Your sewer and drain system is one of the most important parts of your home. It’s what takes all the waste from you and your family, then transports it through pipes to a treatment plant or septic tank. Without it, everything would be piling up around your house! It’s important to keep it in peak condition.
How does sewer and drain cleaning work?
Sewer and drain cleaning is a specialized field involving many different methods used to clean the pipelines that run your plumbing. The ways in which it works vary depending upon what exactly needs to be cleaned out, how long the buildup has been occurring, and other factors. The method that is used will depend on circumstances, but there are certain general truths about how sewer cleaning works.
So just how does it work? There are three main methods in which the process of sewage and drain cleaning takes place: mechanical, chemical, and hydro-jetting.
If you have a simple clog to clear out or if there is a simple break in the pipe that needs to be cleared, your plumber may just use a mechanical tool. Mechanical tools include things like drain snakes and cable tools. Drain snakes are inserted through the drain into the pipes and they will grab onto any hair or other obstructions. They are then pulled out of the pipes so that all of the debris can be easily wiped away. Cable tools are similar to drain snakes but they have a thin wire attached to the front which is used to try and grab onto an obstruction that needs clearing out of the pipes. Cable tools will usually need to go through several cycles before there is no more resistance from the obstruction because they can only pull out one piece at a time.
If there is a larger clog that needs to be cleared or the blockage is out of reach, chemicals will often be used. Chemical drain cleaners are usually activated by water and they work their way through the pipes to break down any buildup or clogs that may be present. The chemicals can also dissolve things like mineral deposits from hard water in pipes, keeping the pipes running smoothly. After the chemical has done its work it will usually be washed away by water. It is important to follow all of the instructions on any chemicals that you choose for cleaning your drains and pipes, since improper use can lead to harmful results.
Using hydro-jetters involves forcing high pressure water through a hose into the pipes. The water stream will be strong enough to break up any buildup that may be present in the pipelines and the debris will be washed away by a vacuum. This is one of the more effective methods for dealing with stubborn clogs or problems within your plumbing system because it can get so deep into the system, but this method requires very specialized equipment.
What are the causes of sewer and drain blockages?
When it comes to drains and sewers, there are plenty of things that can cause a blockage. From cooking oils and grease entering the system to debris simply collecting in the pipes over time, these blockages will end up with you calling for services. But there is one thing in particular that many know little about; tree roots causing damage to the drains and sewers.
Tree roots are one of the main causes of sewer and drain blockages, as they grow into and through pipes that mark their location on both private properties and public roads. Tree roots will naturally seek out water, so it is not uncommon for large trees to become a home for these blocks over time. Therefore, it is important to have these roots removed by a professional.
Using root-killing chemical products from the local shop will do little to combat this problem, as they are designed for regular garden use and not commercial use. It’s best that you stick with professional help rather than attempting to fix the problem yourself. Root removal should be done often, as it will make the process easier for you and your customers.
Why is it important to get your drains cleaned regularly?
There are many reasons why you need to get your drains cleaned regularly, especially if there’s an issue with it. The first reason is that drain cleaning will solve a problem in the present. You don’t want a flood of water coming through your walls or a horrendous smell taking over your home. It will also prevent further damage from being done to the plumbing. It will also prevent it from getting worse, like mold and mildew growing in your walls because of stagnant water.
Drain cleaning is also a prevention as well. If you let a clogged drain go for too long, you may end up with a large bill from your plumber or the city sewer board if it’s a main drain. Regular maintenance can keep the drain flowing smoothly and save you money in the future.
Risks of neglecting your drains:
1) The toilet might occasionally clog up due to grease or other non-solid objects going down it. This is easily avoided by using a garbage disposal.
2) If the sink gets clogged up from being used too much and grease or other solid objects going down the drain, you may have to replace a P-trap.
3) Drain cleaning is often quoted at around $500 by plumbers when it comes to clearing clogs. If left unchecked for months, your house could end up reeking of sewage or mold and mildew.
4) If the drain is not functioning properly, water might occasionally start pouring into your basement and flooding it.
5) This should be mentioned mostly for homes with basements or crawl spaces. If a main drain line gets clogged up from grease or any other solid object in the pipe, it will overflow out of your walls and the sewage or other garbage will end up in your basement.
6) If you don’t have a clog but can smell a foul odor, check to make sure there is no sewage backing up into your house.
Tips for preventing clogs in the future
If you have a pipe which is accustomed to clogging, it is essential that you get the issue solved as early as possible. Clogs can be caused by an abundance of things such as tree roots, hair, grease and paper products. It is not always necessary for these items to remain in the pipes because they can be removed with the help of a plumber.
They can be scraped off or sliced, depending on the material they are made out of. Tree roots are drawn to water and not all of them will inevitably reach your sewer line. You may find that the opening is plugged from time to time due to these tree roots and you must have it cleaned out when this happens.
In case a drain in your house is clogged, you should not try to remedy the problem on your own. It is advised that you call in an emergency plumber like everyone else because of the potential risk involved. The most common way people attempt to fix such problems is by using chemical cleaners or pouring hot water down the sink. You must understand that this can cause damage to the piping under your home and it is not worth taking such a chance.
If you are wondering about what produces clogs in a pipe, tissue paper might be one of them. Toilet paper disintegrates in water which means it will ultimately end up inside the drain or even outside in the pipes where more problems may occur. It is best to use a garbage disposal for this purpose and avoid using soap or detergents which can backfire in case they are mixed with the toilet paper.
