Types and methods of drain cleaning
There are several different ways to go about cleaning out a clogged drain.
• Cable drain cleaners, This is our most commonly used type of drain cleaning. We have a couple of different machines for clogs. Our main machine for 1-1/2 inch to 4 inch pipes and can clear things such as roots, wipes, grease and most things you’ll see in home and commercial. We also have a large cable machine which can do 3 inch to 6 inch drains. Cable machines are great for almost all types of clogs.
• Sectional drain cleaners, Sectional drain cleaning are similar to cable machines but instead of having a drum of cable, they have short sections of cables that lock into each other. These machines are great for stubborn root clogs. They have larger cables and are suitable for snaking outside.
• Jetting, Sometimes grease clogs can be exceptionally stubborn. Jetting is a great option for commercial kitchens and extremely bad grease clogs. Jetting shoots pressurized water through the pipe to cut through the grease.
• Video drain inspection, when you have a clogged sewer line it may be worth having a video inspection done on the pipe to inspect the condition of the joints and pipe. Also you’re able to see where roots may have been entering the pipe or broken sections where clogs can occur.
• Chemical drain cleaning, Generally you should try to avoid using any chemical drain cleaners as they can be hazardous and harm your pipes.
6 Common things that cause clogged drains
Over the years we have seen many things that have clogged drains. Luckily for our customers we have the proper equipment to clear even the most stubborn clogs. Tree roots, pipes that have settled, grease, broken pipes, pipes with improper pitch and incorrectly installed piping are 6 common reasons for clogged drains. Luckily Wolyn Services specializes in all sorts of clogged drains. We utilize the best equipment available to solve your issues.
Tree roots causing clogged drains
Often times on older sewers roots will infiltrate the joints on the pipes. Unfortunately tree roots seek water and end up clogging sewer pipes. Sometimes root growth is minimal and can just be snaked with our machine to remove tree roots. Sometimes roots will get into your pipes so often or badly that the pipe needs to be replaced. Roots can cause pipes to shift and break underground. Additionally when a pipe settles or breaks it can get filled with dirt or stone etc. Unfortunately in these cases most times the best option is replacement. Sometimes you can dig up and repair sections that have settled.
Grease clogs in drains that can cause headaches.
Kitchens are capable of making a lot of grease. Unfortunately your kitchen sink at home can slowly build up grease from washing dishes and also from dumping grease down the drain. Over time grease can just build up inside your pipes and lead to a nasty clog. Commercial kitchens should have grease traps to help prevent this. While it is possible to limit grease in the drain with a grease trap, I do not typically see them in residential applications. The best thing to prevent grease clogs is to limit the amount of grease dump down the drain. Another excellent tip is to use a dish soap after heavy use of the kitchen sink and just let it go down the drain with a large volume of water. This helps break up grease.
Can a broken pipe cause clogged drain?
First thing we check for after cleaning clogged drains is for broken pipes In basements or outside underground. These can be the reasons for your clog. Also many times I find slow drains that are caused by pipes with improper pitch. Drains in your home should generally have a 1/4 inch per foot of pitch downhill for proper drainage. Sometimes over time especially underground it is possible for pipes to sag or settle and no longer have the proper pitch. This can happen when the pipes are not properly supported. Sometimes a clogged Drain is back pitched which means the water is trying to drain up hill. This is bad because the dirty water is sitting in the back pitched section of the piping all the time. Which allows for clogs to happen more frequently.
Finally incorrectly installed piping can cause many headaches. A lot of unlicensed individuals whom try to perform plumbing may install fittings the wring way which can lead to clogs. There are many different types of plumbing fittings that cam effect drainage if installed the wrong way.
Fixing a clogged drain
Wolyn Services LLC fixes clogged drains and has the proper knowledge and equipment to make drain cleaning easy. Whether you have a slow kitchen sink, shower or a main sewer backup. George is a local expert at clearing clogged drains that other plumbers struggled with. Wolyn Services also handles many other jobs that you may need a plumber for.