Step By Step Drain Cleaning Norwalk CA

Clogged SinkWhen considering drain cleaning Norwalk CA, it doesn’t make much sense to jump right to the most invasive and expensive techniques, especially if a simpler solution would do the job just as well. Here are the steps to take when attempting to clear a drain, in increasing order of complexity.

DIY Solutions

As a first step, you can try to clear the drain yourself. You might use a chemical cleaner like Drano, or a more eco-friendly “bio-cleaner” that uses enzymes to break down organic clogs. If there is no standing water in your drain, you can try pouring 1 cup of baking soda and 3 cups of boiling water down the drain.

You can also try using a plunger to clear the clog. This works best on clogs that are close to the drain rather than way down deep in the pipe. Note that in order to produce suction on a sink or a bathtub drain, you have to seal off the overflow holes as well.

Basic Professional Services

If your own efforts at unclogging your drain aren’t successful, or if you have recurring drainage problems, it’s time to call a professional for drain cleaning Norwalk CA. As a first step, your plumber should ask you about any drain cleaning methods you’ve already tried, as this can often provide important information about the clog. If you’ve used any chemical drain cleaners, be sure to mention this, as splashback from water contaminated with chemicals can cause injury.

Depending on what you’ve already done, your plumber may use a plunger or skip straight to the plumbing snake. By pushing a plumbing snake down the pipe, the plumber can dislodge any clogs that may be present. If the drain still isn’t clear, the plumber can try using a sewer auger, which is basically a snake with spinning blades on the end, to cut through the clog and then wash it down the drain.

Advanced Professional Services

If you have especially stubborn clogs, specialized equipment like drain line cameras and high-pressure hydrojetters may be required for your drain cleaning Norwalk CA. Drain line cameras give plumbers a close look at the inside of your pipes, so they can pinpoint clogs, cracks, and other problems. A hydrojetter uses multiple nozzles to direct streams of water down the pipe and onto pipe walls at up to 1,750 psi to blast away debris.

Unfortunately, some types of drainage problems can’t be solved without major repairs. You might need to have your pipes removed and cleaned to clear mineral buildup, or if your plumbing was installed incorrectly, you might need to add more vents or get your pipes regraded.

When working with a plumbing contractor, take note of their approach to your drain problem. If they start with simple solutions and work up to more complex and expensive ones, then you know that they have your best interests at heart and aren’t just out to make a buck!