When clogged drains start to disrupt your home and cause foul smells, it’s time for a little preventative maintenance. Taking advantage of professional drain cleaning is one way to ensure that your pipes aren’t swollen with sewage or clogged by tree roots.

To make a DIY plumber’s snake, straighten out a wire coat hanger and use the hook end to lure in and grab obstructions. Once hooked, crank the handle and the clog should move along.

Boiling water is a simple, inexpensive and eco-friendly method for unclogging drains. It can easily melt away soap scum, grease and other soft clogs and is one of the most widely used home drain cleaning hacks.

The primary reason that boiling water works so well as a clog removal method is that the heat melts and loosens materials that typically cause clogs, making them more fluid and less adhesive. The hot water also flushes away dissolved clog debris and clears the pipe.

However, the effectiveness of this method varies depending on the type of clog and the material of the pipes. Boiling water should never be poured down a metal drain pipe, as it can melt or warp the pipes. It is also not recommended for septic systems, as it can disrupt the bacteria balance needed for proper functioning.

To use boiling water for clog removal, start by heating a kettle on the stove or microwave. Squirt a generous amount of grease-fighting dish soap into the affected drain, then pour the boiling water down the drain. If the clog is particularly stubborn, repeat this process as necessary.

The primary drawback to this drain cleaning method is that it can be ineffective if the clog is too far down the pipe or caused by a solid object. Additionally, the heat from boiling water may damage plastic or cast iron pipes. If you have these types of pipes, it is highly recommended to seek a professional plumber’s assistance. Fortunately, there are many other effective residential drain cleaning methods available, such as baking soda and vinegar and plumbing snakes. These tools are safer and more effective for removing hard-to-reach clogs and maintaining your drains.

Baking Soda & Vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar are a natural household solution for some light clogs. They can remove odors, break down food particles, and dissolve mineral deposits in your drain and pipes. However, they aren’t strong enough to deal with severe blockages. If you’re facing a serious clog, contact Buehler Air Conditioning & Plumbing to use one of our specialized tools to get the job done.

First, pour a half-gallon of boiling water down the drain to soften any greasy or oily buildup that may be causing your clog. After that, sprinkle approximately 1 cup of baking soda down the drain. Wait for the fizzing to stop, then cover the drain with a cloth or drain plug. Allow the baking soda and vinegar to sit for several hours, or overnight if possible.

When the baking soda and vinegar have had some time to work, flush the drain by pouring down two cups of hot water. This will rinse away any loosened debris and help to avoid a clog in the future.

Keep in mind that this is a very safe and inexpensive way to clean your drains, but it can also be dangerous if you’re not careful. The chemical reaction that occurs between the vinegar and baking soda can produce carbon dioxide gas, which can increase pressure in your drains and cause leaks or cracks if the pressure isn’t relieved soon enough. Also, the acidity of the vinegar can damage certain types of pipes over time. As a result, it’s best to save this method for light clogs and routine cleaning.

Plungers

Almost every bathroom comes equipped with a plunger and it’s no wonder why: they’re inexpensive, effective and a safe alternative to chemical drain cleaners. But plunging isn’t just for toilets; it can be used to unclog sinks and tubs as well. Before beginning, make sure the drain opening is completely covered with water or a rag to ensure an airtight seal. It’s also important to make sure the plunger cup is submerged under just enough water so it can create some suction power as you work.

Once the seal is created, slowly plunge up and down with a consistent, steady force without breaking the seal. This method uses both suction and pressure to break apart clogs and dislodge them, and it works quickly and is easy to use. Repeat this process until the clog is completely removed and the water can flow freely through the drain again.

It’s important to note that persistent clogs can indicate a deeper problem that cannot be resolved by DIY methods like plunging or using chemical drain cleaners. This could be a sign of a more serious issue, such as a blocked S- or P-trap (the serpentine sections that prevent odourous sewer gas from entering the home) or a broken or damaged drain line.

If you’re struggling with stubborn clogs that don’t respond to simple DIY techniques, it’s time to call in the pros. Professional drain cleaning services can use advanced tools to diagnose the cause of the clog and provide long-term solutions. Contact us to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment. We’ll help you get your plumbing back on track fast!

Augers

When the sink doesn’t drain, or your tub is full of standing water, you need something stronger than household chemical drain cleaners. Professionals use a tool called a drain auger, which can be mechanically uncoiled or manually operated to break up and clear even the most stubborn of clogs. The tool works by spinning a drill-like blade that is attached to a rod. This blade is fed into the pipe until it reaches the clog. Then, the rod is rotated to dislodge and clear the obstruction.

A drain auger is similar to a plumber’s snake but is designed specifically for sewer and drainage lines instead of toilets or pipes with curves and bends. These tools can be expensive to rent or buy, but they can be used multiple times and can save you the cost of a professional plumbing service.

Augers are also safe for pipes because they do not require the use of chemicals that can corrode and damage pipes over time. However, the tool is not ideal for all people because it is bulky and requires some physical prowess to operate. It is best suited for those with some technical skill and the ability to follow operation instructions closely.

Another option for clearing blocked drains is hydro jetting, which is a high-pressure water treatment that clears and cleans pipes. While it is effective at breaking up most types of clogs, it isn’t suitable for older pipes because it can cause them to rupture or create leaks. It is also more costly than drain augers. For these reasons, professional plumbers only recommend hydro jetting as a last resort. When you do need to use it, make sure that a plumber is on hand to inspect the pipes afterward for any damage.

Sewer Line Inspections

A home’s sewer line runs underground to connect with the city or county line. Like other pipes in a house, they are susceptible to cracks, blockages and leaks over time. Regular sewer inspections are vital to ensure the continued health of your sewage system and can help you avoid costly repairs in the future.

When scheduling a sewer line inspection, professionals utilize specialized cameras that can safely navigate through even the deepest, narrowest pipelines. The resulting video provides visual evidence of the condition of your line and can identify any debris, obstructions or other issues. These inspections are also useful for determining the root cause of your sewer problems. For example, if your sewer line has been damaged by tree roots or an offset joint, the inspector can identify where the issue is and provide you with repair options.

During a sewer line inspection, the technician will first locate the home’s “clean out.” This is a capped pipe that protrudes from the ground, often near a toilet or at the property line. After locating the clean out, the technician will insert a long tube with a camera attached at its end into your drains and begin to assess the condition of your sewer line.

A sewer line inspection is typically performed as part of a home inspection, though it can be completed at any time by a professional. Scheduling this inspection during the home buying process will allow you to negotiate with the seller if any issues are identified and can make sure that you are not surprised by a costly problem after moving in. In addition, a home inspector will typically include the results of a sewer line inspection in their report.