Drain Cleaning Service for House Drains, Perimeter Drains & Sewer Lines
Home maintenance is full of surprises, and one of the most common challenges is dealing with a clogged drain. The typical cost to unclog a drain starts at
Whether you're facing a stubborn clog in the kitchen sink or a bathtub that seems to take forever to drain, professional
drain cleaning services offer the expertise to keep everything flowing smoothly. Let's explore the different types of drain issues you might encounter and how a professional tackles them.
House Drains: Something to Keep an Eye On
Household drains are crucial components of your plumbing system, handling the wastewater from your tub, sink, and other fixtures. Over time, these drains can develop clogs due to soap scum, grease, and other gunk. A clogged drain might start as a minor annoyance but can escalate to a major headache if not addressed right away.
Professional plumbers bring a wealth of knowledge to unclogging drains in your home. They often start with an inspection to identify the type of clog. For common drain problems, they might use a snake or drain auger to remove the blockage mechanically. If the clog is particularly stubborn, high-pressure water, can be employed to clean the walls of the pipe, clearing away buildup and restoring full flow.
Sometimes the issue isn't just a matter of clearing a clog; it could be tree roots infiltrating the sewer line. In such cases, a rooter machine (rotating blades) may be used to cut through and remove the roots. Regular maintenance from a local drain cleaning service company can prevent problems and keep your plumbing system in tip-top shape.
Protecting the Foundation: Drain Tiles and Weeping Tiles
Drain tiles and weeping tiles are your home's defense against foundation damage from water pressure. These systems, often hidden beneath your lawn, direct groundwater away from your home, minimizing water accumulation and potential structural damage. Unfortunately, clogs in these systems are not uncommon, often caused by soil or mineral deposits.
To address clogs in a drain tile system, the plumber may begin with a camera inspection to locate any blockages within the drain line. This technology allows him to assess the situation accurately without unnecessary digging. Once identified, the clog can be cleared with a hydro jetting set-up, where high-pressure water scours the pipe free of debris.
Regular drain cleaning service for your weeping tiles ensures that the risk of damage from water buildup is minimized.
The Outlying Guardians: Perimeter Drains
Perimeter drains function as another layer of protection, moving water away from your home's foundation. These drains can fall prey to blockages from leaves, mud, and other environmental debris, compromising their efficiency.
Professional drain cleaning services tackle perimeter drain clogs through initial video camera inspection. This detailed view helps the technicians identify exactly where the issue lies and can tackle them precisely.
In cases where tree roots are a problem, specialized drain cleaning techniques might be used to remove these obstructions without damaging the pipe itself. Regular inspection and maintenance will ensure your perimeter drains continuously protect your home without interruption.
How to Unclog Main Sewer Line?
Unclogging a main sewer line can be a complex task, but there are a few methods homeowners can try before calling a professional. If your home has a sewer cleanout, you can remove the cap to relieve pressure and access the line. Using a drain auger or sewer snake, feed the tool into the pipe to break up the clog. If you don’t have a cleanout, you might access the line through a toilet drain or plumbing vent. In some cases, a power washer with a sewer jetting attachment can help flush out debris.
Chemical drain cleaners are generally discouraged due to potential pipe damage. If these methods don’t work or the clog is severe, it’s best to contact a licensed plumber who can use advanced tools like hydro jetting or video inspection to resolve the issue safely.
How Does Professional Drain Cleaning Work?
Professional drain cleaning involves a thorough inspection and removal of blockages using specialized tools and techniques. Plumbers often begin with a video camera inspection to locate the clog and assess pipe condition. Depending on the severity and type of blockage, they may use mechanical augers, motorized snakes, or hydro jetting equipment.
Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to clean the interior walls of pipes, removing grease, sludge, and debris. Unlike chemical cleaners, professional methods are safer for your plumbing and more effective at preventing future clogs. The process also includes checking for damage, leaks, or root intrusion. Professional cleaning not only restores proper flow but also extends the life of your plumbing system by removing buildup that DIY methods often miss.
How do Plumbers Clear Drains?
Plumbers use a variety of tools and techniques to clear drains, depending on the type and severity of the clog. For minor blockages, they may start with a manual or motorized drain snake, which breaks up debris and pulls it out. For tougher clogs, especially in main lines, hydro jetting is often used. This method involves blasting high-pressure water through the pipes to remove grease, sediment, and even tree roots. In some cases, plumbers use video inspection cameras to locate and diagnose the problem before choosing the best approach.
They may also apply enzyme treatments or root-killing chemicals if organic matter is involved. These professional methods are more effective and safer for your plumbing system than over-the-counter chemical cleaners.
The Underground Lode: Sewer Lines
Sewer lines, the mains of your plumbing system, bear the brunt of transporting wastewater to the city sewer. These lines can experience serious drain issues, including blockages from waste, corrosion, or even shifting ground.
The process begins with an inspection using a video camera. This visual assessment helps detect blockages, such as tree roots or debris, within the sewer system. Once identified, high-pressure hydro jetting or a high-power roto rooter may be utilized to clear the pipe.
Should your sewer line face stubborn clogs caused by years of buildup, professional plumbers can employ multiple solutions. Using tools like a power auger, ensures that your drains are working effectively. Regular maintenance is important, not just for functionality but also to prevent potentially hazardous wastewater backups.
Does Jetting a Sewer Line Work?
Yes, jetting a sewer line, also known as hydro jetting, is a highly effective method for clearing blockages and cleaning pipes. It involves inserting a high-pressure hose with a specialized nozzle into the sewer line. Water is blasted at pressures up to 4,000 PSI, scouring the pipe walls and flushing out grease, sludge, tree roots, and other debris. Jetting not only removes existing clogs but also helps prevent future ones by thoroughly cleaning the interior of the pipes. It’s safe for most plumbing systems when performed by professionals and doesn’t rely on harsh chemicals. Jetting is especially useful for recurring clogs or buildup in older pipes and is often used in both residential and commercial settings.
How long does it take to clean a drain?
The time it takes to clean a drain depends on the severity and location of the clog. Simple clogs in sinks or tubs can often be cleared in 15 to 30 minutes using plungers or drain snakes. More stubborn blockages, especially in main sewer lines, may take several hours and require professional equipment like hydro jetting. On average, a professional drain cleaning service takes between one and three hours. Factors such as pipe length, buildup type, and accessibility can affect the duration. If multiple drains are affected or if tree roots are involved, the process may take longer. A thorough cleaning not only resolves the immediate issue but also helps prevent future problems.
How to Tell if The Main Sewer Line is Clogged?
Signs of a clogged main sewer line include multiple drains backing up simultaneously, such as toilets, sinks, and tubs. You might notice gurgling sounds from drains, slow drainage, or water backing up in one fixture when another is used, like the shower filling with water when the toilet is flushed. Sewage odors or visible waste in floor drains are also strong indicators. If you have a sewer cleanout, water pooling or overflowing from it suggests a blockage. These symptoms point to a problem in the main line rather than isolated fixtures. Ignoring these signs can lead to serious damage and health hazards, so it’s important to address them promptly with professional help
Tools of the Trade
Regular drain cleaning and maintenance is necessary to keep your home’s drainage system running smoothly and to avoid unexpected emergencies. With professional drain cleaning experts like KCs Plumbing, Heating and Drains, you can rest easy, knowing that qualified technicians are ready to handle any drain problem, from the bathroom sink to the main sewer line. Whether it’s clearing a kitchen sink clog or conducting a comprehensive sewer cleaning, we ensure your home's drainage system remains efficient and effective.
KCs Plumbing, Heating & Drain Services
17 Fawcett Rd #115
Coquitlam, BC V3K 6V2
(604) 873-3753
kcplumb.ca/drains
