Issues with drains range from slow-moving sinks to reoccurring clogs, and sometimes these issues are temporarily solved using standard plumbing solutions. Depending on the degree of the problem and your needs for future maintenance, selecting the proper cleaning technique is crucial.
Those who want to clean their drainage pipes more effectively could consider hydro jetting. With the assistance provided by Plumbing by Tony, customers will be able to make sure if hydro jetting is the perfect choice for their particular plumbing issues.
Image Source: Pinterest
Standard Drain Cleaning Methods Explained
The standard methods of drain cleaning may include drain snake, plunger, or some kind of chemicals. All of these methods are aimed at removal or breaking up of the objects that impede the movement of water through drainage pipes.
For instance, drain snakes are quite useful for eliminating hair, small bits of debris, and other obstructions located in the proximity of the drain opening. However, these tools can resolve most of the daily plumbing troubles but they do not address the entire issue.
While using a drain snake for creating a passage through the clog, there is still grease, mineral build-up, soap, and any other residues clinging to the walls of the pipe. The chemicals may be handy at times, but their repeated application could damage some pipes and cannot clean the underlying cause of the issue.
The accumulation of the material will continue and people will face the same problems with their drainage after cleaning. These old methods can be quite effective when dealing with the occasional problems. However, when the situation is serious, it requires a solution that would clean the whole pipe rather than remove a small part of the debris.
See also: How Ambient Computing Will Change Daily Life
Cases That Require a Stronger Way of Cleaning
There are several indications that the regular drain cleaning is not enough. Recurring clogs are among the main warning signs. When the drain becomes slow again just after it was cleaned, there may be some substantial amount of accumulation in the pipes.
Yet another signal that hydro jetting will probably come in handy is when several drains in one household start giving trouble at the same time. This may indicate an underlying problem in the main sewer line as opposed to a blockage in a particular drain.
Hydro jetting can assist in removing buildups of waste, grease, and other substances throughout the pipes. Root intrusion into pipes is yet another reason to use more powerful cleaning methods. Trees’ roots can infiltrate tiny openings in underground pipes causing a lot of trouble.
While a drain snake will be able to cut through the obstruction partially, it won’t fully clear it. A proper cleaning process is also essential for older plumbing systems because over the years of accumulation, their internal diameter becomes smaller and affects the water drainage process. Thus, deeper cleaning will be beneficial in order to prevent possible problems in the future.
Advantages of Opting for a More Thorough Drain Cleaning Approach
One of the benefits of using hydro jetting as a solution to your clogged pipes is that it not only cuts a way through the obstruction but also cleans the pipe itself from the inside, using high-pressure water to take away all the layers of deposits.
This solution may be particularly helpful in commercial buildings, restaurants, or large homes where the plumbing system tends to get more active use than usual. The accumulation of grease, food products, and other waste is rapid in such environments and leads to continuous problems with drain clogs.
It may also be helpful in preventing future clogging. Removing the accumulated deposit makes it less likely that new clogs will form in the future, thus making emergency plumbing repairs less frequent.
However, professional inspection should be done first before opting for this technique since the condition of pipes needs to be checked to make sure they are strong enough for high pressure cleaning.
Comparison of Drain Cleaning Results and Long Term Value
In comparing different approaches to drain cleaning, homeowners need to take into account not only quick results, but also long-term value that can be obtained with each technique.
The traditional approach is quick to solve easy cases, however, it does not tackle any potential underlying cause for repeated clogging. The comprehensive approach offers long-term advantages as it cleans not just the particular obstruction, but the whole plumbing system to ensure improved performance of pipes.
The expense involved in drain cleaning by professionals needs to be viewed in light of prevention. Constant problems with clogging, regular maintenance, and other services will eventually cost much money. Cleaning done once may save from such future costs.
Nevertheless, not all the problems with drains require complex equipment and advanced technologies. Professional plumber will advise what approach to apply depending on the condition of the pipes, their age and other factors.
When to Consult a Professional Plumber?
By knowing when to turn to professionals, one could avoid turning minor issues into big plumbing troubles. The following instances will require a homeowner to consult a professional plumber: clogging of the drains, foul smell coming from the pipe, water often backing up, and when several fixtures are involved.
The professionals in plumbing have enough expertise and know what equipment should be used in order to determine the actual source of drainage troubles. Thus, they can assess the condition of the pipes, level of the buildup, and decide whether regular cleaning or something else should be applied. Without having enough equipment and expertise, one might do even more harm trying to resolve the issue.
Conclusion
The decision about whether to opt for conventional drain cleaning techniques or some better techniques depends on the nature of the problem. Simple blockages may require simple tools; however, persistent issues, severe buildup, or blockage may need more comprehensive solutions.
Hydro jetting is a great choice for people who want to maintain their pipes and solve any kind of drain-related issues in a more advanced manner. The knowledge of when hydro jetting should be applied will help you make wise decisions.
