Drain Cleaning and Signs It’s Needed Explained
Dealing with a clogged drain or sewer line is often an unavoidable nuisance for homeowners at some point, but recognizing the signs of a blockage so that professionals can be called for drain cleaning can help prevent a major plumbing disaster. This guide to drain cleaning will discuss signs of a clogged drain or sewer line indicating the need for drain cleaning, common causes of clogs, and how professionals can perform drain cleaning to unclog pipes.
Signs Drain Cleaning Is Needed
Recognizing the early warning signs of a clogged drain or sewer line is crucial for preventing major plumbing disasters. The most common indicator is slow drainage. If water takes noticeably longer than usual to empty from sinks, tubs, or showers, it suggests a buildup of debris is narrowing the pipe's interior. Another sign is the presence of foul, persistent odors from drains. These smells often signify accumulated organic matter, such as food waste and grease, which is decomposing within the pipes and requires immediate professional attention to clear and sanitize the line.
Beyond slow draining and unpleasant odors, several other signs can point to a blockage and the need for professional drain cleaning. Pay attention to gurgling sounds coming from drains or toilets, particularly after running water or flushing. This noise is caused by trapped air bubbling up past the obstruction. Frequent and recurring clogs or backups in toilets, sinks, or other drains also indicate a serious blockage in the sewer line. Ignoring these critical signals can lead to messy, costly problems such as leaking or burst pipes, extensive water damage, and more extensive repairs.
Common Causes of Drain and Sewer Line Clogs
Some frequent culprits behind drain blockages and a clogged sewer line originate in the kitchen and bathroom. In the kitchen, some common offenders are cooking oils, grease, and fats, which solidify within pipes as they cool. Similarly, things like coffee grounds and food scraps can also create stubborn obstructions, so people should be mindful of what they put down their drains.
In bathrooms, hair and soap scum going down the drain can lead to clogs, as can flushing the wrong items down the toilet. Products such as wipes, dental floss, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, and more can cause blockages when flushed. The only item that should get flushed down toilets is toilet paper.
Additionally, another potential cause of a sewer line clog is the infiltration of tree roots. Drawn to the water and nutrients inside sewer pipes, these roots can enter through tiny cracks or loose joints, gradually expanding and creating an obstruction that traps other debris and wastewater, necessitating professional sewer line cleaning.
How Do Professionals Perform Drain Cleaning?
Professional drain cleaning services go far beyond the capabilities of DIY remedies, relying on specialized equipment and refined techniques to ensure a thorough, lasting solution. The process often begins with a sewer video inspection, where a high-resolution, waterproof camera is fed into the line. A sewer camera inspection allows the technician to visually identify the exact cause, location, and severity of the clog, whether it's grease buildup, root intrusion, or foreign objects, and assess the overall condition of the pipes.
Once the obstruction is located, the professional may use a plumber's snake, also known as a drain snake or auger, which is a flexible cable designed to pierce through or retrieve blockages. Another method that may be used to unclog the line is hydro jetting. This advanced technique involves propelling highly pressurized streams of water into the pipes. Hydro jet drain cleaning is highly effective because the water not only breaks apart tough blockages like solidified grease and tree roots but also scours the interior walls of the pipe, removing accumulated residue and debris, which helps reduce the likelihood of future recurring clogs.
About Southside Plumbing
Southside Plumbing is a family-owned and operated business serving the Omaha community. They provide same-day service, 24-hour emergency service, and honest, transparent pricing. Call them for drain cleaning services in Omaha, NE.
