When a home drain is slow to drain, it usually signals that there are buildups on the inside of pipes. Routine Drain Cleaning Tampa removes these buildups and keeps pipes healthy so that they can last longer. Manufacturers make chemical drain cleaners from sulphuric acid that flows into large tanks. Hoses and other equipment bring this solution into containers for distribution to homes.
If your drains constantly clog, it may be time to invest in smart plumbing solutions. These alternatives to liquid drain cleaners and snaking will not only remove the existing clogs, but prevent future ones from developing, too. One option is hydro jetting, which involves utilizing high-pressure water jets to break up and wash away debris and clogs in the pipes. This method is more effective than other drain cleaning methods and does not use any harmful chemicals, making it environmentally friendly as well.
Hydro jetting is also more versatile than many people realize. While it is most often used in commercial properties, it can also be useful for residential homes. It can help clear out small clogs and clean the entire drainage system, which can be especially helpful if you have an old house with outdated or damaged pipes.
The first thing your plumber will do before using this process is locate the plumbing system’s cleanout, which gives them easy access to the piping throughout your home. This will allow them to determine the severity of your clog, as well as check the condition of the pipes for any damage. They will then use the video inspection to blast away any blockages and debris in your pipes, which will be cleaned thoroughly as a result.
Most clogs develop because of a residual layer of soap scum and grease left behind inside the pipe. This sticky material grabs onto food particles and hair that rinse down the drain, which creates a clog. Hydro jetting, unlike other common drain cleaning measures, can completely remove this layer of scum, which will make it less likely for your pipes to get clogged in the future.
It is important to note that hydro jetting is not recommended for older or fragile pipes. The high-pressure water can damage them, which is why it is important to have a licensed plumber conduct a thorough inspection before using this drain cleaning method. If you have older pipes, it may be a better idea to replace them rather than risk damaging them with hydro jetting.
Chemical cleaners
Often, when people think of drain cleaners they envision liquid chemical concoctions that are designed to dissolve or disperse a clog. While chemical drain cleaners may be able to remove some clogs, they can also damage your pipes and aren’t good for the environment.
There are several different kinds of chemical cleaners on the market, each of which works slightly differently. Acidic cleaners, for example, work by creating a chemical reaction with the clog material that generates heat and melts grease. They’re typically sold in hardware stores, although they’re sometimes only available to plumbers (and even then). These cleaners contain high concentrations of sulfuric or hydrochloric acid, which increases the number of hydronium ions in solution and attracts electrons from the clog material. The resulting reaction creates enough heat to dissolve most types of organic materials, including hair, soap scum and food particles.
Because they’re so powerful, acidic drain cleaners are only suitable for the most severe clogs. They can damage your pipes and are harmful to your health if they come into contact with your skin or eyes. And, since they create a lot of heat, they can cause warping or melting of PVC pipes, as well as leaks in copper pipes.
Caustic drain cleaners are a bit less harsh than acidic cleaners, and they’re usually made of substances like lye and caustic potash. They’re bases, so they give off electrons to the clog material and release hydroxide ions in return, which clears the clog by breaking down the material. These chemicals are also heavier than water, so they move through standing water to reach the clog.
Another type of chemical drain cleaners is oxidizing, and they’re generally composed of household bleaches, peroxides and nitrates. These chemicals aren’t as strong as acidic cleaners, but they still break down clogs by generating a reaction with the organic material that causes them. They’re also heavy-duty cleaners that can move through standing water and reach clogs in toilets, showers and bathtubs.
Baking soda and vinegar
There are many do-it-yourself hacks on the internet that promise to clean clogged drains. While these hacks can help loosen some blockages, they are not strong enough to dissolve tough materials such as hair, grease, and dirt. Baking soda and vinegar are both natural cleaning agents that can be used to deodorize, sanitize, and dissolve grime. They can also be used to clean surfaces like countertops, showers, and sinks.
When baking soda and vinegar are mixed together, the chemical reaction creates carbon dioxide gas that bubbles down the drain and breaks up any gunk that is stuck on the sides of pipes or inside of the drain itself. The mixture can even remove smells from the drain. The process is easy and affordable, and it is safe for most types of plumbing.
This combination is especially effective when it comes to greasy or sticky clogs. It can dissolve oil and soap scum that accumulates on the surface of the drain, as well as food residue and other particles. The vinegar and baking soda solution also works as a great alternative to commercial chemical cleaners that contain harmful ingredients such as sodium hydroxide.
To use this method, pour one cup of baking soda down the drain followed by one cup of white vinegar. Allow the mixture to fizz for a few minutes and then rinse it with hot water. Repeat the process as needed until the drain is fully clear.
When using this method, be sure to use distilled white vinegar rather than regular vinegar. The higher acidity of distilled white vinegar makes it more effective at breaking up and removing grease. Also, be sure to use a large pot of scalding hot water to flush out the drain. Boiling water helps prevent the buildup of rust and scale, and it can also help repair any cracks or leaks in the pipes.
If this method doesn’t work on your clogged drain, try using a different mixture of baking soda and vinegar or a more powerful chemical cleaner. If you still can’t unclog your drain, it’s best to contact a professional.
Snakes
A drain snake is a long, flexible rod that can be pushed into the line to break up and remove clogs. It can also eliminate bad odors from the pipes. This is an inexpensive tool that can be used at home, but it can be dangerous if you’re not careful. It is recommended that you use a pair of gloves and safety glasses when using a drain snake.
Before you begin snaking, you should make sure that your P-trap is clean and that the garbage disposal is not running. Once you have completed these steps, you should be ready to start. It is best to take a flashlight with you as you work, as this will allow you to see better and avoid any issues that may arise.
To use the snake, you’ll need to detach the P-trap and trap arm in order to access the clogged drain. You should also put on a pair of rubber gloves to protect yourself from any possible debris that might fall into your hands while you’re working.
Once the drain snake is inserted, it can be cranked to break up the clog and remove it from the pipe. You can then reconnect the p-trap and trap arm. If plunging or chemical cleaners don’t clear the clog, you can try a drain auger, which is a coiled metal cable that is hand-cranked to push through the blockage. The end of the cable has a corkscrew-like end that dislodges hair and other objects as it moves through the pipe.
You can buy a drain snake at most hardware stores. There are different sizes available, depending on the size of your plumbing. A flat tape snake is a cheap, easy-to-use option that works well for light clogs. A power snake is electric and uses a motor to rotate the snake, making it more effective for removing tree roots and other hard clogs. A drain snake can be very messy, so it’s a good idea to have a plastic bucket or trash bag nearby for the debris that it will pull up as you snake the line.