Keeping drains clean is an important part of your property maintenance. Slow or clogged drains provide the perfect habitat for bacteria, fungi, and mold, which can create unpleasant odors and even cause serious health problems.
One effective drain-cleaning solution is hydro-jetting, which uses high-pressure water to clean the entire pipe system thoroughly. This technique can also eliminate grease and other kinds of build-up. Contact Drain Cleaning Perth now!
Drain clogging is among the most common problems many homeowners and professional plumbers face. Fortunately, an array of equipment options helps locate and eliminate the blockages. To help, Spartan Tool is here to walk you through the basics of some of these tools and their uses.
The basic drain cleaning tools include plungers, drain snakes, and drills. These tools can break up and dislodge minor clogs like paper, hair, or soap scum in sinks, toilets, and tubs. Drain snakes and augers are long, flexible cables with a coiled or pointed end that plumbers insert into the drain opening to break up and retrieve clogs. They can be hand-powered or motorized.
Another simple but powerful drain cleaning tool is a high-powered water jet. Water jets are great for clearing sand, mud, grease, and other soft stoppages from a variety of pipe sizes and types. They also work well on ice and other hard stoppages in drain lines.
A video inspection system is a valuable tool that allows technicians to see what’s happening down in a drain line or sewer pipe. They can then determine what kind of blockage is occurring and take appropriate steps to correct it.
It’s also useful to have some standard tools on hand, such as wrenches and screwdrivers, to help loosen or remove pipes if necessary. These tools will allow technicians to gain access to the actual clog and make sure that it is completely removed.
Some clogs can be very stubborn, even after using the proper tools and drain cleaner. When this happens, a final flush is often the best solution. The water flushes any remaining dissolved deposits and residues from the pipes, and it can also wash away any remaining particles from the drain cleaning process.
To avoid any re-clogging, it’s recommended that you use a specialized, safe, and effective drain cleaning chemical. These chemicals are specially designed to dissolve and break down different kinds of clogs in both plumbing and sewer lines. They can be purchased at many hardware and home improvement stores. They are typically sold in liquid, powder, or gel form.
Chemical drain cleaners
Chemical drain cleaners are available in liquid, gel or powder form and use a chemical reaction to break down the clog. They are readily available at retail stores and work well on light blockages of hair, soap scum and grease. The chemicals in these cleaners are poisonous and can cause severe damage to your pipes if used regularly or in high concentrations. They also can corrode metal pipes over time. If you choose to use these products, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. You should also take safety precautions to protect your skin, eyes and mouth from the toxins.
There are several types of chemical drain cleaners, each formulated for different kinds of clogs. Oxidizing cleaners, for example, contain peroxides or nitrates that generate oxygen to break down organic material in the pipes. Caustic drain cleaners contain sodium hydroxide (lye) to dissolve grease and other substances that build up in the drain. These cleaners usually work best on soft clogs.
All chemical drain cleaners release fumes that can irritate your skin, eyes and throat. If you spill them on yourself, they can burn your skin and, if inhaled over long periods of time, can damage your lungs. If they are inhaled by children or pets, the results can be much more serious. Chemical drain cleaners also are dangerous to the environment, since they seep into groundwater and can poison aquatic life.
It’s best to avoid using chemical drain cleaners if possible, especially if you have old or galvanized pipes. They can corrode and leak, leading to costly repairs. If you do need to use them, always follow the manufacturer’s directions and never combine two or more chemical cleaners. If you have a particularly stubborn clog, try to dislodge it with a plunger before resorting to chemical cleaners. If you can’t fix the clog yourself, call a professional plumber for help. They will use advanced leak detection tools and inspection cameras to find the source of the clog and come up with a customized solution for you. These tools can often be more effective than chemical cleaners.
Baking soda and vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar are household cleaning staples that can help to clear minor drain clogs. These inexpensive ingredients are a safe and natural alternative to commercial drain cleaners and can be used in many different ways throughout the home. They are also an excellent way to prevent clogs and keep your drains clean.
First, pour a cup of hot water down the drain to loosen any debris that is stuck. Next, sprinkle one cup of baking soda into the drain and slowly pour in half a cup of white vinegar. This will create a chemical reaction that can break down and dislodge most types of clogs. Cover the drain with a plug or cloth to prevent the mixture from backing up, and let it work for about 15-30 minutes. After the mixture has had time to work, flush the drain with another cup of boiling water. This will help to remove any remaining clogs and will also flush out any residues.
While this method is not guaranteed to clear every type of clog, it is often effective at breaking down hair, grease, and mineral deposits in the drain. The best part is that it requires no special equipment and only a few simple steps. In addition, it is inexpensive and environmentally friendly. The only downside is that it may not be as effective for a serious clog and it could cause damage to the pipes in your home.
Using vinegar and baking soda to clean your drains is easy and effective, but it’s important to use the correct ratio of baking soda and vinegar. A large amount of baking soda can irritate your pipes and cause more clogs. On the other hand, too much vinegar can corrode metal pipes and lead to leaks.
For best results, pour a cup of hot water down your drain to warm it up and then add the baking soda. The mixture will fizz, which is normal, and it will help to break down greasy build-up and food scraps that accumulate in your sink drains. Once the mixture has had a chance to work, add the cup of vinegar and rinse the drain with a second cup of hot water. This is a great way to clean your drains without using any toxic chemicals, and it can be repeated as needed.
Plumber’s snake
A plumber’s snake, also known as a drain auger, is an effective tool for clearing tough clogs. It consists of a flexible cable with a corkscrew-type bit at one end and a crank handle. The auger can penetrate through most types of blockages, including food scraps and solidified grease. It can also hook and break up hair and soap scum. A plumber’s snake is available at most home improvement stores and can be used with a variety of sink types.
Before using a plumber’s snake, it is important to understand how the tool works. To avoid damaging the pipe, it is necessary to use only a small amount of force. Moreover, it is essential to know the type of pipes in your house so that you can use the correct size snake. Older, fragile pipes require a softer approach, while newer, more durable pipes can withstand more force.
When snaking a drain, it is recommended to wear rubber work gloves. This will prevent the latex from getting caught on the cable and tearing. It is also a good idea to clear the surrounding area before beginning the process. Additionally, you should be aware of the location of any shutoff valves in the area so that you can turn them off before using the snake.
To begin snaking, insert the snake’s head into the drain opening or the access point on the wall. Next, slowly feed the cable into the drain by turning the crank handle. Once the head of the snake reaches the clog, rotate it and apply pressure against it. Doing so can help break up or entangle the clog, which will allow the snake to remove it from the pipe.
It is important to note that the snaking process can be frustrating and time-consuming. If you are unable to dislodge the clog, it may be a good idea to call a professional plumber. This will save you both time and money in the long run. Furthermore, it is important to clean the snake after each use to prevent the spread of bacteria and debris in your home.
