How Do Plumbers Unclog Blocked Drains?
Blocked drains are a common concern for Australian homeowners, and you may have seen some of them in supermarkets buying drain cleaning products. DIY solutions will, however, not give you a long-lasting solution to frequent blockages. A licensed plumber has the necessary equipment to deal with tough clogs and leave all your drains free-flowing. Read on to know more!
Inspecting Drains
Stubborn blockages call for a thorough investigation performed by a plumber. Most plumbers have video inspection tools that feature a camera, light and a fibre-optic cable. The cable can manoeuver through pipes of various sizes and help the plumber identify the blockage's nature and location. Video inspection removes uncertainty from the process as the plumber will know what they're working with.
Specialised Equipment
Once the plumber identifies the location of the blockage, they'll use specialised tools to clear the drain, including the following.
Drain snakes/augers
A manual plumber's snake rotates as it's pushed through the drain, and it quickly clears simple clogs. You can buy the auger at a hardware shop, but it will fall short if you're dealing with more challenging blockages.
Plumbers use motorised snakes for faster and better results. The tool features an extensive metal coil that penetrates the blockage and breaks it up to clear the drain.
Motorised snakes are more efficient than hand-operated models because they have a maximum reach of about 30.48 metres. Only a plumber should use a motorised auger, however, since it can damage the drainpipe.
Hydro-jetters
A hydro-jetting machine blasts high-pressure water jets through drain pipes to clear blocked drains. It is equipped with a 360º directional nozzle, and the water pressure will wash away even the toughest deposits. Hydro-jetting is very powerful, and it can cause damage in the hands of an inexperienced person.
Do Plumbers Use Chemical Drain Cleaners?
If you've tried to unblock your drains without success, you might opt to use chemical cleaners to clear the blockage. You can purchase alkaline cleaners in most DIY stores to dissolve light elements like hair and grease. Acid cleaners, which contain large quantities of sulphuric acid, aren't widely available because they're risky to use.
Plumbers mostly avoid chemical drain cleaners because they're ineffective at removing obstructions. While they may dissolve light substances like soap, chemical cleaners are of no use when dealing with larger clogs like those caused by tree roots.
Some chemical cleaners can also corrode your drain pipes and result in leaks that will require repair. Repeated use of these cleaners will kill the natural bacteria in your septic tank and interfere with your home's waste management. On the other hand, a plumber will use specialised equipment to clean blocked drains without damaging your water drainage system.
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