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Complete Guide to Drain Cleaning

Dealing with a clogged drain can be a frustrating problem for homeowners. A clogged drain in one part of the house can negatively affect the overall performance of the plumbing system. Blocked drains are one of the most common reasons homeowners call their local plumber. 

What are the most common drain cleaning methods? Professional plumbers have an assortment of specialized tools to clean tough plumbing blockages fast. Drain snakes and hydro-jetting are just two different ways plumbers can clean blocked drains. 

How to Clean a Drain

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Homeowners are advised to stay away from liquid drain cleaners. Liquid drain cleaners contain toxic chemicals that are hazardous to human health. These products advertise being able to burn through tough clogs, but they often fail short of these promises. 

When liquid drain cleaner fails to clear a blockage and instead remains stagnant in the drain, the toxic fumes can come back up into the home. There are a few DIY drain cleaning methods that homeowners can try. Pouring hot water into the drain can help to soften debris. 

An easy way to create an at-home drain cleaner is to mix one cup of baking soda with one cup of vinegar. Pour this mixture down the drain and close the drain to create a natural chemical reaction that softens the clog. Plungers and drain snakes can also be used to try to dislodge the source of a blockage. 

Use a Plumber’s Snake

snakingDrain snakes are a type of specialized plumbing tool used to clear blocked drains. One can purchase small drain snakes at home improvement stores, but professionals' drain augers are far more heavy-duty. 

Drain snakes are long pieces of metal or plastic inserted into the drain to clear away blockages. They are either hand-operated or mechanical. 

Using a drain snake is a fast way to clear a drain because it can be inserted directly into the source of the clog to dislodge it. The drain snake will either pull out the object causing the clog, or break it up enough to allow it to be rinsed away. Drain augers are a versatile tool for plumbers because they come in different sizes to fit various drains.

Hydro-jetting Services

Hydro-jetting is a professional drain cleaning service used to clear away heavy-duty clogs. The hydro-jetting process involves shooting pressurized water through the pipes at high speeds until it blasts away the source of the blockage. Hydro-jetting can be used to clear tough blockages from tree roots. 

The best thing about hydro-jetting is how fast it can get the job done. When all other drain cleaning methods fail, hydro-jetting almost always works. It is an extremely efficient way to clear away a tough clog. Hydro-jetting requires the expertise of an experienced plumber to get the job done safely. 

About Allens Plumbing

Allens Plumbing is a trusted local plumbing company proud to provide its neighbors in Aiea/Oahu, HI, with fast and affordable plumbing services. Allens Plumbing specializes in repairing drain and sewer lines. Give them a call today to schedule an appointment for drain cleaning services in Aiea/Oahu, HI!