What You Need to Know About Drain Cleaning
Most homeowners don’t think about their drains. Until one of them clogs or just becomes a slow drain. Then, it suddenly becomes a priority.
Daily tasks like dishwashing, showering, or brushing teeth are interrupted or halted altogether. With this disruption in routine, everyone in the home may feel out of sorts. The best way to avoid this scenario is to contact a drain cleaning service at the first sign of trouble.
What Is Involved in Professional Drain Cleaning?
Professional drain cleaners use different methods depending on the extent and location of the obstruction. For a simple clog, they will use a motorized drain auger or “snake.” This procedure will dislodge most obstructions in the drainpipe.
If the clog is further down in the pipes, a fiber optic, the cable-mounted camera is sent through the pipes to determine the location and size of the clog. The information provided by the camera helps the plumber decide the best approach for cleaning the drain.
Another method used by professional drain cleaning services involves a hydro-jetter. This jetter is a powerful device that uses a motor to pressurize water and push it down the drainpipe. At more than 7,000 psi, the force of the water will remove almost any kind of obstruction.
Signs You Should Call the Experts
Homeowners don’t always get advance warnings when a drain is about to clog, but if you pay attention to little things that seem unusual, you may prevent a bigger problem later. When you notice any of these signs, you should call for a professional drain cleaning soon:
- Water backing up from the drain
- Slow drains
- Overflowing toilets
- A plunger that doesn’t help
- Bubbling water or gurgling sounds
- Unpleasant odors coming from drains
In most cases, these signs are an indication that a problem is brewing. Contact a pipe cleaning service right away to prevent more costly repairs.
After fixing your drain problem, most plumbing companies suggest a routine maintenance plan that will help keep your plumbing in top shape. During a routine check, the technician can diagnose any potential problems and recommend a solution that will prevent costly repairs later.
Are Clogged Drains Dangerous?
Plumbers advise homeowners not to use commercial drain cleaners in their drains. When you open a container of drain cleaner, toxic fumes escape that can have an adverse effect on the indoor air quality of your Franklin, IN, home. The chemicals can affect the respiratory system and increase your risk of contracting infections or viruses.
When a commercial cleaner is poured down the drain, the harsh chemicals can seep into groundwater and eventually harm wildlife. The caustic chemicals can also damage your pipes, causing more problems.
Exposing your family to sewer gasses is another danger associated with clogged drains. Sewer gas can be toxic. It consists of hydrogen sulfide, which can cause eye and respiratory irritation. The gas can also cause symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headache, drowsiness, and nervousness. If you detect a rotten-egg odor, it is a sign of sewer gas leakage. You should take any odd smells coming from your drain seriously. Contact a Franklin, IN, drain cleaning expert right away if you detect any unusual odors.
Common Causes of Clogged Drain Pipes
Professional drain cleaning technicians have found a surprising collection of things that clog drains. For example, in Franklin, IN, homes with young children, toys are often the culprit in a clogged drain. Adults often lose jewelry in the drains, and these items can collect hair and other debris, resulting in a clog.
Aside from objects going down the drain, the common causes of clogs include:
- A buildup of dirt and dander
- Soap and mineral buildup
- Human and animal hair
- Food waste
- Fat, grease, and oil
- Feminine hygiene products
- “Flushable” wipes
- Tree roots, leaves, dirt, rocks
- Pipe scale buildup
- The slope of the pipes
- Undersized pipes
- Overloaded pipes
Resolving these problems requires the expertise of a professional plumber. In some cases, a clog is located in a section of the pipe that runs under a concrete slab floor. If so, only a skilled plumber can handle this job.
Kellie Plumbing is the Drain Cleaning Pro
If you’re looking for affordable, reliable plumbing services in Franklin, IN, Kellie Plumbing is the right choice. We provide quality service backed by over 60 years of experience and training. You’ll find that our team is dedicated to excellence in customer service. We work around your schedule and focus on your needs and preferences. Our goal is to get your home and routine back to normal as quickly as possible.
When you have clogged drain problems, call Kellie Plumbing. We are a locally owned company providing expert plumbing services to Franklin, IN, and homes in central Indiana.
