Best Drain Cleaning Solutions

The Pain of a Clogged Drain

If you’ve ever had a clogged drain, you know the pain and inconvenience. And as a homeowner, you need solutions, not just “quick fixes” that will create long term issues. With that said, the best drain cleaning methods get rid of the clog without damaging the pipe itself. No matter how much you may read online that Dran – O and other solutions are safe, plumbers will tell you otherwise. While these products may in fact clear the blockage, the harsh chemicals eat away at the pipes and can stick around. Which is why we want to talk about safe and effective ways to clean your drains. We also have great tips on how to prevent clogs and treat them yourself in our blog here.

 

Drain Cleaning Options

Plumbing Snake 

A plumbing snake (aka auger) is a cable tool that goes down into the drain to clear serious clogs. As the cable is reeled into the drain, and rotated, the tip of the cable spins and dislodges the materials stuck in the pipe. This is commonly used for unclogging toilets, kitchen and bathroom drains etc. They are available for rent but we recommend reaching out to a plumber if you aren’t sure how to use it or don’t want to deal with the mess. If you’re interested in learning how to do it yourself, you can refer to our our blog “How to Snake a Drain or Toilet“. 

Hydro Jetter 

Hydro jetting is another drain cleaning tool, which uses high water pressure to clear the inside of the pipe. Unlike pushing through the clog, the hydro jetter clears out the residue (fats, oils, grease, and other materials) lining the interior walls of the pipe. The hydro jetter has a hose equipped with a nozzle that has three jets which release water. The high water pressure allows the jetter to break down the materials as it travels up and down.  This is an effective solution to maintaining the health and longevity of your pipes and prevent pipe deterioration. The hydro jetter can be used to treat kitchen, laundry, and sewer drain lines. 

Snaking vs Hydrojetting

The main difference between snaking and hydro jetting is that hydro jetting actually cleans the pipe while snaking only clears the clog. With time and multiple homeowners, pipes accumulate build up on their interior walls. It’s much easier for a clogged drain to happen if the diameter of the pipe is small. With that said, hydro jetting will return the pipe to its original diameter or very close to it. It’s not uncommon for both methods to be used in conjunction if a drain is severely clogged and the pipe isn’t too old/broken to benefit from a deep clean. To illustrate:

 

Drain Cleaning in Bend, OR 

Simpson Plumbing is your trusted plumber. We’re here to help you with your plumbing inconveniences and empower you to take care of your home. If you have a clogged kitchen sink, shower, toilet, or whatever it may be, we are here for you! Contact us today to schedule your service.