Drains are an important part of any building, carrying wastewater away from sinks, showers, and toilets. When drains become blocked, it can cause many problems. Understanding how drains work and what can go wrong is the first step to keeping them clear.
Common Drain Problems
Over time, various things can build up inside pipes and cause clogs. This build-up can slow down water or stop it completely.
What Causes Clogs?
- Hair: Especially in bathroom drains, hair can tangle and form large blockages.
- Grease and Food Scraps: In kitchen drains, cooking grease hardens when it cools, sticking to pipe walls. Food particles can also get caught.
- Soap Scum: Soap, shampoo, and conditioner can leave behind a sticky residue that builds up.
- Foreign Objects: Sometimes, small items that should not be flushed or washed down a drain can get stuck.
- Tree Roots: For outdoor pipes, tree roots can grow into cracks, blocking the flow of water.
Signs You Need Drain Cleaning
Knowing the signs of a clogged drain can help you address the issue before it becomes a big problem.
- Slow Drains: Water takes a long time to drain from sinks, tubs, or showers.
- Unpleasant Odors: Foul smells coming from drains can mean there is rotting debris inside the pipes.
- Gurgling Noises: Strange sounds from drains or toilets after flushing often indicate air trapped by a blockage.
- Water Backing Up: Water coming back up into a sink, tub, or toilet is a clear sign of a serious clog.
Professional Drain Cleaning Methods
When a drain is clogged, different methods can be used to clear it. Professional Drain Cleaning Long Beach services use specialized tools and techniques to ensure drains are thoroughly cleaned.
Snaking
A long, flexible auger, also known as a snake, is pushed into the drain. This tool can break up clogs or pull them out. It is effective for hair and minor blockages.
Hydro Jetting
This method uses high-pressure water to clean the inside of pipes. A powerful stream of water can remove grease, soap scum, and other stubborn build-ups that a snake might miss. Hydro jetting can leave pipes very clean, which helps prevent future clogs.
Camera Inspection
Sometimes, a small camera is sent into the pipes to see the exact location and cause of a blockage. This helps professionals choose the best way to clear the drain and can also spot other issues like broken pipes.
Why Professional Service is Important
While some minor clogs can be fixed with plungers, many blockages require professional attention. Using harsh chemical drain cleaners can sometimes damage pipes and are often not effective for tough clogs. Professionals have the right equipment and knowledge to clear drains safely and completely. They can identify the root cause of recurring clogs and offer lasting solutions.
Maintaining Healthy Drains
Regular care can help prevent most drain problems.
- Be Mindful of What Goes Down the Drain: Avoid pouring grease, coffee grounds, or large food particles down kitchen drains.
- Use Drain Screens: Place screens over drains in sinks and showers to catch hair and debris.
- Flush Drains Regularly: Run hot water through your drains for a few minutes each week to help prevent build-up.
- Schedule Routine Cleaning: Consider having your drains professionally inspected and cleaned every few years, especially if you have an older home. This proactive approach can save you from unexpected and costly repairs.