Introduction
The holiday season brings joy, gatherings, and, unfortunately, the aftermath of clogged drains. From kitchen sinks filled with cooking oils and food scraps to bathroom drains clogged with hair and soap scum, the need for effective drain cleaning becomes evident.
This guide explores how to address these plumbing woes with proven methods like drain snaking/cleaning with professional plumbing service, ensuring your home’s plumbing system remains in top condition!
Signs of a Drain That Needs Cleaning
Quite often, a clogged drain is easy to spot—you’ll usually notice the symptoms immediately. However, a drain can sometimes experience build-up or have an unnoticeable clog.
In these instances, you should be on the lookout for:
- Water pooling around the drain
- Slow drains
- Foul smells from your faucets or other plumbing fixtures
DIY Drain Cleaning Solutions
It is highly recommended to allow professionals like Cardinal Home Services for plumbing services; there are, however, a few DIY methods you can try:
- Hot Water Flush – Boiling water can help dissolve organic matter in your drains. This method is particularly effective for kitchen sinks clogged with grease and oil.
- Baking Soda and Vinegar – A natural and eco-friendly cleaning solution, mixing baking soda and vinegar can create a fizzing action that helps dislodge clogs. Pour half a cup of baking soda followed by half a cup of vinegar down the drain, wait an hour, then flush with hot water.
- Plunger – A plunger can be used to dislodge clogs in both sinks and toilets. Ensure a good seal over the drain and pump vigorously to create suction.
Drain Snaking
Drain snaking is a more effective method for more challenging clogs that can’t be resolved with simple home remedies. A drain snake, also known as a plumber’s snake, is a flexible drill that can navigate through the twists and turns of pipes to break apart or retrieve obstructions.
While manual drain snakes are available for home use, professional-grade snakes operated by experienced plumbers can handle more stubborn blockages.
Multiple Ways of Unclogging a Drain
Often, all that is necessary is to run a pipe snake or a cable down the drain to break up clogs. However, sometimes, using a cable just doesn’t get the job done. For those situations, running a hydro-jet down the drain is necessary. A hydro-jet sends highly pressurized water through the pipes to clean them and clear the drain.
Still, sometimes, even hydrojetting doesn’t work. At these times, our expert plumbers will inspect for tree roots that could be causing a problem or pipes that need to be repaired.
Why Cardinal Home Services?
Sometimes, DIY methods and drain snaking may not suffice, especially for severe or recurrent clogs that indicate underlying issues in your plumbing system. This is where professional plumbing services come into play.
At Cardinal Home Services, we also offer preventative maintenance, which can save you from the hassle of future clogs. Regular inspections and cleaning can ensure your plumbing system operates smoothly, preventing minor issues from escalating into costly repairs.
If you have a drain starting to back up, contact our team immediately before it becomes an even bigger problem.