What Is Drain Cleaning All About?

A healthy drainage system is something all homeowners should aspire to maintain. A home’s drainage helps keep it healthy and hygienic by moving water and sewage away from the living spaces and into the proper receptacles. When homeowners practice proper waste disposal, it is relatively easy to maintain a healthy drainage system. Keeping items out of the plumbing that could get trapped in the pipes prevents clogs and blockages from forming and causing trouble. Things like oil and grease, wipes, feminine hygiene products, corrosive chemicals, and the like shouldn’t be disposed of in the drains or toilets. 

Professional plumbers also recommend regular drain cleaning every 18 to 22 months to prevent emergency visits and repairs. However, there are times when, despite engaging in preventative measures, pipes, and drains still need to be unclogged. Here are some insights into what drain cleaning entails and signs it’s needed to keep a home’s plumbing system clear and clog-free.

Signs of Clogged Pipes 

There are several signs that can indicate a clog in the sewer line in need of drain cleaning. Homeowners can ask themselves these questions to see if their home’s drainage system is blocked and in need of a thorough drain cleaning:

• Are the drains slow to clear out, leaving pools of standing water in multiple drains? This can indicate that there is a blockage not allowing proper drainage. 
• Are there any unusual smells or noises coming from the drain pipes? Gurgling sounds or foul odors indicate that water and sewage aren’t draining well and may be due to a clogged sewer line.
• Has water or debris backed up in any drains around the house? Water and sewage that don’t have a proper pathway to exit the house will find ways to come back up in places they shouldn’t be in - a clear sign of a troubled drain system.

The Drain Snake

There are many ways to unclog pipes, and the drain snake is one of the most handy tools in the plumber’s toolkit to get this kind of job done. Also known as a plumber’s snake or a drain auger, the drain snake is a long metal cable that can stretch up to 25 feet long, with a corkscrew-type spring at the end that works to trap the stubborn debris and remove it from the drain. 

Plumbers often use this method to unclog smaller blockages as it is generally a safe and effective way of clearing out clogs without damaging the pipes. However, it is not the best option for preventative drain cleaning, as it doesn’t get all the debris that can form future clogs.

The Hydro Jet

However, there are some instances when a drain snake encounters a clog that it can’t dislodge. Professional plumbers perform hydro jetting for even more persistent blockages beyond the reach of a drain snake. This technique involves using a hydro jet or a steady blast of highly pressurized water that can dislodge any clog as the water can get to all the spaces within the interior of the pipes that other tools can’t reach. 

Hydro jetting is often used as a last resort as it comes with hazards. The extreme pressures at which the water is being dispersed within the pipes may be too much, for example, for older pipes in older homes or those that are already frail and damaged in the first place. Before employing this method, professional plumbers first have to assess whether the pipes in question can withstand the blast of water. 

About Vern Kummers Plumbing, Inc.

Vern Kummers Plumbing, Inc. has over 40 years of experience serving the community of Green Bay and the surrounding areas. They provide competitive pricing, personalized service, and on-time arrivals. Call them today for drain cleaning services in Green Bay, WI. 

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