Tag Archives: drain clogs

Dec '22

A Homeowners Guide to Hydro-Jetting (2024)

Drain backup is one of the most common and annoying problems homeowners face. Several things, including hair buildup, oil collection, and food particles, could cause a clogged drain. While products on the market claim to quickly and easily clear your drain, many contain harmful chemicals that can corrode your pipes. If you’re looking for an alternative to expensive and sometimes dangerous chemical drain cleaners, then hydro-jetting is for you. Drains can be easily and rapidly unclogged by professional services‘ high-pressure water jets, preventing any damage to the pipes. In this guide to hydro-jetting, we’ll be going over everything you need to know about it.

How does hydro jetting work?

The term hydro-jetting refers to the process of employing a high-pressure water jet to remove obstructions from pipes. What this amounts to is a professional pressure cleaning of your pipes.

One way to visualize a hydro-jetting machine is as a long, high-pressure hose with a focused jet nozzle at one end and a water-pressure device at the other. Once in place, high-pressure water jets are released from the nozzle, traveling down the pipe and cleaning it. The following objects in this guide to hydro-jetting are safe from these jets’ blades:

Kitchen sink dumpings of filthy origin
Soap scum
Sand with minerals for hair tangles
Tree roots
Hardened cement that has dried out

If the clog is too large for a drain snake to handle or access is otherwise impeded, your plumber may recommend hydro-jetting to clear the drain and restore normal flow. If the problem keeps coming back, it’s a good sign that your pipes require more than just a simple unclogging. In addition to fixing problems, hydro-jetting is also a perfect way to keep pipelines in good shape.

What is the difference between hydro-jetting and sewer line rodding?

Hydro-jetting is a fascinating method that can effectively relieve pressure and clear obstruction. It is recommended that homeowners use jetting if they want to be absolutely sure that the problem has been fixed. Drain jetting differs significantly from traditional drain cleaning methods. Jetting requires high water pressure, while sewer rodding is inserting a rodding cable into the pipe to poke a hole in the obstruction.

When is it necessary?

Professionals turn to hydro-jetting when persistent and substantial obstacles have jammed the water system. Dirt, grease, and mineral deposits inside pipes are common causes of blockages and slow water flow. If this issue persists, sewers may get clogged, and you will need sewer line cleaning services. Therefore, if there is a blockage in the plumbing system, dirty water might potentially enter your home.

As stated in this guide to hydro-jetting, this process can clear clogged drains by utilizing high-pressure water. The jet works by letting gravity do the heavy lifting and clearing the pipes.

Hydro-jetting may be necessary if your dirty kitchen sink keeps becoming clogged up. To clear the pipes and get some rest again, you may need the help of a plumber. However, rest assured that the plumbers will fix this issue with hydro-jetting, so you won’t have to worry about clogged drains.

When should you avoid using hydro-jetting?

While hydro-jetting is a cutting-edge method for clearing pipelines of obstructions, there are situations where a different approach is preferred. According to experts from Preferred Movers, hydro-jetting is not a viable option for pipes that are extremely old, have deteriorating seals or joints, or are made of less durable materials like PVC or thinner metals. It’s possible that the instrument’s water pressure will be too much for the pipes, and they’ll burst.

These pipelines can be unclogged using standard plumbing tools that do not involve the application of force. Because the typical homeowner might not know if their plumbing system can withstand the pressure of a hydro jet, it is best to have a professional camera inspect the pipes before committing to a hydro-jetting service. This will ensure that the pipes can handle the pressure the hydro jet will put on them.

Which uses do people typically have for hydro-jetting?

There are many different kinds of pipes in a house, and a hydro jet can clean them with the correct amount of pressure. Although the three most common types of pipes to be hydro-jetted are:

The buildup of numerous things flushed down domestic toilets can clog residential sewage systems. Large-diameter pipes, such as sewage lines, can significantly benefit from hydro-jetting. It is so effective at clearing out obstructions and the accumulation of waste that caused those problems in the first place.
Grease accumulation in the kitchen pipes is difficult to remove with standard drain-clearing tools like drain snakes. However, hydro-jetting is perfect for this. It can remove years of grease and fat buildup in kitchen pipes, restoring the free flow of water.
Hydro jets are commonly used to clean external drains and pipes because the powerful water spray makes quick work of the dirt, stones, and other detritus that can accumulate there.

As mentioned above, if you’re not sure about the type of pipes you have, reach out to experts to inspect them. Even if hydro-jetting sounds like a perfect solution to all your drain problems, you can easily damage them if you’re hasty and unprepared.

Dangers of hydro-jetting

The average craftsman should not attempt hydro-jetting. Also, it may not work if the pipes are in bad shape. Consider all your options first instead of going straight to a solution involving hydro-jetting. It could cause further damage if not required.

The hydro-jetting process includes shooting a stream of water at a high-pressure rate. Because of the inherent risks in this method, homeowners should insist that only a qualified professional perform it. Having someone else tinker with your plumbing could potentially make the situation worse.

In conclusion

Businesses, restaurants, and homes should all adopt the necessary safety measure for hydro jet drain cleaning. Knowing that hydro-jetting is an advanced method is essential. Therefore, it is dangerous to undertake anything without professional assistance. It’s possible that you’ll wreak even more havoc on your plumbing system after reading this guide to hydro-jetting. The best course of action is to consult local plumbing experts.

Jul '22

Symptoms of a Sewer Drain Clog

A clogged sewer drain is one of the very worst plumbing problems to have in your home. Just imagine the spectacle of wastewater with human waste and all kinds of filth bubbling up from a drain and flooding your home. This problem is better imagined than experienced.

A clogged sewer drain will not only cause flooding in your home, but it will also expose everyone in the house to significant health risks, warns IPM Management. Preventing sewer drain clogs is the best way to deal with them. But to prevent a sewer drain clog, you must know the signs of problems with your sewer drains.

How sewer drains work

All homes that are connected to the city sewer service have a single underground sewer drainpipe that runs from the home to the city’s systems. This pipe collects wastewater from all the drainpipes inside the home and channels it to the city sewers.

This main pipe is usually 3 or 4”in diameter and hooked to the home’s main drain. Other drainpipes that run from the home’s main drain to its various plumbing fixtures (sinks, showers, or toilets) often have a smaller diameter of 1 ¼ to 2 ½”.

If the main sewer drainpipe which connects the home to the city systems is blocked, wastewater from the home will not pass through. Instead of going to the underground city sewer lines in the street, it will build inside the pipes until it eventually backs up into your home.

Signs that your main sewer drain is clogged

Here are the signs you will see in your home when there is a clog in your main sewer line.

Plumbing fixtures are clogged at the same time

Depending on how you manage your home’s plumbing, you may experience clogged drains from time to time. But when this happens, it is either the toilet, sink, or shower drain is clogged.

You usually shouldn’t have multiple fixtures clogged at the same time. If you find that two or more of the drains in the main level of your home are clogged, you may want to inspect your main sewer lines.

Toilets that won’t flush

This is one of the clearest signals that your main sewer line is in trouble. Toilet drains can get clogged as a result of flushing non-flushable items down the toilet. If you hear a gurgling sound from a toilet whenever you use a sink, bathtub or washing machine, it’s a sign that your main drain may have problems.

Blocked tubs and showers

A clog in the main sewer drain will show up in the shower and tub before you see signs of it in the sinks. That’s because shower and tub drains sit at a lower level than sink drains.

As a result, issues with the main drain will become evident in those lower drain openings first. If shower and tub drains are filling with wastewater or draining slowly, you could have a clog in your main drain.

Strange reactions when using a sink

Typically, you will not experience backflow of wastewater at the sink because sinks are at a higher level than toilets and showers. But you may have trapped air in the sink drain if your main sewer line is clogged.

Another sign to look for is gurgling sounds from the toilet closest to the sink or a change in water level inside the toilet bowl whenever you run water in the sink.

Overflow/backup when using the washing machine

If your main sewer drain is clogged, one of the signs is when draining water out of your washing machine, the toilet to overflow or results in backflow inside a tub or shower drain. If this problem is also accompanied by toilets that do not flush properly, you can be sure that your main sewer line is blocked.

What to do if your main sewer drain is clogged

Follow these steps if you think the main sewer drain in your home is blocked:

This is not a problem you can solve by yourself. Get a drain specialist to inspect the main sewer lines; they have the tools to correctly diagnose and quickly solve the problem.
Do not run the water in your home or flush any toilet. As long as you do not send more wastewater into your sewer drains, the problem will not get worse. Wait for the specialist to arrive.
To make sure a faucet in the home is not accidentally opened, shut off the water supply to the entire home from the main shut-off valve (not the shut off valve for individual fixtures).

What if after the drain cleaning specialist has camera inspected your main sewer drain, they determine that the problem is from the city sewer lines? What can you do in this situation? For issues with the city sewers, talk to city officials. The city sewer line is outside your line of authority.

Jun '22

6 Ways to Prevent Drain Clogging

Keeping the drains in your home free of materials that block them is not the most carefree way to use your home’s plumbing but it is certainly the least expensive. We like to think of clogs and blockages as an inevitable consequence of having modern plumbing in the house, says Brentwood Square Management Inc. But most clogs happen as a result of the way we use the plumbing; they are completely avoidable.

When drains are kept free of grease, food waste, soap scum, and materials that can block them, the benefits are manifold. Not only are you relieved of the stress of having to deal with plumbing emergencies at the most inopportune times, but the plumbing is also kept in an overall better condition. The final outcome is that you will spend less money on plumbing issues.

If you are looking for ways to maximize the use of your plumbing by minimizing the incidence of blocked drains, this post will help you. Below are simple steps you can implement today to make your plumbing system healthier and more efficient. Some of the tips are preventive steps you can take to avoid clogs; others are simple solutions for dealing with minor clogs.

6 ways to prevent clogged drains

Watch what you pour down the kitchen drain

As a first step, be careful of what you allow into the drains. Most drain clogs are the results of letting seemingly harmless stuff get into the drain. Some of the items or materials that should never go into the drain include:

Coffee grounds and eggshells

If your kitchen has a waste disposal unit, eggshells can damage the blades and their membrane can impede grinding. Once inside the drains, powdered eggshells will settle at the bottom of pipes and compound existing clogs. Coffee grounds will mix with oil and grease to form sludge inside your pipes.

Cooking oils, grease, and margarine

All oily materials should never go into your drains. This includes butter, mayonnaise, margarine, leftover fats, oils, and grease. If these find their way into the drain, they will mix with debris inside the pipes, line the sides of the drain, and trap solid materials moving through the pipe.

Starchy foods

Rice, pasta, potato skins, and flour should not go into the drain. These materials will swell to many times their original size when they get into the water. Secondly, because they are starchy, they will stick to the surfaces of the pipes and prevent the free flow of water through the drainpipes.

Protect your bathroom drain

As with the kitchen drain, you must be careful with what you allow into your bathroom drains. Even things as ordinary as soap or so-called flushable items can clog your bathroom drain. Here are steps you can take to keep the bathroom drain from getting clogged.

Use drain stoppers

Make sure there are drain stoppers, grates, or screens over drain openings in the sink, shower, and bathtub. These will catch hair, soap scum, and other things that can cause problems inside the drain. To retain their effectiveness stoppers, grates and screens should be cleaned frequently.

Brush your hair before shower

To reduce the risk of hair getting into the drain, brush your hair before you get into the shower. Another step to minimize the risk of hair getting into the plumbing is to bathe pets outside instead of in the bathroom. But if you must use the bathroom, cover the drain with a towel first.

What to do when clogs happen

The following steps will help you get rid of minor clogs:

Flush with hot water

If possible, run hot water through your kitchen sink after every use. This simple step will keep the oils in food waste running, instead of congealing and building up on the inside of your pipes. For bathtubs, fill them with warm water and then remove the plug to the water drain out. Do this weekly.

Clean with baking soda and vinegar

Baking soda is a great cleaning agent and an amazing deodorizer. Throwing a handful of baking soda into the drain, followed by hot water will help to clear the drain pipes. You can also do this with vinegar. Pour a cup of vinegar into the drain and leave it for 30 minutes. Afterward, pour some hot water into the drain.

Use vinegar and salt

If after you use vinegar and baking soda, you still have problems with clogging; make a mixture of one part vinegar to one part salt. Pour the mixture into the drain and let it foam inside the pipes for 30 minutes before pouring very hot water into the drain.

Call a professional plumber

These remedies may not work if the clog is located deep inside your drain. If the issue persists after you have tried the above solutions, it is time to have a local plumber look at the problem. While the plumber is at your home, you can also have them do a general check of your plumbing system to prevent future problems after they perform a drain cleaning service.

Oct '21

Why You Should Always Use Professional Drain Cleaning Services

When a drain in your home gets clogged and needs cleaning, what should you do about it?

Clogged drains are an all too common problem in the home. Drains may get clogged or even blocked as a result of neglect and misuse; when your property is a rental this is almost always a tenant-caused malfunction. The problem could also be the outcome of aging pipes or the normal consequence of the proper use of the home’s plumbing.

Man-made causes of drain clogs include:

Human or pet hair getting into the drain because there is no hair trap in the shower.
Indiscriminately feeding food waste down the kitchen sink drain and into the garbage disposal.
Flushing non-flushable items such as diapers, tampons, etc. – down the toilet.
Toilet paper buildup inside the drain, objects falling into the drain, and washing dirt down the drain, among others.

Drains may also get clogged from natural causes and in the course of the normal process of using the home’s plumbing. Some ways this can happen are:

Mineral buildup inside the pipes due to hard water from the municipal supply.
Tree roots that penetrate through the pipes and block them.
Subtle soil movements that dislocate the pipes and prevent the smooth flow of wastewater.
The age of the components of the plumbing system.

How to Handle a Clogged Drain

When your drains get clogged, what is the best way to deal with the issue? You have two options for solving the problem. You can head over to the internet and attempt to clean the drain yourself after watching some YouTube videos. Or you can get a professional plumber to look at the problem. The option you choose matters.

While there are lots of home maintenance tasks you can undertake yourself, plumbing is, unfortunately, not one of them. This is because of the vital role and enormous size of a home’s plumbing network. It is also because of how complex and interconnected this system is. The best way to clean out your drains when you have a clog or for routine maintenance is to hire a professional plumber.

Here are the reasons for this recommendation.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Plumber for Drain Cleaning

Drain cleaning should be part of your maintenance routine

Drains will clog and need cleaning, no matter how carefully you use them. This is simply because drains carry wastewater and wastewater contain sediments. Every time you wash your hands with soap, you wash soap into the drain that can potentially turn into soap scum and block the pipes.

The same applies to food scraps and grease; they will always find a way to get into the drain. Regular cleaning of your drains should be a permanent feature of your program for keeping the plumbing in good condition and avoiding costly repairs. Only a professional plumber can help you do this efficiently.

DIYs deal with the superficial causes

Understanding the cause of a drain clog, the process of its formation, and the different things that play a part in creating the clog is essential for solving the problem. Before they try to clean out a clogged drain, professional plumbers search for the immediate and remote causes of the problem. They do not apply temporary fixes as DIYers often do.

Professional plumbers use tools and services such as a sewer video camera inspection to pinpoint the cause of a problem and apply solutions that are comprehensive and lasting. A non-professional, on the other hand, is only concerned about getting water to start flowing through the drain again.

Prevent bigger problems

Homeowners who take a DIY approach to solve plumbing issues often do it to save money. In their bid to save a dollar, they cause bigger problems that cost them more money down the road. For instance, homeowners may apply store-bought drain cleaners to get rid of clogs. These products actually remove drain clogs, but only because they are so harsh. The long-term effect of pouring these chemicals into the drain is it strips the pipes and makes them more vulnerable to damage.

A disjointed maintenance strategy that does not take the entire drainage system into account will cause problems for you. Professional plumbers don’t just clean drains; they maintain a history of the issues with your plumbing in order to detect a pattern to the problems with the home’s drainage system.

Professional plumbers save you money and time

Solving drainage problems takes a lot of expertise. For owners who want to do it by themselves, the only way to try and get that expertise is to spend hours on the internet. But watching a YouTube video does not transform an amateur plumber into a professional. Eventually, the homeowner will have to hire a professional plumber to look at the issues with the home’s drainage.

More often than not, the plumber has to solve both the original problem and the additional ones caused by the homeowner. If the owner had called a professional from the get-go, they would have saved themselves a lot of time and money.