finally, preventing damage to your drain cleaning equipment is vital for long-term performance and longevity. A routine cleaning, lubrication and inspection regimen can significantly reduce the likelihood of unexpected failures that could disrupt your business or residential lifestyle.
Ultimately, preventative drain cleaning is the best way to avoid expensive plumbing emergencies like clogged drains or broken sewer systems. It is an inexpensive form of insurance that can dramatically increase the lifespan and performance of your drains and sewer system. If you’re looking for more information about how to clean your drains effectively, feel free to contact our professionals. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and provide helpful advice.
Clogged Drains
Drains need to be cleared periodically to maintain their function and a smooth flow of water. Over time, however, clogs can occur that result in slow-running or completely blocked drains. Taking preventative measures such as installing strainers over bathtub and sink drains, regularly pouring hot water down drains, and educating household members about what can and cannot be flushed can reduce the risk of these problems occurring.
Standing water is a clear indication of a blockage, as well as unpleasant odors that emerge from sinks or tubs. Gurgling sounds are also indicative of trapped air particles that are trying to escape, but can’t due to the blockage. It’s important to notice these signs and call a professional for assistance before the situation worsens.
One of the most common causes of clogged drains is soap scum build-up, which can harden and trap other debris. Food particles that are poured down drains can also cause major issues, including cooking grease, fats, and oils, which solidify in pipes and combine with other edible waste to form clogs. Toilet paper is another common culprit, especially if excessive amounts or thicker varieties are used. Finally, tree roots can infiltrate sewer lines and home drains, causing blockages and other damage.
Using a plunger is an easy and effective way to tackle minor clogs. Placing the plunger over the drain and creating a tight seal, then vigorously pushing up and down can help break down stubborn build-up and restore proper drainage. For more serious clogs, using a chemical cleaner is a safe and effective option that works on most blockages. Just be sure to read and follow the product’s directions carefully, ensuring that gloves and eye protection are used when handling chemical cleaners.
With a little prevention and regular maintenance, your drains can run smoothly for years to come. For the best results, consider hiring an employee-owned plumbing service to handle your drain cleaning. Tempo Air offers affordable and reliable services for all your plumbing needs, so don’t hesitate to give us a call!