Professional Drain Cleaning Techniques and How to Know if a Home Needs It

Drain cleaning is an integral part of maintaining the plumbing system in a home. It can prevent clogs from occurring and also help to unclog existing blockages. This is especially important for preventing sewage backups and other issues resulting from clogs. This blog will share signs that professional drain cleaning is needed and talk about common methods to unclog pipes. 

Indicators of Clogged or Nearly Clogged Pipes

Even if homeowners know what goes down their drains, how will they know when the pipes need professional cleaning? Several clear signs can occur when pipes and drains are clogged. Some common symptoms of a clog indicating that drain cleaning is needed include: 

• Gurgling sounds from the drain
• Slow draining 
• A backup of water from a drain
• Bad smells

Method #1: Pipe Augering or a Drain Snake

The drain snake (or plumber’s snake or pipe auger) can come in many sizes and types. There are simple handheld versions for clearing out a sink drain or unclogging a toilet if a plunger isn’t working, and there are large industrial versions with feet upon feet of cable. The common thread is that these tools use a rotating head on a long cable to reach clogs deep within the sewer lines. 

They can break up almost any clog either by capturing the substance of it or breaking it up so that the chunks flow further down the pipes to their appointed final destination.  These are versatile devices that plumbers can maneuver with relative ease and can be used with almost any type of pipe. Some of the reasons to use a drain snake are outlined below.

• Tried and True:  The drain snaking method has been around for a long time and continues to prove effective.

• Gentle: If used correctly, the process does little to no damage to the pipes. It focuses directly on the clog, unlike chemical drain cleaners that can cause corrosion.

• Versatile: It can be used on most types of pipes and in most settings.

Method #2: Using Water Pressure With Hydro Jetting

Hydro jetting is a more recently adopted method but is no less effective than snaking. In fact, it may be even more versatile and effective. Hydro jetting uses a hose attachment resembling a rubber balloon with a metal nozzle. This is inserted in the pipe, and water inflates the balloon, forms a seal within the pipe, and then releases a high-pressure stream of water that blasts the offending clog apart. 

Hydro jetting is also safe for pipes when done correctly and can be used in almost any situation, including for many types of clogs. Hydro jetting is also great for preventing clogs because the water removes buildup from pipe walls that could become clogs if ignored. It is easy to see why hydro jetting is the gold standard for drain cleaning.

About Force Plumbing and Heating LLC

Force Plumbing and Heating LLC is a family-owned and operated company serving Hazlet, NJ, and the surrounding communities. They provide on-time arrivals, a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and a beneficial VIP Comfort Club. Call them today for drain cleaning services in Hazlet, NJ. 

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