There are several types of drain clogs that you can easily remove with a plunger. These typically include minor issues caused by toilet paper, soap scum, or food debris. But when you’re dealing with a clog that’s the result of tree roots or heavy grease buildup, you’ll most likely need to call in a professional.
Snaking the Line
This option works great for blockages deeper in the plumbing system that a plunger can’t remove. The tool consists of a long, flexible cable (often up to 100 feet long) that gets inserted into the clogged line. This tool has hooks or some other type of cutting head on it. Once the obstruction is reached, the plumber rotates the cable to break apart the blockage or snag the hair that’s causing the clog. The plumber may have to insert it more than once to fully remove the accumulated buildup.
Hydrojetting the Pipes
Hydrojetting is the go-to option for severe drain blockages that are the result of tree roots, grease buildup, mineral deposits, or sludge. Instead of inserting a long cable into the drain line, the plumber uses a high-pressure hose and connects it to a hydrojetting machine. The hose has a specialized nozzle on it from which high-pressure water sprays to scour away grease, sludge, and other debris to fully clean the pipe and restore the free flow of water.
Flushing the Line
No matter the type of drain cleaning method used, plumbers use line flushing to wash away any remaining debris left in the drain line. This includes things like food particles, hair, and grease. In doing so, this prevents those materials from remaining in the pipe and causing another clog. The step also provides the plumber a chance to verify that water flows freely through the pipe as it should.
Inspecting to Identify the Cause
Just because you get rid of a drain clog doesn’t mean you’ve addressed the main culprit. And when this happens, there’s a much higher chance of recurring blockages. This is why plumbers take time after clearing the clog to carefully inspect the plumbing system and pinpoint the underlying problem. There may be a misaligned pipe, severe tree root intrusion, or heavy grease accumulation that needs attention.
Knowing which drain cleaning methods to use is paramount to keeping your plumbing in good shape. Most plumbers agree that you should steer clear of using chemical drain cleaners as much as possible because they can damage your pipes. And any time you have a clog that keeps coming back, it’s best to schedule professional drain cleaning services. When you need drain cleaning services in Baton Rouge, LA, contact Brotherhood Plumbing.
