Drainage
We are here to help you with all of your drainage issues. We handle everything, including sump pump maintenance and blocked pipes.
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How Does Drain Cleaning Work?
We’ve all faced it at some point. You turn on the shower or brush your teeth, and the water just refuses to drain. That usually means the line needs a proper cleaning. But what’s the best way to handle it? Let’s break it down.
DIY Drain Cleaning
If you’re comfortable handling small repairs yourself, you might want to give this a try. Just remember—it’s important to know your limits and recognize when the problem requires professional help.
For sinks, the clog is often found in a section of pipe called the P-Trap. This part is designed to hold a small amount of water to block odors from coming up, but it also tends to collect a lot of buildup. With a bucket placed underneath, you can disconnect the trap, clear out the gunk, and put it back together. In many cases, this restores proper flow.
If that doesn’t solve the problem, it usually means the blockage is deeper in the line. That’s when professional drain cleaning becomes necessary.
Why not just buy a cheap auger and try it myself?
Hand-crank augers don’t have the strength to clear tough blockages. The powered ones that do have enough force are expensive and require training to use safely. Many people end up hurting themselves when trying to operate them without experience. That’s why calling in a professional is the safer choice.
Drain Cleaning with an Auger
One common method is cabling, also known as augering. A long cable is fed through the drain line using a motorized drum. The cable has different types of heads that help break apart and remove debris.
At first, a spear-shaped head is used to punch through the clog so water can flow again. But that doesn’t completely solve the issue, since bits of the blockage may still cling to the pipe walls. Next, a U-shaped head with teeth is run through the line to scrape away debris from the sides. This helps clean the pipe more thoroughly, though it might still not remove everything. In such cases, jetting is often the recommended next step.
Drain Jetting
Jetting uses a high-pressure water hose with special nozzles at the tip. The powerful streams of water blast away buildup and leave the inside of the pipe almost as clean as when it was first installed. This method is so effective that it’s even used for city sewer lines.
The Bigger Picture
It’s important to remember that if a sewer line backs up, it usually points to an underlying issue with the pipe. After cleaning, it’s a good idea to have the line inspected with a camera. This allows you to see exactly what caused the blockage in the first place.
Depending on what’s found, you might need a sewer repair or even a liner installation to prevent future problems. A healthy drain line should never keep backing up, so addressing the root cause is the only way to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
Final Thoughts
Drain cleaning can be a quick fix, but long-term peace of mind comes from identifying and repairing the underlying problem. If your drains are acting up, don’t wait until it turns into a bigger mess—getting help early saves you time, stress, and money down the road.
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We’ve grown from a small local business into a trusted name in the industry by consistently prioritizing quality and customer satisfaction. Our team is dedicated to solving your plumbing challenges with expertise, transparency, and integrity. We believe in doing the job right the first time, ensuring your home or business runs smoothly.
