You will have drain problems with your plumbing system. It is just one of those facts of life. Over time your plumbing system collects hair, soap, toothpaste and other types of liquids and chemicals from bathroom and kitchen sinks and showers that cause you plumbing lines to build up. Below, are some helpful drain cleaning tips.
DO NOT buy drain cleaner liquids or drain cleaning gels at a grocery store. Generally, these drain cleaning products are successful on drains that are not clogged up completely. Sometimes they will slightly help for a quick fix for a day or two, but as most people discover, they will not fix the true plumbing clog.
DO NOT put vinegar and hot water down your drains. Often, this old home tip does work, but more often than not, it is not the best route. Pouring vinegar and hot water down your drains might temporarily help solve your clogged drain problem, by disintegrating the build up inside the pipe, but it also damages your pipes and will be even more costly in the future. You never know what kind of chemical reaction you are going to get when vinegar mixes with chemicals that may be blocked in your drain pipe.
DO NOT start snaking your drains yourself. This can be very dangerous to your plumbing (and extremely expensive). A drain snake is made of a steel cable that if coiled the wrong way can snap and cut anything in the vicinity, including you! Renting a snake may seem like a cheaper alternative, but if you have never used one before, do not try this yourself. You may end up hurting yourself or tearing your plumbing apart from the inside out. We work with this equipment every day, and we know how to properly control it, and not tear up your plumbing.
DO get your drains snaked by a professional plumber. Snaking a drain is usually the best option for removing debris and clogs in your plumbing. A professional will do the job right the first time and often prevent the clog from occurring again in the future.
DO get your sewer lines jetted out. Often, the problem is not in the plumbing drain lines but the sewer lines. In this case, it is best to get your sewer line jetted out with a high powered hydro jetter. Again, renting equipment may seem like a good option, but it will definitely be cheaper in the long run to call us. We are experienced in handling the equipment. We will know exactly what your sewer lines need, and how much pressure to apply to get your drain flowing.
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