Avoid Costly Clogs With Drain Clearing For Your Highlands Ranch, CO Home
Plumbing isn’t just about getting water into your house so you can use it; it’s about getting it out of your house as well. Your drain lines are vital for carrying dirty or waste-filled water out of your home where it can be processed and treated. When clogs happen - which they almost inevitably will - they can be responsible for anything from the minor inconvenience of a slow drain to the major catastrophe of a sewage backup. That’s why when you suspect a clog, you need the drain clearing experts from Southside Plumbing at your home as soon as possible.
Drain Cleaning FAQs
Yes, it's generally safe to use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to clean the drains. This combination creates a foaming reaction that can help break down debris and minor blockages. However, it's not a solution for severe clogs. Avoid using this mixture if you've recently used a commercial drain cleaner containing chemicals, as the combination may produce harmful fumes. For persistent clogs or plumbing issues, it's advisable to consult a professional plumber.
Unblocking an underground drain pipe can be challenging and often requires professional assistance. Attempting DIY solutions may worsen the problem. Professionals typically use specialized tools like drain snakes or hydro-jetting equipment to clear blockages. In some cases, a video inspection is performed to identify the exact location and nature of the blockage. Preventive measures include avoiding excessive grease or debris disposal. If you suspect a blockage, it's advisable to consult with a licensed plumber for an accurate assessment and effective resolution.
Preventing drain blockages entails proactive steps:
- Dispose of Waste Properly: Avoid discarding grease, oil, and non-flushable items down drains.
- Regular Maintenance: Flush drains with hot water and vinegar routinely to deter buildup.
- Minimize Chemical Cleaners: Harsh chemicals can corrode pipes and harm the environment.
- Utilize Drain Screens: Install screens to trap hair, food remnants, and debris.
- Tree Root Monitoring: Periodically inspect for tree root intrusion into underground pipes.
- Professional Oversight: Arrange for plumbers to conduct regular inspections and cleanings to mitigate potential issues before they worsen.
The cost to unclog a drain can vary significantly depending on the severity of the clog and whether you hire a professional plumber or attempt to do it yourself. For minor clogs, using a plunger or basic drain cleaning products can cost $5-$20. If you need to rent or purchase a drain auger/snake, expect to pay $30-$100. Hiring a plumber typically costs $100-$300 for minor drain cleaning, but major blockages like sewer line clogs can cost $300-$1000 or more if extensive repairs are needed. Preventing clogs through regular maintenance is usually more cost-effective than dealing with major backups.
Drains can become clogged due to the buildup of various materials over time. Common culprits include hair, soap scum, grease, food particles, and foreign objects like cotton swabs or small toys. In kitchens, fats and oils can solidify and create blockages. In bathrooms, hair and soap residue are frequent causes. Additionally, tree roots can infiltrate outdoor sewer lines, leading to severe clogs. Regular maintenance and mindful disposal of waste can help prevent these common causes of drain clogs.
Chemical drain cleaners are not always safe to use. While they can be effective for minor clogs, they contain harsh chemicals that can damage pipes, especially older or plastic ones, and harm septic systems. These chemicals can also pose health risks if inhaled or come into contact with skin. Additionally, they are harmful to the environment. It is often safer to use mechanical methods like plungers or drain snakes, or to call a professional plumber for persistent or severe clogs.
What Are The Benefits Of Professional Drain Clearing?
It’s easy to overlook the many drains in your home when you think about regular maintenance, but there are many advantages to having them cleaned regularly. Here are a few:
- Improving Water Flow - The most obvious benefit of drain clearing is that you won’t have to deal with a slow drain. It’s no fun when you’re taking a shower realizing you’re standing in a steadily growing puddle! Drain clearing will get rid of those clogs and let your water flow freely.
- Quiet Pipes - When there are obstructions to your water’s path out of your home, it can cause gurgling noises in your pipes. Nobody wants to wonder what is going on every time there’s a toilet flush.
- Reduce Foul Odors - If waste is building up within your piping, its olfactory offensiveness will seep into your home’s air. In other words, it’ll stink. A clean drain will let it go where it needs to go - away.
- Protect Your Pipes - A clog can cause a buildup of pressure on your pipes, which can in turn lead to failure, which can in turn lead to - well, best not to think about that. With clean drains, you won’t have to.
- Better Health - Standing water is a breeding ground for mold, mildew, bacteria and even some insects. Don’t give them a place where they can move in.
One Day Of Drain Cleaning, 364 Days Of Smooth Sailing
Your plumbing may not be an active appliance in your home like your stove or your air conditioner, but that doesn’t mean you can skimp on its maintenance. With regular drain clearing you can avoid costly plumbing repairs, help your family live healthier - and did we mention the stink? The experts at Southside Plumbing can clear away the clogs and your worries. Message us online or call (303) 346-8426 today!