When it comes to knowing how to clear a drain, we’ve all been there – the dreaded moment when water starts pooling in the sink, tub, or toilet, indicating a stubborn drain clog. It’s a situation that can quickly escalate from a minor inconvenience to a full-blown plumbing nightmare. But fear not! When it comes to clearing drain clogs, the pros have got your back.
In this guide, we’ll delve into four tried-and-true methods that plumbing experts employ to unclog drains effectively. Whether it’s a simple blockage or a more complex issue, these methods are the secret weapons in a plumber’s arsenal, and they’re here to help you bid farewell to those bothersome clogs for good.
How to Clear a Drain: 4 Professional Methods
Manual Snaking
The manual drain snake, often referred to as a plumber’s snake or drain auger, is the frontline warrior against everyday drain clogs. This ingenious tool features a corkscrew-shaped hook at its terminal end, which is deftly maneuvered into the depths of a clogged drain or toilet. As the drain snake’s drum handle is turned, the hooked end rotates, effectively breaking down and dislodging the obstruction. Manual augers are especially adept at clearing uncomplicated clogs, dislodging debris, and navigating through the plumbing system. These workhorses excel at tackling minor blockages close to the drain opening, making them the first choice for plumbers dealing with common clogs.
Motorized Snaking
Sometimes, the problem isn’t as close to the surface as we’d like. For those stubborn clogs deeper down the drain line or when dealing with a solid mass that refuses to budge, the pros turn to the motorized drain snake. This impressive device has an extended reach, capable of exploring up to 150 feet down your drain or sewer line, all thanks to its electric motor’s added torque and continuous rotation.
Motorized drain snakes are the heavy artillery in the plumber’s arsenal, particularly effective against tough challenges like tree root infiltration, grease buildup, food waste, and even sewage clogs. However, it’s crucial to exercise caution with this method, as it might worsen the problem in certain situations. The powered drain snake can break off metal fragments for older, corroded pipes, escalating the clog and risking damage to the line. Deploying this tool skillfully is essential, and our pros know when to use it.
HD Cameras
When the manual and motorized methods haven’t delivered the desired results, it’s time to bring in the high-definition snake camera. This advanced piece of technology has revolutionized the plumbing industry, allowing us to peer into the interior of your pipes, identifying the exact nature and location of the blockage. This insight is a game-changer; armed with this information, our plumbers can tailor the best approach for your issue.
Discovering the cause and precise location of a stubborn clog before fixing it is pivotal. It enables us to select the ideal tools and formulate a straightforward plan to tackle the obstruction, ensuring a faster, more efficient resolution. HD cameras have transformed how we diagnose and address drainage problems, improving accuracy and reducing guesswork.
Hydro-Jetting
Now, let’s talk about a method that excites emergency plumbers: the hydro-jetting machine. This technique takes drain clearing to a whole new level. Picture concentrated water jets, powerful enough to dislodge decades of built-up grease, soap scum, and other unsavory residues that cling to your drain and sewer lines. The hydro-jetting machine can perform this miraculous feat in mere seconds, leaving your pipes in a “like-new” condition.
These water jets are no joke, capable of exerting pressure as high as an astonishing 35,000 pounds per square inch (PSI). This method’s sheer force ensures every residue trace is obliterated from your pipe walls. Hydro-jetting is the ultimate solution to thoroughly cleansing your plumbing system, promoting optimal flow, and preventing future clogs. It’s the ace up our sleeves when we encounter those, particularly stubborn or heavy-duty clogs.
Schedule a Visit from One of Our Pros
Now that we’ve covered the various professional methods to effectively clear a drain, it’s time to take action. Grab your phone and call the experts at Custom Plumbing of Arizona. Our team of skilled plumbers is prepared to assist you, no matter where you are. From Scottsdale, Phoenix, Glendale, Buckeye, Cave Creek, Chandler, Avondale, Gilbert, Peoria, Surprise, El Mirage, Apache Junction, Mesa, and Tempe, to Goodyear and beyond, we’re dedicated to providing top-notch services tailored to your specific needs. Don’t let a clogged drain disrupt your life any longer. Contact us today at 602-866-2665 and let us restore your plumbing system to its full functionality.