How Drain Cleaning Works
Keeping your drains clear is the best way to prevent major plumbing issues like clogs. While a regular schedule of DIY drain cleaning can help, some blockages are too stubborn for standard home tools and require professional-grade equipment. Understanding when to call in the professionals can save you time and money, while also ensuring your pipes are kept safe.
How Drain Cleaning Works
While there are many different products and Clear Drain Cleaning methods for clearing a blocked drain, most work by creating some kind of chemical reaction. For example, acidic drain cleaners use acids like sulfuric or hydrochloric to eat through the organic material that is causing the clog. They also use a process called “acid hydrolysis,” which combines the acid with water to create heat, melting away the blockage and allowing it to be flushed away.
Another common type of drain cleaner is an oxidizing agent, which typically uses nitrates, peroxides or sodium hypochlorite (bleach). These agents form a compound with the organic material that is causing the drained and adds mass to it, allowing it to shift in the pipes and be washed away more easily.
Homeowners can also try using a plumber snake or drain auger to clear blockages that are too big for regular DIY methods. These long, coiled metal wires can get into hard-to-reach places to break up and remove stuck on debris from the pipe walls. For more serious clogs, professional drain cleaning services may also use techniques like hydro jetting to clean out the entire length of your piping system.
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