Drain Cleaning Perth involves removing or dissolving build-up in your home’s plumbing lines. This could be anything from hair or soap residue to food scraps and scum.
Regular drain cleaning can prevent foul odors and reduce the need for targeted drain cleaning services. Here are a few methods you can try at home.
There are times when using liquid drain cleaners is the best option to remove a stubborn clog. But other ways are much safer and will not damage your pipes.
Chemical drain cleaners work by creating a chemical reaction with the substance that is causing the clog. This chemical reaction usually involves donating or receiving electrons to and from the clog material, which breaks it down into smaller particles that can be pushed through the pipe. These cleaners are typically very toxic and must be handled with extreme care. They can irritate the skin, eyes, and nose of those who come into contact with them. They also pose a serious threat to the environment.
Many of the chemicals used in these cleaners are corrosive, which means they can cause extensive damage to your pipes if they seep into them. They can also be eaten through metal pipes, so it is important only to use them when necessary.
These cleaners can also be very dangerous for children and pets. They often release fumes irritating the eyes, nose, and lungs. If the cleaner gets on the skin, it can burn and cause chemical burns. Inhaling these fumes can also lead to headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
Liquid drain cleaners are also not good for the environment. They often contain acids, eroding the metals in your pipes over time. They can also seep into the groundwater and cause environmental damage. In addition, they may only be effective for some types of clogs.
For example, they may be unable to break down a hair clog or a blockage caused by mineral deposits. It is best to only use these products if a plumber specifically recommends them. A more environmentally friendly way of cleaning your drain is to have it hydro-jetted. This method is more expensive than chemical drain cleaners, but it is better for your pipes and the environment. It can also be done more quickly than other methods.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
You’ve probably heard that baking soda and vinegar are household staples with plenty of uses. When mixed together, they can clean sinks, tubs, and toilets; remove odors; and even clear small clogs. They’re also eco friendly, free of harsh chemicals, and inexpensive. While this combination is effective in many situations, it’s not the best solution for a major drain clog.
The reaction between the two ingredients creates carbon dioxide gas that can dislodge blockages, but it’s not strong enough to break down or dissolve tougher materials like hair, grease, and food scraps. Using this method may also cause damage to your pipes because the carbon dioxide will build up inside them, creating pressure that could eventually lead to cracks or leaks.
Instead of pouring baking soda and vinegar into a fully clogged drain, try using boiling water to loosen the gunk. Start by pouring a pot of scalding hot water down the drain, then pour in about 1 cup of baking soda. Cover the drain with a damp cloth or stopper and let the mixture fizz for about an hour. Then, flush the drain with more hot water to remove the loosened clog.
If you’ve tried the baking soda and vinegar method several times and can’t unclog your drain, try using a salt and vinegar solution. Start by pouring one cup of baking soda into the drain, then add a half cup of salt. Let the mixture sit in the drain for several hours (overnight is ideal). Then, flush the drain with hot water to remove the clog.
If your garbage disposal is clogged, try dropping in some ice cubes and a few handfuls of salt. The ice and salt will help to dislodge stuck-on foods and scour the inside of the drain. You can also try filling the drain with a few cups of boiled water, then pouring in a cup of white vinegar. The reaction will produce bubbles that can help to dislodge food debris from your garbage disposal. If your drain still isn’t unclogged, contact a professional for assistance.
Plumber’s Snake
The plumber’s snake, also called a drain auger, is an essential tool for any home to have. This ingenious plumbing tool looks like a long metal cable with a corkscrew-shaped auger coiled around it. This auger is designed to grab and break up obstructions that have formed inside the drainpipes. The cable and auger are housed in a drum that is equipped with a crank handle, making it easy for you to feed (push) the plumber’s snake into your blocked drain.
When using a plumber’s snake, it is important that you prepare yourself and your work area properly. This can be a messy job, so it’s best to put on rubber gloves and cover any surfaces that may be damaged by the snaking process. Then, remove any items that are blocking the clogged drain and prepare to start. It’s often a good idea to remove the trap arm and p-trap, as this will make it easier to get the snake into the drain.
Once you’ve done this, manually thread the head of the snake into the pipe. For best results, it’s often a good idea to run cold water while you snake the drain. This will help to dislodge any clog material and move it down the pipe. It’s also a good idea to periodically withdraw the snake and check for any debris that might be stuck to it. Be sure to be gentle while snaking the drain, as too much pressure could result in the tool getting stuck in or damaging the pipe or its entrance.
If the snake is unable to break up or dislodge the clog, it’s time to call in a professional. It’s important to note that snaking can damage your pipes and drains if done incorrectly, so it’s always best to leave this task to the professionals.
After you’ve successfully snaked your blocked drain, it’s important to clean the snake and reassemble any parts that have been taken apart. It’s also a good idea at this point to test the water flow in the affected drain to ensure that it has been completely cleared of any obstructions.
Jetting Machine
When a plunger and drain snake aren’t enough to get the job done, you may need something with a bit more power behind it. That’s where a jetting machine comes in. Known by many names, including hydro jets and sewer jetters, these machines use water under high pressure to blast away debris and clogs. They’re ideal for use when there is no accessible access point for a plumbing snake and can help get rid of hard-to-reach obstructions.
In order to use a jetting machine, a nozzle is fed into the sewer or drain line opening. The nozzle is able to rotate and varying types of jets are available to allow for maximum versatility in a variety of situations. A standard nozzle simply blasts water forward in a straight stream, while a rotating nozzle can also be used to scrub the sides of the pipe.
These jets are able to blast debris right off the walls of a pipe, making it easier to remove than simply scraping or pulling it out with hand tools. This process is ideal for removing grease, fats, and oils that may have built up over time. It’s also great for removing any mineral deposits that may be causing a drain line to be slow or clogged.
Another great benefit of a jetting machine is that it doesn’t cause any damage to a drain line. This is due to the fact that it doesn’t rely on metal-on-metal grinding or harsh chemicals. This helps to keep the integrity of a pipe intact and reduces the risk of future issues.
A jetting machine is a great choice for commercial and industrial applications as well as residential ones. In addition to being used for removing blockages, they can also be used for cleaning out sewer lines prior to a pipe lining project. This will ensure that any existing debris is removed so that the epoxy lining can be properly bonded to the existing pipe.
Before attempting to use a hydro jet, it is important to be aware of the risks involved. Make sure that the power outlet is properly grounded before turning it on. Using a jetting machine with no proper grounding can result in severe injury or even death. It’s also important to wear rubber gloves and protective gear whenever you are operating a jetting machine.