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Drain cleaning services are not on the to-do list for many homeowners, business owners and property managers.
After all, plumbing often is not something we think about unless there is a problem. Clogs, leaks, noises and changes in water pressure are tell-tale signs indicating it’s time to call a plumber.
Pro-Tec Plumbing & Air services residential and commercial customers across Southwest Florida. Drain cleaning is not just an essential service; it’s an essential emergency service. For our technicians, the first step of any service call is diagnosing the problem. There are three areas of a plumbing system most prone to clogs:
- Main drain: This is a large-diameter pipe that transports all wastewater from a home or business to the city’s sewer system.
- Branch drain: This pipe connects sinks, bathtubs and appliances to the main drain.
- Appliance or fixture: Toilets, sinks, dishwashers, washing machines, bathtubs and showers have built-in pipes that connect to branch drains.
Pro-Tec service technicians use their technical expertise and experience, in combination with state-of-the-art technology, to pinpoint the precise location of a clog, as well as the material clogging a pipe. Baby wipes, loose hair, grease, chunks of food and other debris often are the culprit.
Once technicians identify the location and source of a clog, they often use one of three drain cleaning services.
Hydrojetting
Hydro-jet cleaning, or hydrojetting, is one of the most powerful, and effective, drain cleaning services. A hydro-jet system uses a hose connected to a powerful nozzle that pushes out large amounts of water at a very high pressure, up to 35,000 pounds per square inch (psi). In many cases, 2,000 to 4,000 psi is powerful enough.
Pro-Tec service technicians will place the hose and nozzle into a clogged or restricted drain, then blast the blockage through the pipe into the main sewer line. Restaurants find this drain cleaning service extremely effective at clearing build-up of kitchen grease, food particles, mineral deposits and other residue.
Hydro-jetting requires little to no ongoing maintenance after the initial blockage is removed.
Consumer tip: Pro-Tec discourages residents from pouring oils or fats down the drain. Even after hydro-jetting completely clears clogs, particles will eventually build and create a similar blockage.
READ MORE: DIY No-No’s: When is it time to call a plumber?
Manual Drain Snake
Manual drain snakes are long, semi-rigid wires or cables that plumbers forcibly push through plumbing lines to clear clogs. Experienced plumbers push drain snakes just past the point of blockage, then remove the clog from the plumbing system. The snake also can help break apart any blockage clinging to the interior of a pipe or drain.
In homes, loose hair, soap scum and even small chunks of bar soap often cause bathroom clogs. Food waste is often the culprit in kitchens.
Consumer tip: Many hardware stores sell inexpensive manual drain snakes for DIYers. However, professional plumbers undergo special training to ensure that they aren’t just poking a hole in the clog, but removing all debris from a problem area.
READ MORE: Plumbing Repairs vs. Replacements: Which is right for my home?
Motorized Drain Snake
A motorized drain snake is the high-tech version of the manual drain snake. The principles are the same, but electricity supplies the power. Additionally, spinning brushes similar to an automatic car wash can grind and remove particles clogging pipes.
Motorized drain snakes are especially helpful for removing debris that has hardened over time.
Consumer tip: Ensure that your service technician has plenty of space to maneuver and position equipment. Remove wastebaskets, magazines and other items that might be in a technician’s way.
READ MORE: The true cost of leaky faucets and running toilets
Drain Cleaning Services
Pro-Tec advises customers not to use chemical drain cleaners to clear blockages, despite advertisements touting their effectiveness. Harsh chemicals sold as drain cleaners can damage your plumbing system.
Need a professional plumbing company to clear a clog? Contact Pro-Tec Plumbing & Air for a personalized quote.
(239) 688-4072