Drain Cleaning Perth is an often-overlooked aspect of home maintenance. Despite this, regular drain cleaning can save homeowners from expensive repairs and other issues.
Clogged drains create ideal habitats for bacteria and mold, which can lead to infections and other health problems. To avoid these issues, consider some simple tips to keep your drains healthy.
Acid-based drain cleaners use potent acids like sulfuric or hydrochloric acid to dissolve tough blockages. Sulfuric-based cleaners target organic substances like hair and grease, while hydrochloric-based cleaners target inorganic substances like mineral build-up and rust. These corrosive products should only be used by licensed professionals with the proper training and understanding of their risks. When used properly, these cleaners are effective and can help contractors maintain clean and functional plumbing systems.
Chemical drain cleaners work by dissolving the material that is causing the clog. Caustic, or base, drain cleaners contain ingredients like lye and caustic potash that are alkaline; they give electrons to the clogging material and break it down. Oxidizing drain cleaners have additives such as peroxides and nitrates that oxidize the organic material in a clog, turning it into water-soluble matter. Hydrogen gas is produced during this reaction, which can also soften congealed grease and create hot spots that melt clogs.
While these drain cleaners can be useful for dissolving severe and stubborn clogs, they cannot effectively tackle blockages caused by solid objects. In addition, the corrosive chemicals can damage various parts of a plumbing system. For example, they can eat through metal pipes, resulting in corrosion and leaks. They can also damage plastic pipes by releasing heat that melts or warps them. For these reasons, it is important for contractors to assess the nature and severity of a clog before using acid-based drain cleaners. In most cases, professional advice or other mechanical methods are more appropriate. However, in complex or uncertain situations, contractors should consider utilizing these cleaners to prevent unnecessary damage. Read on to learn more about how these chemicals work, safety considerations, and alternatives for maintaining functional plumbing.
Mechanical drain snakes
If slow draining sinks or toilets, and loud gurgling sounds indicate that you’re dealing with a stubborn drain clog, your best option for eliminating it may be a mechanical drain snake or auger. These tools come in a wide range of cable lengths, from 25 to 100 feet, enabling them to bore through and retrieve even the most difficult-to-reach obstructions deep within your home’s pipes.
Like a drill bit, the spinning auger head on these tools bores into or latches onto the source of a clog and breaks it up or grabs hold of it. This enables them to dislodge stubborn clogs that sink plungers and chemical drain cleaners can’t remove with their air bursts or chemical reactions.
When using a drain snake, it’s important to read the instructions carefully and practice on a plastic pipe before attempting to use it on your home’s plumbing network. Applying too much force when feeding the snake into the pipe can cause it to bind or even damage your piping through sheer torque. Slow, deliberate movements of the handle and angled adjustments to the cable’s position help it maneuver around bends and corners in your plumbing pipes.
The longer, commercial-grade drain snakes used by professional plumbers are often equipped with a video camera that helps them locate the source of a clog, allowing them to make pinpoint repairs as needed. Aside from using a drain snake on a regular basis to prevent clogs from forming, you can also do your part by adding drain strainers or filters to all of your sinks and draining appliances, regularly disassembling P-traps under each sink to clean them out, and by not sending anything solid down the drains other than water and waste.
Hydro-jetting
For severe blockages that have not responded to snaking or chemical cleaners, the plumber may use hydro jetting. It involves a hose with a nozzle that can be adjusted to vary the pressure level. The powerful blast of water opens up the pipe, washing away any grime, sludge or tree roots and leaving the pipes completely clear. This technique is more precise than snaking and guarantees long-lasting results. It also doesn’t leave a residue that could cause a new clog later on.
Before the plumber shoots the nozzle at your pipe, they will first use a video inspection to check the clog’s location and severity. They will then choose a nozzle that can provide the best coverage. For example, some nozzles offer more forward spray, while others are designed to give a broader range of coverage behind the hose. The hose can also be equipped with different attachments to adjust the spray’s direction and intensity.
Using only water, this method is safer for the pipes than other drain cleaning techniques that involve silica sand and chemicals. Hydro jetting is also environmentally friendly and does not pollute the groundwater or wastewater system.
It is typically used to clean sewer lines. The nozzle can be adjusted to tackle the specific type of clog that has formed, including grease, soap scum and food residue. It is also effective against tree roots that have infiltrated the pipe, causing a serious and destructive blockage.
If your septic or sewer line has a persistent blockage that can’t be resolved by snaking or chemical cleaners, call your local plumber right away. They will use a video inspection to determine if hydro jetting is the most suitable option. They can also suggest preventive maintenance services to keep your drains and sewage lines free from clogs and damage.
Enzyme cleaners
Enzyme cleaners are an eco-conscious, safe and effective alternative to chemical drain cleaners. These cleaners work by releasing enzyme-producing bacteria to speed up the decomposition of organic waste and eliminate odors. They’re also biodegradable, so they don’t damage pipes or the environment. They’re particularly well-suited for removing pet urine, food stains and other biological messes.
Enzymes are the biological compounds that initiate digestion in our bodies. These compounds break down proteins into smaller molecules that the body can absorb and digest. Cleaning enzymes are formulated to mimic this process on a larger scale by breaking down and eliminating organic stains on hard and soft surfaces. The best way to determine if a cleaning product contains enzymes is to read the label and test it on an inconspicuous area before applying it to any surface.
These eco-friendly cleaners are particularly useful for dealing with bio-based stains like feces, vomit, blood and urine on bathroom fabrics. While bleach can usually take care of these messes, a bio-enzyme cleaner will completely eradicate them and leave surfaces smelling clean and fresh. After using a bio-enzyme cleaner, it’s important to let the fabric or surface dry completely. It’s also wise to vacuum the surface afterward to restore the nap of any upholstered furniture or carpeting.
Regular use of a bio-enzyme cleaner in drain lines can help prevent build-up and blockages, while reducing or eliminating drain odors and preventing pests from nesting in the line. Bio-enzyme cleaners can also be used to sanitize and disinfect cleaning equipment and tools. They’re an excellent choice for sanitizing mop buckets, scrubbers and extractor recovery tanks as well as restroom floors.
Enzyme cleaners can also be applied directly to trouble spots in toilets and urinals, where the build-up of bacterial waste and odors is most concentrated. These eco-friendly cleaners will thoroughly clean the traps, siphons and urinal screens, while reducing or eliminating any odors that may be present.
Video inspection
A video pipe inspection is a useful tool for homeowners with suspected sewer line problems. A plumber feeds a cable with a small camera attached to the end into the drain and watches it on a monitor. This allows them to see the condition of the line, identify blockages and determine the best course of action.
Homeowners can also try simple DIY methods to clear their drains. These include running hot water down the drain to dislodge clogs. However, this method can damage the pipes if used too often or at the wrong temperature. Most PVC pipes are only rated to handle 140 degree water. Vinegar and baking soda can also break down clogs, but are not as effective as commercial chemical drain cleaners.
Commercial chemical drain cleaners, such as Drano, Pure Lye, Invade and CLR, are very effective at breaking down clogs. They usually start working within minutes and can dissolve hair, soap scum, grease and other debris in the pipes. They are best used in tub/shower drains, kitchen sinks and laundry room drains.
Another option for clearing clogged pipes is hydro jetting. This is a powerful plumbing device that uses motors to place water under extreme pressure. The water is then shot out through a nozzle at the end of a hose that’s inserted into the drainpipes. This forceful water stream obliterates tough clogs and thoroughly cleans the pipes so they won’t re-clog.
Keeping your drains and sewage systems clean is essential for a functioning, healthy home. Clogged drains can cause wastewater to back up into your home, causing damage and unpleasant odors. They can also contaminate groundwater and nearby bodies of water. Regular drain cleaning can prevent these problems, saving you money and promoting a safer environment.
