Drain Cleaning Sarasota will save you time, money, and the inconvenience of clogged pipes. Clogged pipes can cause flooding, water damage, and foul odors in your home.
Avoid commercial chemical drain cleaners, which can harm your pipes and the environment. Instead, try a natural solution such as white distilled vinegar and baking soda.
One of the most effective and advanced drain cleaning techniques involves high-pressure water jetting. This is a specialized machine that uses a concentrated flow of pressurized water to blast through even the most stubborn blockages, including tree roots, soap scum, and grease. A plumber will attach a special nozzle to the end of a heavy-duty hose and turn on the water pressure to produce a jet capable of cutting through anything in its path.
This method of drain cleaning is far more effective than traditional methods, which depend on chemicals to break down the clog and then require mechanical action to remove the debris. Not only does this approach eliminate the need for toxic chemicals, it also leaves the pipes in much better shape afterward.
Because hydro jetting relies on water rather than harsh chemicals, it’s environmentally friendly as well. The clog debris is flushed away into the sewer system and treated as part of the wastewater cycle, so it’s not introduced to soil or water sources. In addition, there’s no risk of contamination like with chemical cleaners, which can leave a strong and unpleasant odor in the drains and drain vents.
While the occasional trip to the store for a bottle of liquid drain cleaner might seem harmless, it can actually be quite damaging to your pipes. Most chemical cleaners contain caustic soda and other corrosive ingredients that can wear down pipes over time, leading to leaks and collapsed drain lines. In contrast, hydro jetting is a completely safe and efficient solution to even the most stubborn clogs.
For commercial and municipal sewer lines, hydro jetting is often a more cost-effective and effective option than conventional augers or snakes. Since these lines have much larger diameters, standard drain cleaners might not be able to reach the entire length of the pipe. However, hydro jetting can easily reach the entirety of a pipe run and knock out even the most persistent clogs with ease.
Keeping up with hydro jetting services throughout the year can help you avoid expensive, time-consuming and disgusting drain clogs. Unlike chemical drain cleaners, which are subject to wear and tear and can damage the inside of your pipes, this method is quick and easy, requires no tools and is entirely safe for your plumbing. Just keep in mind that you should only trust trained and experienced professionals to perform this procedure, as the high water pressure can cause damage if not done correctly.
Drain Snake
A drain snake is a long auger that helps break up and push through hard, dense clogs. It’s the quickest and most effective way to get rid of hair, grease, and other debris that blocks a drain or pipe. However, it requires a little more care and expertise than a plunger. If you use it improperly, you can damage your pipes and cause leaks.
To avoid these problems, you should only use a drain snake on metal drainpipes and never put it down a toilet. Also, always use it in conjunction with a chemical drain cleaner and only for serious clogs that can’t be cleared with other methods.
Before you start, make sure you have a pair of rubber gloves and a bucket by your side. Then, begin by feeding the head of the snake into the drain and pushing it down through the P-trap (the U-shaped pipe section under sinks). Slowly crank the handle to uncoil the cable and jiggle the corkscrew end of the snake as it goes deeper into your clogged pipe. You may have to re-coil the snake several times before it breaks up or entangles the clog.
If you’re unable to get the snake past the clog, try running hot water down the pipe for a few minutes before attempting to snake it again. This may loosen the obstruction enough to dislodge it or make it easier for the snake to cut through it.
Once you’ve successfully snagged the clog, run the snake again until it dislodges or clears it completely. Then, run a bucket of hot water down the pipe to flush out any leftover debris and clean the drain. Once you’re done, be sure to clean the snake before storing it away until the next time you encounter a blocked drain.
Video Pipe Inspections
When a plunger or drain snake isn’t enough to deal with a blockage, plumbers use advanced video technology to evaluate the situation. Video pipe inspections involve feeding a small digital camera, attached to a cable, into the plumbing or sewer line. A technician then views the live images on a monitor to pinpoint the location of a blockage or break. This helps them recommend the best course of action to solve the problem quickly and effectively.
These video cameras are mounted on a wheeled base that can be manipulated from a control panel and video screen, much like a radio-controlled toy car. They can access pipes with diameters ranging from 2 to 36 inches, and they can find breaks or blockages in even the hardest-to-reach places. This is an extremely effective utility-locating tool, and it can save a lot of time and money by avoiding the need for exploratory digging.
Some of the issues these cameras can identify include:
Fats, oils and grease in the lines – This buildup can slow or stop wastewater flow, leading to clogs and backups. Cracks or dislocations in the lines – These can also block waste movement and cause further problems down the line. Tree roots infiltrating the lines – As they grow, they can wrap around and pierce pipes, creating a dangerous and expensive problem.
Broken lines – These can create serious damage to property, and they can be very difficult to locate. This is especially true if the break is deep in the ground or underneath a slab. These are just a few of the reasons why it’s so important to have video inspection services available when you need them.
If you have a plumbing or sewer problem, call us today to learn more about how our video pipe inspections can help you. We can also recommend the right course of cleaning or repair for your specific needs. We’re licensed, insured and bonded, so you can trust us to handle your drainage system with care. We look forward to hearing from you soon. Call us today to schedule a drain cleaning or a video inspection.
Drain Cleaning Products
Various drain cleaners exist on the market, and they are often effective at dissolving organic debris that causes clogs. However, they’re not necessarily the best option for removing stubborn or slow-moving clogs. These cleaners are typically abrasive, and they can scratch or chip pipes. They also require a lot of time to work. They may take hours to dissolve mild clogs or even a few days for severe ones.
Caustic drain cleaners use bases like lye and caustic potash to melt away clogs. They work by giving the clog’s particles electrons, which makes them lose their cohesiveness. This breaks them down into smaller molecules that are more easily dissolved. They also generate heat and turn fats into a soapy substance that can be washed away. However, caustic drain cleaners can also etch and crack pipes. They also pollute the environment when they’re washed down the drain, and they can contaminate drinking water if they seep into groundwater sources.
Acidic drain cleaners, on the other hand, use ingredients such as sulphuric acid to burn through and dissolve clogs. These are the harshest drain cleaners, and they’re usually only used in worst-case scenarios because they harm pipes and humans. They also create toxic fumes that can irritate your nose and eyes.
