Drain Cleaning and Signs It’s Needed Explained

Clogs are one of the most common household plumbing problems. However, they don't have to be a stressful ordeal. Professional drain cleaning unclogs clogged drain and sewer lines, restoring proper drainage and preventing additional problems. This guide will share some important basics to know about drain cleaning, including signs it’s needed, common causes of clogs, and how professionals can perform drain cleaning.

Signs Drain Cleaning Is Needed

When homeowners notice any signs of a clogged sewer line or drain, it’s crucial to call for professional drain cleaning to prevent more issues from occurring due to the clog, such as sewer line damage and leaks. Slow-draining water in sinks and other drains is a common early warning sign, typically indicating a buildup or clog within the pipes that restricts normal drainage. Bad smells coming from the drains also indicate a drain or sewer line clog, as organic matter that makes up the blockage decomposes. These odors can intensify over time without intervention.

Furthermore, gurgling sounds from the drains can indicate trapped air bubbles caused by blockages that disrupt proper water flow and drainage. Drain or toilet backups are another sign of a clogged sewer line because clogs interrupt the natural flow of wastewater, which can create a pressure buildup that forces the wastewater to back up through drains and toilets into the home. Additionally, if a home experiences recurring clogs, it also signals the need for professional drain cleaning.

Common Causes of Drain and Sewer Line Clogs

Many everyday items that household residents may dispose of in their drains and toilets can create stubborn blockages in the drain and sewer lines. Things people may put down their kitchen sink drains that can cause clogs include grease, cooking oils, and food scraps. Grease and oil solidify and stick to pipe walls as they cool, allowing them to catch other debris traveling through the pipes, which can create stubborn clogs.

While in the bathroom, things that go down sink and shower drains, such as hair and soap scum can also lead to a clog. Many items that are often mistakenly flushed down toilets can also cause clogs, including paper towels, feminine hygiene products, wipes, dental floss, and more. These materials don't break down like toilet paper and should be kept out of the drains, like the other common causes of clogs.

However, another common cause of sewer line clogs doesn’t occur due to household habits. Tree roots can infiltrate and clog underground sewer lines in search of water and nutrients. Once the roots enter the pipe through joints or small cracks, they can grow and expand rapidly, creating blockages that also require professional intervention.

How Do Professionals Perform Drain Cleaning?

Professional drain cleaning involves specialized equipment that homeowners simply don't have access to in their toolkits. When professionals perform drain cleaning services, they can use a sewer camera inspection to examine the inside of the pipes, allowing them to locate clogs and damage and determine the condition of the pipes, so they can deliver a more precise and effective solution.

Two methods are primarily used to unclog drain and sewer line clogs. A drain snake, which can also be called a plumber’s snake or drain auger, works by physically breaking through blockages with a flexible metal cable. The rotating cable head cuts through hair, grease, and debris while pulling fragments back toward the access point.

In contrast, hydro jetting uses high-pressure water streams reaching pressures up to 4,000 PSI to break up clogs and completely scour the pipe walls. This method proves especially effective for removing buildup on pipe walls that drain snaking cannot fully remove. As a result of this more thorough cleaning, hydro jetting can also help prevent future clogs and help avoid recurring blockages. Professionals can examine the interior of pipes to determine the best solution to unclog the line.

About Jersey Trenchless LLC

Jersey Trenchless LLC is a sewer contractor with over three generations of experience serving Bound Brook and the surrounding areas. They offer straightforward pricing, emergency service, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them for drain cleaning services in Bound Brook, NJ.

Contact Information:

Jersey Trenchless LLC

410 Talmage Ave Apt D
Bound Brook, NJ 08805
United States

James Burke
(732) 690-3716
https://www.jerseytrenchlessllc.com/