Clearing Blocked Drains: The Easy Way Isn't Always the Best Way

Here’s How to Properly Clear a Blocked Drain: and How Not To

Maintaining indoor plumbing is sometimes a lot easier said than done. Professionals want to make it even easier for homeowners. Contrary to advertisements, liquid drain cleaners might seem like the cheaper, more convenient option to maintaining a clean plumbing system, but they end up causing more damage in the process. There are two ways to clean blocked drains that professionals recommend. Both of these options are safe for the plumbing system and effective at cleaning away blockages. 

Below is all the information homeowners need to make the right decision about how to properly clean their blocked drains. 

Professional Approved: Snaking

Snaking is a drain cleaning method used a lot in modern plumbing and has been used successfully for years. Plumbers will use a toilet snake to clear out drains and toilets of clogs. It is a tool that can reach approximately 25 feet into the plumbing system and spins in a circle as the plumber retracts it back. This motion catches the clogs and pulls them out of the plumbing system. 

To begin with, toilet snaking is effective when the plumbing system is relatively clean and just has a stubborn clog or two that needs to be removed. When the plumbing system hasn’t been professionally cleaned in a while or the clogs are deep within the system, snaking may not be the best method. The system will need a more powerful cleaning method to get the job done. 

Professional Approved: Hydro-Jetting

Hydro-jetting is the other professional-approved method and is the best overall method for cleaning out an entire plumbing system. It works by forcing water through the system at high velocity. The pressure from the water forces out any clogs and other debris that could potentially cause clogs in the future. 

Professionals recommend that homeowners have their plumbing system cleaned via hydro-jetting at least once a year. Doing so will keep the system working efficiently for years to come and significantly reduce plumbing emergencies, leaking appliances, and burst pipes. 

Often, homeowners will use this method in tandem with toilet snaking to ensure that the job is done efficiently. 

Professional Warning: Liquid Drain Cleaners

Liquid drain cleaners might be the easiest and cheapest option for homeowners because they don’t require professional help. In the grand scheme of things, though, liquid drain cleaners are the method professionals warn homeowners about the most. 

Commercials and advertisements won’t tell homeowners this, but liquid drain cleaners actually cause more harm to the plumbing system than good. 

Here are a few reasons why homeowners should never use liquid drain cleaners: 

• They increase wear and tear on the piping system 
• They cause premature leaks because the chemicals eat through the pipes
• The homeowner ends up spending more money on repairs than they would if they had hydro jetting or toilet snaking performed

Many homeowners have to resort to whole-home repiping if they use liquid drain cleaners for an extended period of time. The chemicals in the cleaners tend to overheat and eat through the piping system so much that it can be impossible to catch all the leaks without a whole-home repiping service. At the end of the day, liquid drain cleaners simply aren’t worth the risk. 

Zing Plumbing Knows How To Keep Plumbing Efficient

When it comes to the plumbing system, there is no one like Zing Plumbing in Tucson, AZ. they work hard to keep their customers safe and satisfied all year round. That is why they provide expert advice whenever possible! Now is the time to call and schedule that next plumbing appointment!

• 
  +
• 
  +
• 
  +