Besides your air conditioner going out, there’s not much else that’ll impede your enjoyment of summer than a clogged drain. When your drains are completely clogged, you can’t use your sink, shower, or appliances, essentially putting the brakes on your ability to maintain a household and your daily routine.
It’s natural to seek out an easy fix when it comes to methods of unclogging and cleaning your drains. But what might seem like a simple solution could actually make the problem worse. Let’s go over some common drain cleaning methods.
The Plunger
The plunger should be your go-to option for clogs or slow drains. Every home should have a good, dependable plunger. Ideally, it’ll have a flange attachment at the bottom that can flip in to use on sink drains and fold out for better pressure.
The goal with the plunger is to apply equal force and to create enough pressure to force the clog to dislodge. You may want to repeat this up to twenty times or so before moving on to another tool. Keep in mind that if all the drains in your home are backed up, a plunger won’t work as this could be a sign of a sewer line issue. In this case, you’ll need to call one of our plumbing technicians.
Drain Snakes and Augers
Another option you can try is a drain auger, also known as a drain snake, which should be able to reach clogs near the drain opening. However, check to see whether a clog is affecting more than one drain in your home. If so, the blockage is likely located farther down the drain line and you’ll need a team with professional-grade equipment to clear it.
Hydro Jetting
For stubborn clogs that won’t resolve with DIY methods, one of our plumbing technicians can perform a thorough inspection of your drainpipes and sewer lines. They may recommend the hydro jetting process, which involves using a high-pressure hose to blast any blockages into the sewer system.
Not only will this dislodge those nasty clogs, it’ll also mean you’re less likely to see any more drain clogs in the near future. Hydro jetting removes other residue from the pipes and helps debris and wastewater to move down the pipes more efficiently.
Don’t Turn to Big Box Store Drain Cleaners
Drain-cleaning chemicals are some of the most toxic substances you can buy at the big box store. Not only do they pose a huge risk of injury, eye damage, and skin irritation, they also don’t even work that well.
Drain cleaning chemicals are formulated to only dissolve certain materials and not others. They might be able to break down organic material such as hair but be ineffective against greasy food particles. These caustic chemicals often just push the clog further along the drain, so it becomes an even bigger problem within a short period of time.
To learn more about our professional drain cleaning services, please don’t hesitate to contact us any time.
Contact Saddleback Plumbing Heating & Air for Fast and Professional drain cleaning services. We have served Orange County since 1981.