Category: Plumbing

How to Get Rid of Clogged Drains and Sewer Lines

Michael Richards Plumbing , , , , ,

Plumbing is the system of pipes that deliver water, waste, and other fluids to fixtures and appliances like sinks, showers, and toilets. Plumbers install and repair these crucial systems, interpreting blueprints and building codes to ensure efficient and safe installations.

Sewer Lines

Regular drain cleaning helps prevent clogs and other problems that can affect your home’s health, safety, and comfort. Visit https://www.plumbing-express.com/ to learn more.

You’ve likely heard that a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can clear clogged drains. This natural solution has several benefits. It’s inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and easy to use. It also works great as an alternative to caustic drain cleaners, which are highly hazardous to the environment and corrosive to pipes.

When baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and vinegar (acetic acid) are mixed, they create a chemical reaction that produces carbon dioxide and water. This fizzing action can break down minor clogs, such as those caused by hair or food particles. It can also dislodge gummy residue from the bottom of sinks and tubs.

To use this home remedy, pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain and then add about 1 cup of white vinegar. Wait a few minutes for the mixture to fizz. Use a drain cover or plug to prevent the mixture from escaping and causing a mess. Then, slowly pour a kettle or pot of boiling water down the drain to wash away the mixture and any remaining clogs. The hot water will also help flush out any lingering baking soda and vinegar that hasn’t yet dissolved.

While this method is effective for many minor clogs, it may not be enough to unclog more serious blockages. This is because the drain clog that most people experience in their homes is usually a trap stoppage, which occurs when a layer of gunk builds up over the p-trap, which is a curved section of pipe that holds water to create an air seal and prevent sewer gasses from entering the house. Baking soda and vinegar can only remove clogs that are closer to the surface of the drain pipe.

However, the good news is that a baking soda and vinegar mixture can still be useful for cleaning your home drains if you take steps to minimize its impact on the plumbing system. For example, you can prevent this mixture from building up in your pipes by using a mesh sink strainer to catch food and other debris before it enters the drain. You can also remove the p-trap and clean it out periodically to keep it in good working condition.

Thrift Drain Cleaner

This drain cleaner is non-fuming, non-toxic and works faster than liquid caustic drain openers. Its odorless dry crystals are activated by hot water, swiftly dissolving hair and grease to clear most drain blockages. It is safe for most pipes, including metal and PVC, but should never be used in toilets because it can damage porcelain. Like other caustic drain cleaners, Thrift can cause damage when improperly used, so it’s important to read product instructions carefully and follow safety precautions.

The main ingredient in this DIY drain cleaner is sodium hydroxide, also known as lye. While it is effective for organic clogs, it is highly caustic and can corrode some pipes. It can also be dangerous to handle and must be used with extreme caution. Wearing protective gear and following the manufacturer’s instructions is essential for ensuring safety. If you’re not comfortable using this drain cleaner, consider alternative methods for clearing a clog or consult a professional.

Baking soda and vinegar are popular DIY drain cleaners, but these ingredients can only be used for small clogs or slow drains. When used properly, however, this drain cleaner can effectively dissolve a wide variety of substances. It can clear hair, soap scum and bath oils, as well as food waste, paper products, roots and more.

This commercial-grade drain cleaner is an excellent choice for large clogs, especially in kitchen or bathroom sinks. The formula is concentrated and combines several active ingredients into one powerful product. It can quickly dissolve a wide range of materials, including hair, oil, fats and grease, soap scum and other organic waste. It can also clear roots and other stubborn debris, making it a good option for tough, deep-seated clogs.

Unlike most liquid drain cleaners, this product requires no mixing and can be applied directly to the clogged pipe. It works quickly, typically clearing most drain blockages in less than 60 seconds. The non-acid formula won’t harm chrome trim, polished brass, fine fixtures or plastic pipes, and it’s perfect for septic systems, sewer lines and grease traps.

Pour the recommended amount of Thrift into your clogged drain. It’s best to use a plastic measuring scoop or spoon to ensure accurate measurement, which will boost the product’s effectiveness. After measuring, pour a sufficient amount of hot water over the powder to activate the chemical reaction and aid in clog breakdown. Wait as instructed, then flush the drain with hot water to remove any remaining dissolved materials.

Bio-Clean

At some point, most homeowners face the horror of a clogged drain or sewer line. This is why it’s important to have a drain cleaning product on hand, such as the eco-friendly Bio-Clean. This solution helps to break down organic waste and prevent future blockages, all while being safe for the environment and your pipes.

It contains a non-caustic combination of bacteria and enzymes that unclogs slow drains by digesting the dead organic matter that builds up in pipes. When the Bio-Clean is mixed with water, it immediately begins to work and spread throughout your plumbing system. It is also safe for your septic system and works great for kitchen sinks, bathtubs, showers, toilets, floor drains, laundry machines, septic tanks, and outdoor cesspools.

When the bio-degrading process takes place, the bacteria and enzymes change the waste into water, carbon dioxide, and mineral ash that run harmlessly out of your pipes. It’s as simple as that!

Another key benefit of using the Bio-Clean is that it doesn’t produce heat, fumes, or boiling like many other chemical products do. This makes it safe for your plumbing, the environment, and most importantly, your family.

If you want to learn more about the benefits of using the Bio-Clean, contact a professional plumber in Long Island today. The experts at RooterMan are well-versed in this innovative product and can help you understand how to use it effectively.

Clogged drains and sewer lines are a part of owning a home, but with the right solutions, you can avoid them completely. Long Island homeowners who rely on the expertise of RooterMan and the powerful Bio-Clean drain cleaner can rest assured that their plumbing systems will function as they should, without the risk of costly repairs or environmental damage.

For all of your drain and septic cleaning needs, the Bio-Clean is a revolutionary solution that’s safe for the environment and your pipes. It starts working instantly, though it can take a couple of hours for the full effect to be seen. It’s best used with regular monthly maintenance treatments to avoid buildup of new organic waste and keep your drains flowing at their best.

Liquid-Plumr Pro-Strength

Liquid-Plumr is a thick gel that works triple duty to destroy tough clogs, remove odors and prevent future build up. It dissolves hair, gunk, grease and soap scum whether you have a full blockage or just a slow drain. It also protects pipes with regular monthly use. Safe for all septic systems, disposals and pipes including PVC, plastic, copper and old pipes. Slowly pour 16 ounces down drain. For slow drains, wait 15 minutes and flush with hot water. For garbage disposals, follow same usage directions but flush with disposal running. For best results, avoid all splashing. Warning: Keep out of reach of children. Injures eyes, skin and mucous membranes on contact. Harmful if swallowed. In case of eye or skin contact, flush immediately with water. If swallowed, drink a glassful of water and call a doctor or poison control center immediately. May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not use with a plunger or in toilets.

Drain Cleaning – How to Get Rid of Drain Clogs on Your Own

Tina McCombs Plumbing , , , , , ,

Drain Cleaning Perth is a necessary maintenance procedure that keeps your home clean and free from nasty clogs. It prevents food, hair, grease, soap scum, bathroom and hygiene products, coffee grounds, dirt and more from building up within the pipes.

Drain Cleaning

Keeping your drains clean can also help you avoid sewage overflow that causes environmental damage. Unlike DIY chemical drain cleaners, professional drain cleaning techniques thoroughly clean your pipes.

The classic baking soda and vinegar solution is a budget-friendly, eco-friendly, and safe alternative to chemical drain cleaners. It works by combining the natural abilities of both ingredients to break up and dissolve clogs. The reaction between the two substances also helps to eliminate foul odors and freshen a drain.

To use this drain cleaning method, first remove as much gunk from the drain and surrounding area as possible with a wire coat hanger or paper towels. Next, pour one cup of white vinegar down the drain. Wait five minutes for the fizzing action to take effect, then pour down another cup of boiling water to flush the drain and surrounding pipes. Repeat as needed to prevent clogs.

While the bubbling action of baking soda and vinegar can help to loosen some clogs, this method is not effective for breaking down or dissolving serious food particles or grime that have built up over time. Additionally, the acidity of vinegar can damage certain types of pipes over time, especially older ones made from copper or brass.

For this reason, it is important to use this DIY solution as a preventative measure rather than for major clogs. For these more severe clogs, it is recommended to try a plunger or a drain snake, both of which can physically dislodge blockages without damaging pipes.

Using homemade and natural drain cleaners is a good choice for routine maintenance and minor clogs, but when these methods are not effective it may be necessary to call a professional plumber. They have specialized tools and expertise to safely dislodge even the most stubborn clogs without damaging the pipes or creating dangerous fumes.

Enzyme Cleaners

Enzyme cleaners are a great alternative to chemical drain cleaners, as they are safe for plumbing and septic systems. These cleaners use bacteria to naturally feed on organic materials that cause drain clogs. Once the bacteria digest the material, it breaks down into smaller particles that can be washed away. Enzyme cleaners also eliminate odors by removing the source of the smell rather than just masking it.

These cleaners are typically sold in liquid form and can be poured down the drain or into a sink trap. They are usually accompanied by a pipe treatment product, which should be applied to the interior of the pipes to help prevent future blockages. It is important to follow the product directions carefully.

While enzymatic cleaners are effective, they aren’t the best solution for stubborn or long-term clogs. They are also slower than chemical cleaners, often taking hours to break down a blockage. Additionally, some enzyme cleaners may be hazardous to skin and respiratory health if they come into contact with the body, so it’s important to wear gloves and a face mask when handling them.

Bacterial drain cleaners are similar to enzymatic cleaners, but they contain a more concentrated amount of active bacteria. These cleaners can work faster and are more effective at breaking down organic material, but they are more dangerous to handle and require a lot of water to dilute them. Because of this, they are only recommended for use on small clogs that are difficult to reach with other methods. Also, they can be toxic to the environment if not properly disposed of after use.

Hydro-Jetting

For the most stubborn drain and sewer line clogs, hydro jetting is an effective option. It blasts water at high velocity, disintegrating and flushing away debris like sludge, grease, and tree roots. Hydro jetting eliminates the need for labor-intensive procedures such as snaking, and it is safer than chemical treatments for pipes.

Hydro jetting uses a durable hose that attaches to a pressurized water tank. The plumber inserts the nozzle downstream into the pipe, and then activates the water flow to clear out the clog. Different nozzles are available, some of which are designed to cut through specific materials like grease or tree roots. Other nozzles are general-purpose and designed to remove hard water deposits from pipes.

A trained technician aims the water jet at the obstruction from multiple angles, which thoroughly rinses the interior walls of the pipe. Once the clog is gone, the plumber slowly withdraws the nozzle while maintaining water pressure to prevent damage to the pipe. He or she then inspects the drain for any remaining debris and makes adjustments as needed.

Unlike drain cleaners and snakes, hydro jetting can be used on all types of pipes. This includes older cast iron, orangeburg, and clay pipes that can no longer handle modern plumbing systems without clogging. It also works well on residential sewer lines.

When it comes to preventing clogged pipes and sewer line backups, knowing the warning signs is important. Gurgling noises in sinks, tubs, and toilets are a sign of an underlying problem that can lead to expensive repairs. Hydro jetting can help you avoid these problems by clearing out debris before it builds up in your pipes.

Mechanical Drain Snakes

If a plunger fails to dislodge a drain clog, or it’s several inches or feet down a pipe, you may need to break out the mechanical drain snake. These long, flexible metal cables are inserted into pipes and twisted downward to hook or dislodge blockages and pull them out. If you’re planning on using a drain snake, opt for one with a head that is specifically designed to catch and pull out hair, which tends to compact into hard, sticky blockages over time. Choose a model with a 50-foot cable if you’re tackling a large house drain.

A plumbing snake isn’t the tamest tool in the shed, but it can be used safely and effectively with proper care and technique. Use caution to avoid common snaking mistakes, such as overly forceful cranking and poor control, which can damage pipes or cause injury. Brace the drum against your body and wedge yourself against cabinets or walls if necessary for stability when cranking, and be sure to pay attention to how cable tension and resistance changes as you feed it down a drain. This sensory feedback allows you to feel for clogs and see them being dislodged.

A professional plumber will also have access to high-powered drain cleaning equipment like motorized augers, which can bore into and dissolve larger clogs. These specialized tools can reach further down your home’s plumbing systems than household drain snakes, and also help identify underlying issues contributing to recurring blockages. They can then recommend preventative maintenance services to keep your drains running smoothly long-term. Contact B&L Plumbing if you’re facing a serious, persistent drain clog that home remedies or chemical cleaners can’t fix.

Wire Coat Hanger

If your shower drain is clogged with hair, soap scum, or other gunk, you may be tempted to roll up your sleeves and do the work yourself rather than call in a plumber. While some DIY techniques can cause more harm than good, a simple wire clothes hanger can be used to dislodge stubborn clogs and save you money on costly chemical drain cleaners.

First, straighten out your wire coat hanger, removing any plastic coating from the hook end. You’ll want the end of your wire to be straight and sturdy, with enough length to reach into your pipe. This will help reduce the risk of scratching internal fixtures and puncturing your pipes themselves.

Once you’ve straightened out the wire hanger, insert it into your clogged shower or sink drain. Wiggle it back and forth, pulling up on the hook regularly to remove the gunk. You may need to repeat this several times to clear the clog completely. After removing the clog, pour hot water down the drain to flush away any remaining gunk and help prevent future blockages.

Clothes hangers aren’t recommended for use in every clogged drain, however, as they can scratch the inside surface of pipes and make them more susceptible to damage over time. Additionally, a cloth hanger’s rigid structure can compact and push the clog further into the pipe, making it more difficult to remove in the long run.