Drain Services FAQ
Have questions about our drain service? Unsure of what your drain does or why it’s not working? Take a look at the commonly asked questions below and get the answers you need!
What Causes Drain Problems?
Drain clogs develop from years of build-up. Hair, fats, oils, soap residue, and minerals will form blockages in your drains that are difficult to clean effectively with home tools. Pipe damage will also lead to clogs—outdoor pipes, for example, are often blocked from root growth or crushing, leading to increased pressure.
What Are the Symptoms of Drain Problems?
If you notice that your sinks or tubs take longer to empty than usual, or you get frequent toilet clogs, you may have an issue with your drain. Keep an ear out for any gurgling or bubbling noises when your fixtures are draining. Drain problems that are located near your fixtures may also cause rotting odors.
Where Is My Drain Problem Located?
You can figure out where your clog is generally located based on where your backup problems are. For example, if your bathtub has a waste backup when you turn on the sink or flush the toilet, you know that the clog is in your general bathroom drain. If your clog is limited to a single fixture, you know the clog is fairly close to the opening. If all your fixtures have a problem, you might have a clog in your main sewer line.
How Do You Fix a Drain Problem?
Drain problems can be fixed in a few different ways. The main idea is to break up the clog so waste can pass freely. Using an auger or drain snake is the traditional response, but water jetting is far more thorough while being safe for your pipes. If the problem is a crushed pipe, then replacing that section of piping is the most long-lasting solution.
Should I Use a Chemical Drainer First?
We recommend avoiding chemical drain cleaners. For one thing, they are not effective if the problem is a pipe issue. Drain cleaners can also cause damage to your piping. Most drain cleaners contain toxic chemicals that include hydrochloric acid—an extremely powerful acid that can strip away the enamel from your fixtures and the copper from your pipes. If you have a lot of buildup, this acid will sit in your pipes and potentially create future problems.
What Is the Best Way to Clean a Drain?
In our experience, the most thorough way to clean any drain is water jetting. Using a pressure hose, water jetting destroys years’ worth of buildup and completely cleans the inside of your pipes. Because the process only uses water, your pipes sustain no damage—all that’s left is a pipe that looks and functions like a brand-new drain line.
How Do I Keep a Drain from Clogging?
Avoid putting butter, hot fat, or highly viscous oil down the drain. These fats will eventually cool and solidify inside your pipes. Also avoid putting rice or starchy vegetables down your drain. These do not break down well, and rice actually expands when it sits in moisture. Also, schedule a drain cleaning once a year!
Having issues with your drain line? Call (614) 721-8200 so 614-Plumber can take care of it for you! Our plumbers provide simple, honest, and stress-free drain cleaning.