Professional drain cleaning is an essential plumbing service for homes and businesses. It is also misunderstood, which results in many St .Paul homeowners failing to have it done at the appropriate time or attempting to do it incorrectly, thereby causing more issues.
You are correct if you believe that drain cleaning is only necessary when there is a major clog in a toilet, sink, shower, or other drains in the home. However, drain cleaning is not limited to only emergency situations. We strongly suggest that you schedule an annual drain cleaning with us. Similar to changing the oil in the family car or receiving an annual flu shot for yourself and your loved ones, drain cleaning should be a routine part of the maintenance schedule.
As long as water flows regularly through it (i.e., it is not clogged by soap scum or other debris), your drain line should remain clear without the need for costly excavation work that could cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars! It is important to keep in mind that many drains do occasionally become clogged, and a plunger may resolve the majority of minor sink, tub, shower, and toilet clogs with minimal effort from homeowners.
We understand why many homeowners believe that commercial drain cleaners are the solution to their drain cleaning issues, as they are heavily promoted on television and the internet. However, no licensed plumber uses or recommends the use of these chemicals. They can temporarily clear a clogged drain, but they do not eliminate the buildup. In addition, they do not clean very well, and the clogs will soon return.
Additionally, drain cleaners can corrode metal pipes and degrade rubber hoses, causing issues with both the house’s water and sewer lines.
To be fair, there are some drain cleaning products that, when used correctly (according to label instructions), cause minimal or no damage to plumbing systems when used by homeowners. However, these chemicals should not be considered a permanent solution for clogs because they only clean the surface of clogged drains, making future blockages more likely than ever.
The best way to avoid plumbing problems is to ensure that you have professional assistance when you need it, so that residents do not waste money on expensive “over-the-counter” chemicals that never completely resolve the issue.
Aside from the plunger, the drain snake, also known as the drain auger, is a useful tool for simple clogs. Inserting a hand-cranked drain snake into a drain can frequently remove obstructions. However, professional plumbers have motorized drain snakes that can break through the most stubborn clogs. They can be significantly quicker and more thorough than hand-cranked versions sold in stores.
Motorized drain snakes are expensive tools that should only be used by licensed plumbers. If a professional plumber must crawl beneath your home or into the sewer with one of these tools, he does so.
Our plumbers use drain snakes when they believe they are the most effective method for clearing clogs. However, when it comes to preventative drain cleaning, we utilize hydro-jetting equipment. Water jetters clean the interior of drainpipes with powerful, high-pressure water blasts. It is safe for drains and leaves them free of debris and buildup. Your sewer lines will be in “like-new” condition. Hydro-jetting is what distinguishes professional drain cleaning as… professional.
Clogs can negatively impact your health, but you should never attempt to resolve the issue on your own. A clogged sewer line is a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, as well as other dangerous contaminants that can make you extremely ill. A clogged drain is not a job for the do-it-yourselfer; for your own health and safety, call a professional plumber immediately to clear the obstruction.
There are numerous indicators that a person’s sewer line requires cleaning. A clogged sewer line may result in unpleasant sewer odors, unusually sluggish drains, bubbling-sounding pipes, and water backups. You should also consider having your sewer inspected to ensure its proper operation.
If your drain is severely clogged and draining slowly despite using every available tool, including a drain snake, and you have tried snaking from both ends without success, you should contact a professional.
The problem appears to be more than a simple clog; it may be caused by roots, which require extremely powerful drain tools!