If you’re tired of nose-pinching odors or slow draining, it may be time to call in professionals for some serious drain cleaning. This helps to prevent minor issues from turning into costly plumbing repairs.
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While liquid drain cleaners seem like a quick and easy solution, they can damage pipes over time and pose health and environmental risks. They also typically contain caustic chemicals such as sodium hydroxide (lye) and sulfuric acid, which are highly damaging to the skin and eyes if splashed or ingested. Furthermore, they can corrode metal pipe fittings and may require replacement, leading to costly plumbing repairs.
Chemical drain cleaners are not effective against all clogs, either. Some are caused by foreign objects, structural issues, or invading tree roots, which cannot be resolved using these products. Additionally, they often provide only temporary relief from clogs and may mask the underlying cause, meaning that clogs will recur. For these reasons, it is best to avoid using liquid drain cleaners.
Professionally cleaning your drains regularly prevents clogs and other problems from occurring, saving you money and maintaining the functionality of your plumbing system. In addition, regular services help identify minor problems before they escalate into major issues such as water backups and sewage contamination.
There are several options for professional drain cleaning, including mechanical methods such as augers and drain snakes, camera inspections, and hydro-jetting. However, it is important to understand the differences between these techniques and their effectiveness before making a choice.
The most common type of liquid drain cleaners is composed of lye and caustic potash. These substances work to physically break down organic buildup and dissolve fats, oils, and soap scum. They are primarily effective against hair and grease, but may also dislodge small food particles or paper towels. However, they can corrode pipes and are not suitable for stainless steel or other metal pipes.
Liquid pipe cleaners are also a safety hazard. If used incorrectly, they can irritate the skin, eyes, nose, and throat. If ingested, they can cause serious stomach and intestinal problems. Furthermore, if these chemicals spill on surfaces, they can release hazardous fumes that are dangerous to inhale.
When selecting a drain cleaning service, it is essential to look for a provider with high customer ratings and relevant certifications. Moreover, it is recommended to compare prices and look for discounts that can lower the overall cost of the service. For instance, some companies offer discounts for veterans, first responders, and members of their loyalty programs.
Enzymatic Foam Cleaners
Enzymatic drain cleaners are mild chemical solutions designed to dissolve clogs and help clear blocked drains without harming pipes or septic systems. They use bacterial cultures or enzymes to digest blockages by degrading proteins, carbohydrates, fats and other organic materials that may cause clogs. Biological and enzyme-based drain cleaners can be more effective for light buildup than caustic solutions. They are also safer for pipes, septic systems, and household air quality.
When mixed with water, enzymatic cleaners can be used to clear most types of blocked drains. To use an enzymatic foam drain cleaner, follow the product’s instructions for use. Some products require specific temperatures for storage, so be sure to check the IFU for these details. Other considerations include the size and type of drain, as well as the severity of the clog.
Many drain cleaners produce fumes that can irritate the respiratory tract and lead to discomfort, dizziness, chest tightness, and other symptoms in workers. To reduce exposure, always wear a mask when using chemical solutions in enclosed areas, especially small or poorly ventilated spaces like bathrooms. In addition, if working with a large volume of chemicals, it is best to take breaks and work in a larger space, where possible.
A drain cleaner in accordance with the invention is provided in two parts: a first part that includes hydrogen peroxide and a second part that contains a catalase, amylase, protease, an enzyme stabilizer, and a surfactant. When combined according to the instructions for use, the hydrogen peroxide and catalase decompose to release gaseous oxygen, which entraps and reacts with the other components of the drain cleaner to generate foam. The surfactant helps to build and maintain the foam.
The amphoteric surfactant in the drain cleaner is selected to provide an effective balance between flash foaming requirements and foam stability. Examples of suitable anionic surfactants include linear and branched alkyl primary and secondary sulfates, fatty oleyl glycerol sulfonates, alkyl phenol ethylene oxide sulfates, and C5-C17 acyl-N-(C1-C4 alkyl) and N-(C1-C4 alkyl) glucamine sulfates.
The sanitizing agent in the drain cleaner is selected to be effective for sanitizing, cleaning and disinfecting the drain. The sanitizing agent can be a peracid acid having carbon chains two to eighteen carbons in length, such as peracetic acid or pericarpanic acid.
Hydro Jetting
Hydro jetting uses a hose with a nozzle that fires water at high pressure to clean the inside of pipes. This method can be used on both drain and sewer lines to remove blockages, including those caused by food scraps, sludge, grease, hair, and in some cases small tree roots. The high-pressure water is not harmful to piping, and it can remove many of the same types of blockages that mechanical drain cleaners are often unable to handle.
Before the plumber inserts the nozzle and begins shooting water into the pipe, they will usually perform a video inspection of the drain or sewer line. This will allow them to determine the severity of the problem and adjust the water pressure accordingly. It will also help them to find the location of any clogs or obstructions that may be hiding in the pipeline.
If the plumber is cleaning a commercial drain line, they will typically start at the septic tank and hydro jet up toward the building. This will ensure that the blockage is being washed away into larger pipes and not back into the drain line. For residential homes, the plumber will usually begin at the lowest point of the system and hydro jet up toward the house.
Once the clog is completely cleared, the plumber will slowly withdraw the hydro jetting hose while maintaining the flow of water to flush out any remaining debris. They will then inspect the drain to ensure it is clear and functioning properly, and they will then restore water flow.
Depending on the severity of the clog, the plumber may recommend hydro jetting again in the future to keep the drain and sewer line in good condition. This is especially true if the clogs are caused by food scraps, sludge, or grease. The regular flushing of these materials will prevent them from accumulating in the pipe and causing more severe blockages down the road.
If you have a large household with many people using the sinks, showers, tubs, and toilets in your home, it is recommended that you schedule annual drain cleaning to keep the pipes in good condition. If you notice that your drains are slow to empty or emit foul odors, it is likely time for a hydro jetting treatment.
Traditional Methods
Traditional drain cleaning methods use tools like plungers, mechanical snakes and chemical formulations to break up blockages and clear them away. They are cheap, simple to operate and work well for minor clogs such as hair, mildew or food debris in bathroom or kitchen pipes. They don’t, however, address stubborn obstructions or underlying conditions that cause recurring problems such as a buildup of mineral scale or tree roots. And they may damage your pipes over time if harsh chemicals come into contact with them.
For a more sustainable option, homeowners can opt for a more comprehensive drain cleaning approach known as hydro jetting. This method uses high-pressure water to scour the insides of your pipes. It’s more than just a drain cleaner; it also helps to keep your pipes healthy by flushing away residue and keeping them clean.
Aside from being a more environmentally friendly option, hydro jetting is also faster and more efficient than traditional methods. It’s ideal for older pipes or those that are prone to leaks. Plus, it can easily dislodge hard-to-remove blockages like stubborn grease or sludge in kitchen drains and eliminates the need for toxic chemical cleaners.
Hydro jetting is not suitable for all situations, as it can lead to pipe damage if used improperly. But when it is done by a professional plumbing company, it can effectively remove even the most stubborn of blockages. Plus, professional handling ensures that the high-pressure water isn’t directed at any vulnerable points in your pipes such as joints or junctions.
Moreover, the fact that it doesn’t require the use of harsh chemicals makes it an effective and safe alternative to other methods. Besides, the process can be done quickly and without disruption to your daily routine.
While traditional drain cleaning techniques are cheap and easy to use, they aren’t as effective for addressing stubborn blockages or preserving the long-term health of your pipes. And they can sometimes leave behind gunk that eventually forms new clogs. With hydro jetting, on the other hand, you’ll have no problem getting rid of everything from leftover sludge to stubborn grease.