Written on: September 25, 2023
You may not think about your home’s plumbing much, until you end up with a clogged drain in your kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room.
Fortunately, the team of skilled and experienced plumbers at Williams Energy is here for you with complete plumbing services. We also provide assistance with drain cleaning that can not only get rid of clogs, but free up slow drains and help protect your plumbing.
Q. How does drain cleaning work?
A. To address simple clogs, a plumber can efficiently clear your drains using a motorized drain auger, also known as a drain snake. This versatile tool is capable of tackling obstructions of various sizes within the drainpipe. Typically, drain cleaning begins with the utilization of a drain auger to resolve common drain issues.
To ensure a meticulous cleaning, plumbers frequently employ video pipe inspections to assess the most effective approach for drain cleaning. By utilizing fiber optic cable-mounted cameras, these inspections navigate through drainpipes and transmit images to a monitor, providing the plumber with a comprehensive view of the pipe’s interior. This enables the plumber to identify specific areas requiring cleaning and determine the appropriate level of cleaning needed.
Another method for drain cleaning is hydro-jetting, a powerful plumbing device that utilizes motors to generate high-pressure water. This pressurized water is then directed through a nozzle at the end of a hose, which is inserted into the drainpipes. With a force exceeding 7,000 psi, the water effectively scours the interior of the pipes, eliminating various types of buildup. This thorough cleaning process inhibits the recurrence of deposits, ensuring long-lasting cleanliness for the drains. A well-executed hydro-jetting procedure can maintain the drain’s cleanliness for an extended period.
Following hydro-jetting, the plumber may opt for another round of video pipe inspections to assess the effectiveness of the work performed.
Q. How do I know if I need a drain cleaning?
A. When a drain is slow or clogged, it usually indicates the need for cleaning. This is also true if there are unpleasant odors or drain flies. In the event that multiple drains in your home are draining slowly, it could be a sign of a main sewer clog. These clogs are often caused by tree roots, wet wipes, or other objects of high density.
Q. Why can’t I just use a store-bought chemical drain cleaner?
A. These drain cleaners may seem like a quick, cheap, and simple solution to a slow or clogged drain. However, these cleaners contain caustic chemicals can cause damage to your plumbing. Chemical drain cleaners generate heat to eliminate clogs, but few people are aware of the potential damage this heat can inflict on their pipes and toilet bowls. This is due to the fact that cold objects contract while heated objects expand. The use of chemical drain cleaners can create heat that leads to pipe cracks and other issues. Frequent usage of chemical cleaners over time gradually corrodes the pipe material, particularly when it comes to PVC pipes, weaker pipes, and older plumbing systems. This gradual deterioration can significantly damage the pipes.
Q. What causes the problems that necessitate drain cleaning?
A. In most cases, when a sink or another receptacle starts draining slowly or completely stops, it’s usually due to the gradual buildup of substances in your drainpipes. The main culprits for drain clogs are the same substances that contribute to dust and dander in our homes: dirt, skin cells, human and pet hair, and more. However, what sets these items apart is that they become intermingled with our bath and body products during the washing and bathing process, resulting in a stubborn, solid mass of sludge. In the kitchen, it’s typically a result of food and grease buildup. If you have a young child at home, a clog could also be caused by an object that shouldn’t have been flushed down the toilet, such as a toy, piece of clothing, or pull-up diaper. Fortunately, the Williams Energy plumbing experts have encountered and successfully resolved such issues countless times. Equipped with the right tools and techniques, we can efficiently clean your drains and restore smooth water flow.
Q. What if my drains are slow but not totally blocked or clogged?
A. Slow drains can pose as much of a problem as fully clogged drains, but fear not, for the skilled plumbers at Williams Energy are equipped with the knowledge and expertise to resolve any plumbing issues you may encounter. It is important to note that even if water manages to pass through a partial obstruction, resulting in a slow drain, it does not negate the need for repair. Something as seemingly innocuous as toothpaste residue or the remnants of a shave can swiftly transform a slow drain into a complete blockage. With Williams Energy, you can trust that your plumbing concerns will be promptly addressed and resolved with utmost efficiency.
Whether it’s a clog or a slow drain, the plumbing professionals at Williams Energy can get the water flowing properly in your home’s drains! Contact us today for service.