Keeping drains clean and clog-free is a preventative measure that is often overlooked. However, ignoring this important task will only lead to costly problems in the future.
Professionals at Drain Cleaning Los Angeles uses various tools and methods to keep your drains flowing smoothly. They also detect issues before they turn into major plumbing problems.
Hydro jetting is one of the most effective solutions for clearing out clogged drains and sewer lines. The process involves shooting a concentrated stream of water into pipes at high pressure, blasting away any debris and clearing the way for clear flow. This is especially useful for stubborn blockages like clogs that are caused by tree roots or grease balls. Hydro jetting is more effective than other drain cleaning methods and doesn’t require the use of any harmful chemicals.
Before using the hydro jet on a clogged pipe, a plumber will insert a camera into the drain or sewer line to see what’s blocking it. This allows the plumber to determine the location of the clog and its severity. This will help them choose the right treatment method for your needs. Using the camera can also prevent damage to your plumbing system’s piping.
During the hydro jetting process, a plumber will attach a hose to a tank of water and turn on the machine. They will then feed the hose into the affected drain or sewer line. The hose can have different nozzles on it to change the direction and focus of the spray. The plumber can then select the nozzle that is best for the type of blockage they are facing.
The nozzles can range from a pencil size to over a foot in diameter. They can also be positioned at an angle for better coverage. This helps the plumber to target the specific area of the clog that is most difficult to remove.
After the clog is removed, the plumber will flush the pipe with hot water to clean out any remaining debris and prevent future buildups. This is also a good time to check for any damaged areas of the piping and repair them as needed.
Unlike liquid drain cleaners, which may only break up some of the clog, hydro jetting will completely clear out the entire blockage and make it impossible for grime to build up again in the same spot. This will save you a lot of money in the long run by preventing you from needing to call a plumber for another drain cleaning service any time soon.
Chemical Cleaners
Chemical drain cleaners come in liquid and foam formulations that are heavier than water and therefore sink through standing water to reach a blockage. They work through a process of chemical reactions that donate or take away electrons from the organic substances that cause clogs. This releases gas and heat that liquefy solid or semi-solid materials like grease, soap buildup and hair, making them easier to break down and flush away.
Commonly used chemical drain cleaners include oxidizing drain cleaners that contain bleach, nitrates and peroxides; caustic drain cleaners that contain sodium hydroxide or lye; and sulfuric acid drain cleaners. These products can damage plastic pipes and older metal ones as well, so they are usually reserved for resolving the most stubborn clogs.
The main problem with chemical drain cleaners is that they are highly toxic to humans and the environment, and they can cause serious health problems if not handled properly. They often release a strong odor that can be irritating to the nose, eyes and lungs. And they can also create hazardous fumes if not vented properly.
For these reasons, most residential plumbers discourage the use of commercial chemical drain cleaners. A better alternative is to use a home-made solution of baking soda and vinegar. These inexpensive household items can often resolve minor clogs without the need for special plumbing tools.
Another benefit of using homemade drain cleaning solutions is that they are environmentally friendly and safe for septic systems. However, they don’t offer the same level of power as professional-grade chemical drain cleaners.
Regardless of the type of chemical drain cleaner you choose, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Most of these products are corrosive, and they can cause severe chemical burns to skin and lungs if not rinsed off immediately after application. It’s also vital to avoid mixing chemical drain cleaners with other household products such as toilet paper or aluminum foil, which can create dangerous chemical reactions. Lastly, never use a plunger with a chemical drain cleaner, as this can cause the material to splash back onto your face or hands, resulting in chemical burns.
Enzymatic Foam Clener
A drain line that’s slow or clogged isn’t just inconvenient, it can be a major business problem. Clogged lines can lead to poor customer experiences and even suspension in operations due to health code violations. Rather than waiting for an organic waste problem to occur, it’s best to take preventative measures by using an enzyme drain cleaner on a regular basis. These products break down organic waste so that it can be absorbed into the environment and not leave behind a buildup.
Enzymatic drain cleaners contain powerful microbes that consume organic waste and help to clear clogged lines. They’re a much safer alternative to caustic chemical drain cleaners, which can damage pipes as well as the person who uses them.
There are many different types of enzyme drain cleaners on the market, so it’s important to find one that works for your business’s needs. For example, Thrift’s Odorless Drain Cleaner is an effective product for odor-causing drains and grease traps, but it won’t work on hair or paper products. Another popular option is Bio-Clean, which is a non-toxic product that’s suitable for use in septic systems as well as municipal sewer systems. It’s also safe for the pipes in kitchens, bathrooms, and garbage disposals.
Another product that’s a great preventative measure is TurboFoam Foaming Drain Cleaner & Odor Eliminator. This product contains a blend of non-pathogenic bacteria that produce digestive enzymes, which helps to break down fats, oils, and greases in drain lines, preventing clogs and reducing odors. It’s safe for use in septic systems, contains no acids or caustics, and is available as an aerosol with an extender tube for getting deep into hard-to-reach areas of the drain.
Cunningham Woodland’s SteraZyneTM Transport is an enzymatic spray and foam solution that’s used to start the pre-cleaning process on surgical instruments while they’re being transported from surgery to the sterile processing department. It’s an easy-to-use, non-aerosol formula that prevents blood and tissue residue from drying on the instrument so it can be cleaned more easily once it arrives in reprocessing. It’s also safe to use with a variety of materials, including stainless steel, tungsten carbide, and aluminum.
Plumber’s Snake
Clogged toilets and sink drains often require a plumber’s snake or a drain auger to free them. These devices have much more power than household plungers, and they are especially useful in tackling tough blockages that chemical cleaners can’t break apart or remove. But a drain snake is not without its risks, and improper use can damage pipes and even the tool itself. This is why it’s important to know how to use a plumber’s snake correctly and safely.
Essentially, a plumbing snake is a long, flexible metal cable with a crank handle and a clog-snagging head. Some have a corkscrew-type bit that twists and grips clogs, while others have several interchangeable tips that can screw on to the end of the cable. The best type of plumbing snake for your needs will depend on the type and location of the clog. For example, if you’re dealing with a bathroom drain that’s only partially blocked, you may want to choose a smaller, handheld model that’s easier to control. On the other hand, if you’re working on a bathtub drain that’s completely blocked, a larger, electric model with a wider auger head might be more effective.
To begin using a plumber’s snake, uncoil a small amount of the cable and feed it into the pipe. Be careful not to release too much of the cable at once, since doing so could cause it to turn back on itself or become entangled in the pipe’s bends. Once the snake has reached the clog, rotate the handle to push the clog-snagging head into the blockage. Depending on the type of clog, the snake will either break up the obstruction or hook and pull it out of the pipe.
Keep in mind that using a plumber’s snake is not always effective, and some clogs are too stubborn for it to be successful. For this reason, it’s important to prevent clogs from occurring in the first place. This can be done by throwing away food scraps instead of washing them down the drain, installing a grease trap for your kitchen sink, and using strainers or screens to catch large particles in bathtub and shower drains.
