Drain Cleaning Perth is a crucial part of maintaining your home plumbing system. Clogged and slow-running drains can lead to serious issues like water overflow, sewage backup, or even flooding.
Fortunately, there are many methods for keeping your drains clean. Here are a few of the most common:
1. Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and vinegar are a cheap, safe, and chemical-free alternative to commercial drain cleaners. The acidity of the vinegar and the alkalinity of the baking soda create a fizzing reaction that breaks down grease, dirt, and sludge. Baking soda also has mild deodorizing properties. This method of drain cleaning is effective for light clogs and can help prevent future ones. It is recommended to use this maintenance technique every one to three months, or as needed.
Before using this method, it is important to prioritize safety. Work in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves to avoid coming into contact with any residue or fumes. Also, it is recommended to remove the drain trap before proceeding with this method.
To start, pour a cup of hot water down the drain to loosen any gunk or grime that may be present. Next, pour in a cup of white vinegar. The acidity of the vinegar and the baking soda react to produce a fizzing action that can help dislodge or break down most organic clogs. After the drain has cooled, flush it with another pot of boiling hot water to wash away the mixture and any remaining gunk or sludge.
This method can be used for kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room drains. For the best results, this process should be repeated on a weekly basis. To prevent clogs from occurring, use a strainer to keep hair, food, and other debris out of the drains, and clean the trap and garbage disposal regularly. It is also advised to limit the amount of cooking oil and fat that is poured down drains, as they can contribute to clogs.
2. Drain Snake
A drain snake (also known as a plumber’s snake or an auger) is a long, flexible steel cable that can be manually fed into clogged plumbing pipes. At the end of the coiled cable is an auger head that works like a corkscrew to bore into and latch onto whatever is causing the blockage. Once firmly snagged, the head can break apart clumps of hair, grease, or objects, or chop them into smaller pieces that can be easily flushed away.
When snaking a drain, first remove the sink or tub stopper and drain cover to gain better access to the drain opening. Wear rubber gloves and safety goggles to protect your skin and eyes from chemicals, bacteria, or other debris that might come into contact with the pipe. Also, make sure the area is well-ventilated to avoid inhaling toxic fumes.
Feed the coiled end of the snake into the drain opening and begin rotating the handle to push the head of the snake through the clogged pipe. This slow, careful rotation allows the snake to move through bends or junctions without damaging the pipes. If you encounter resistance, don’t force the snake. This may indicate that the clog is solid or too dense for the snake to dislodge.
Once the clog has been broken up or pulled out of the pipe, loosen the thumbscrew on the drum to retract the snake. Repeat the process if necessary to completely clear the clog. Once the snake has been retracted, visually inspect and test the drain for obstructions, then replace the drain cover and stopper. Finally, run water through the drain to make sure it’s free of debris and working properly.
3. Hydro-Jetting
Unlike mechanical drain cleaners that push clogs further down the pipe, hydro jetting uses water that is pressurized to around 4000 pounds per square inch (psi) to blast away even the nastiest buildup. It removes grease, hair, soap scum, mineral deposits, and more from your pipes, leaving them clean and free-flowing. It also knocks out tree roots that have made their way into your sewer lines, eliminating the need for costly repairs and replacements.
A specialized hose with different nozzles is used to direct the water spray in various directions, depending on the type of clog you’re facing. Plumbers start with low water pressure and gradually increase it to avoid damaging the pipes. They may also move the hose back and forth to ensure complete coverage of the pipe walls.
When the water jet has broken up the clog, it’s time to take a break and allow the pipes to rest for a few minutes. Once the pipes have had a chance to clear, slowly withdraw the hose and return water flow to your drain. Then, using the nozzles, direct the water to flush out the pipe walls and ensure they are clean and free-flowing.
To prevent future clogs, make sure to use drain strainers or screens to catch hair and other debris. Avoid pouring fats, oils, or food scraps down the drain. And, get your drains professionally inspected and cleaned on a regular basis. It’s also important to catch any minor clogs early, so they don’t become a bigger problem.
4. Enzyme Cleaners
Enzyme cleaners use natural biological compounds to break down organic debris, eliminating clogged drains and unpleasant odors in commercial settings. They are a safer alternative to caustic chemical cleaners, which can damage pipes and irritate skin when used improperly. The most effective way to use an enzyme drain cleaner is to follow the product’s instructions. Avoid using other harsh chemicals before applying the cleaner as residue can deactivate or neutralize its effectiveness.
Unlike caustic chemical cleaners, which work almost instantly, enzymes are biological catalysts that need time to latch onto the proteins and fats that make up food waste or other organic substances that clog drains. Because of this, it’s best to leave an enzyme drain cleaner in the clogged pipe overnight or for several hours.
In addition to being a safe and eco-friendly option for cleaning drains, an enzyme cleaner can also be used in the laundry to remove stubborn stains and odors from clothes and linens. It works especially well for greasy and oily stains, blood stains, and other set-in stains that are difficult to remove with regular washing methods.
Before you buy an enzymatic drain cleaner, be sure to check its label for the number of “ufc/ml” (unit-forming colony per milliliter). This is a measure of how many live bacteria are in the product. The higher the ufc/ml, the more effective it will be.
Hiring professional plumbers to clear clogged drains is expensive, and using an enzyme drain cleaner on a regular basis can help you save money by preventing material buildup in your drains and sewer. By following these simple steps, you can keep your commercial plumbing system in good condition and eliminate foul odors that can tarnish your business’ image.
5. Video Inspection
Before video-inspection technology became widely available for drain cleaning, plumbers could only check plumbing and sewer lines by shutting off a specific section of the affected drain, cutting into a pipe or digging a trench to expose the line. These labor-intensive methods made it challenging to determine the cause of a blockage, especially for underground or in-wall drains.
Professional drain cleaning services use specialized equipment to identify the source of the clog and determine the most effective method for clearing it. They can also inspect the condition of your entire drainage system and recommend preventative measures to reduce the risk of future clogs.
The cost of drain cleaning services varies depending on the severity of the clog and the plumber’s method of choice. For example, a minor clog that can be cleared with a drain snake will be less expensive than a severe clog that requires more intensive methods like hydro jetting. Additionally, additional costs may apply for emergency services or if the plumber needs to use specialized equipment to clear the blockage.
Regularly scheduled drain cleaning is a crucial part of maintaining your home’s plumbing health. Clogged pipes can cause serious problems, so it’s important to address them as soon as you notice signs of a problem. By using a professional drain cleaning service, you can rest assured that your drains are fully cleaned and maintained to avoid costly repairs down the road. The gurgling sounds of standing water in your drains are a sure sign that you need extensive drain cleaning services, so don’t wait to call for help!