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Different Drain Cleaning Techniques: Pros and Cons

drain cleaning techniques

Clogged drains are one of the most typical complaints of homeowners. Plumbing services may drive to your home carrying several tools to manage specific types of debris. Professional drain cleaning services use different techniques to address different clogged drain types. This article will discuss several drain cleaning techniques that a drain cleaning service uses, plus some that might need to be more effective.

Professional Drain Cleaning Techniques

Licensed plumbing technicians providing residential and commercial services use different methods to serve drain cleaning needs. Though each drain cleaning technique is effective, it can only be ideal in specific cases.

Drain Snaking

If you have a slow-draining sink and cannot remove the root cause of your clogged drains, professional plumbers may use a drain snake to clean out your piping drain. A drain snake has been a go-to tool for most plumbers for decades. Chances are, a plumber will always carry a set in their truck. A drain snake is a long cord with an auger attached to its end. It is similar to a drill bit. The plumber removes the drain by lowering the cable into the drain until the end makes contact with the solid debris causing the clogged drains. Once the end makes contact with the solid debris, the plumber uses the bit to remove the clog by drilling through it and pulling out what remains. Drain snakes may be motorized or hand-cranked.

Drain snakes do an excellent job removing solid debris. However, drain snakes may not be as effective as the next method in the case of drain pipes with waste buildup that hasn’t fully formed.

Hydro Jetting

What is hydro jetting? A more modern take on drain cleaning is hydro jetting. Hydro jetting works by blasting a high-pressure stream of water through a pipe. Aside from removing solid particles from drain pipes, they are also excellent for clearing out waste materials that haven’t fully formed, making them effective for preventive maintenance. Hydro jetting is also versatile, especially with more demanding tasks like removing debris from a sewer line. Hydro jetting is becoming more popular with licensed plumbers because of its efficient performance.

One significant drawback of using hydro jetting is working with older drain pipes. Because these use considerable water flow, corroded or aged pipes might burst.

DIY Drain Cleaning Solutions

Specific chemicals and drain cleaning methods may effectively address minor clogged drains, such as what you might typically experience with your kitchen sink or shower drain. Homeowners or plumbers use the following drain-cleaning solutions to address minor plumbing needs:

Baking Soda:

These are effective for drain cleaning for minor clogs. Baking soda works by exfoliating pipe walls. However, it works best when combined with vinegar. However, baking soda will not work well when dealing with foreign objects like hair.

Boiling Water:

Boiling or hot water can effectively address softer debris. It works by further softening them up. These also work as a solvent when combined with baking soda. However, it may not work well for harder foreign objects.

Vinegar:

Vinegar contains acetic acid, which has disinfecting and material-softening properties. However, like most homemade drain cleaning solutions, vinegar may not be effective against solid particles. Vinegar works best when combined with baking soda in a solution.

Plunger:

A plunger works best for toilet clogs. Plungers can force down materials that are unflushable. However, once you have a severely backed-up toilet, plungers will only help a little.

Store-Bought Drain Cleaners:

One of the most common drain cleaning methods homeowners use is store-bought drain cleaning solutions. Though store-bought drain cleaners are effective in removing most cases of kitchen sink drains, these contain corrosive chemicals that will wear off your drain pipes quickly. Homeowners may try avoiding the cost of hiring a professional plumber by using these.

Why Is a Phoenix Drain Cleaning Company Your Best Option for Your Plumbing Issues?

Phoenix Plumbing & Drain Service is a family-operated business with decades of experience in drain cleaning in Phoenix. From drain snakes to hydro jetting, we know how to handle all kinds of drain clogs. We use different techniques to address specific clogged drain types. Aside from drain cleaning, we also offer other services, such as sewer repair, sewer cleaning, maintaining your drainage system, and solving root intrusion and other services that prevent or solve your clogged drains.

Our complete plumbing services include replacing or repairing water heaters, leak and drain repair, garbage disposal, video inspection, line locating, and more. Our services address both residential and commercial plumbing needs. For drain cleaning and any plumbing services in Phoenix AZ, Call Us!

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