Drain Cleaning: How Do Plumbers Fix a Clog

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Fix a clog

In a modern home, a blocked drain can quickly evolve from a minor inconvenience to a significant disruption, impacting the routine and comfort of all residents. When faced with this problem, some people might be tempted to resort to chemical drain cleaners like Drano or Liquid Plumr, envisioning them as quick fixes. However, it’s essential to recognize that these harsh substances can do more harm than good, posing potential threats to your plumbing system, the environment, and even the safety of your household pets and children. In this article you will discover how plumbers fix a clog from Clog Kings experts idea.

Why Chemical Drain Cleaners Are Not Recommended

Chemical drain cleaners usually promise an easy solution to your clogged drain problems. However, the harsh reality is that they can cause more severe problems than they solve. The three main issues associated with chemical drain cleaners are:

Damage to Toilets: 

Toilets are an essential part of every home, and they are not cheap to replace. The porcelain in your toilet can become damaged if exposed to chemical drain cleaners, often leading to cracks and, eventually, a need for replacement. The chemicals can cause the porcelain to heat up and crack. Suppose your toilet survives the chemical onslaught. In that case, you might be tempted to add more chemicals to ensure the clog is thoroughly cleared. However, this could trigger dangerous chemical reactions, leading to more damage than initially anticipated.

Pipe Damage: 

Most drain cleaners contain potent oxidizing chemicals. These substances are specifically designed to eat through anything they encounter, intending to eliminate the blockage. However, the same potency that makes them effective against clogs also makes them harmful to your plumbing. PVC pipes, often used in modern plumbing, can be softened by these chemicals, leading to leaks and other damages. Even more durable metal pipes aren’t safe; the chemicals can corrode them, causing permanent damage. Furthermore, if the cleaner doesn’t completely clear the clog, the residual chemicals will sit on the clogged part of the pipe and continue eating away at it, exponentially increasing the damage.

Environmental and Health Risks: 

Beyond their potential ineffectiveness and the harm they can inflict on your plumbing, chemical drain cleaners pose a significant threat to the environment and public health. They can contaminate bodies of water such as rivers, streams, and the ocean, harming aquatic life and potentially polluting water and food supplies. In your home, they pose a danger to pets and children, who may not comprehend the danger they present.

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Alternatives to Chemical Drain Cleaners

When you’re faced with a blocked drain, it’s good to know that there are alternatives to chemical drain cleaners that are safer for both your plumbing and the environment. Here are some options:

Zip-It: 

This straightforward tool is perfect for drains blocked by tangled hair, which is a common issue in bathroom sinks and showers. It works best for shallow clogs, using upward-ticking barbed notches to catch and extract the hair as you pull the tool up. It’s a cost-effective, immediate solution that you can easily use yourself.

Plunge the Drain: 

The humble plunger remains one of the most effective tools for dislodging blockages in your drains. A plunger can apply pressure to the line and push the blockage all the way through the drain. However, it’s important to know which type of plunger to use for each situation. A cup plunger works best for flat surfaces like sinks, tubs, and showers, while a flange plunger is required for toilets.

Snake Line: 

For more stubborn clogs that can’t be reached with a plunger or Zip-It, a toilet auger, also known as a drain snake, can be used. This tool can break through the clog and allows the loose pieces to flow down the pipe. It’s a bit more complex to use, and buying one could be a bit costly, but it’s an excellent investment for maintaining your plumbing system.

Remove the Trap: 

In some cases, the best solution could be to unhook the p-trap and clean it to remove any gunk or buildup. This procedure may sound complicated, but it’s a relatively simple task that many homeowners can perform with basic tools. After removing the p-trap, you can typically clean it out with a brush and then replace it, potentially resolving your drain issue without the need for harsh chemicals.

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Use Non-Chemical Cleaners or Boiling Water: 

If you’re not comfortable dealing with plumbing hardware but would rather not resort to harsh chemicals, there are alternatives. Pouring boiling water down the drain is a safe and effective method of unclogging drains. Boiling water can loosen up the clog and allow it to flow down the drain. Alternatively, certain liquid drain cleaners use enzymes or bacteria to break down and fix a clog. These cleaners are more environmentally friendly, and while they may not be as fast-acting as chemical cleaners, they can be just as effective without causing damage to your pipes.

How Professional Plumbers Fix a Clog

If your DIY attempts fail to resolve the issue, it may be time to call a professional plumber. These experts have a range of tools and techniques at their disposal to effectively address a clogged drain. Here are some of the methods they might use:

Plunger: 

This common tool can dislodge clogs from most fixtures, creating suction that breaks up the clog and allows it to flow down the drain.

Cable Auger: 

This tool dislodges clogs located farther down the drainpipe. It consists of a long, flexible cable with a corkscrew-like tip that can break up and remove clogs.

Baking Soda and Vinegar:

A mixture of baking soda, vinegar, and hot water can create a chemical reaction that dissolves and dislodges clogs. This method is often used for minor clogs and regular drain maintenance.

Hydro-Jetting: 

This method uses high-pressure water to clear out the drain pipes. A specialized hose and nozzle are inserted into the pipes, and high-pressure water is blasted through to fix a clog and hard water minerals.

Manual Drain Snake: 

Similar to a cable auger, a manual drain snake has a long, flexible cable with a hook on the end. The cable can be inserted into the drain and rotated to break up and fix a clog.

When you’re dealing with a clogged drain, your first impulse may be to reach for a chemical drain cleaner, but these products can often cause more problems than they solve. Instead, consider using a plunger, cable auger, or one of the other methods mentioned above. If these methods fail, it’s advisable to call a professional plumber to assess the situation and carry out necessary repairs or replacements. 

They have the knowledge, experience, and tools necessary to safely and effectively handle the issue, saving you from further headache and potential damage to your plumbing system. Always remember that maintaining the health of your pipes not only preserves the efficiency and convenience of your household but also helps protect the environment.

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Discover the artistry and expertise of our skilled plumbers as they tackle the toughest clogs with finesse. From kitchen sinks to bathroom drains, we’ve got you covered! Witness the magic of our cutting-edge drain cleaning techniques as we fix a clog, leaving your pipes flowing freely like never before.

Say goodbye to slow draining water, foul odors, and plumbing emergencies. With Clog Kings at your service, peace of mind is just a call away.

Take action today and bid farewell to clogs! Contact Clog Kings now and reign supreme over your drains once more. Let the rulers of drain cleaning restore your plumbing kingdom!

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Don’t let these problems disrupt your daily routine or cause further damage to your property! Take charge and call the royal experts at Clog Kings for top-notch plumbing solutions. Contact us today!

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In a hurry? Contact us at (727) 479-4028