Tag: blocked

Blocked Drain Do's and Don'ts!

blocked drain do's and don'ts!

2 Ways To Cure a Drain Block (And 1 Way To Make It Worse!)

Slow, clogged drains dragging down the household routine? It makes sense to want those drains cleaned right away, but there’s a right way to do it! Plumbing experts know how to handle blocked drains without compromising the entire home’s system or making a situation worse. Read on to find out how plumbing professionals clear drains - and the one method they recommend avoiding whenever possible!

Do - Drain SnakingHand in blue glove using a drain snake to unclog a sink, demonstrating effective plumbing technique for clearing blockages.

The first tool in the plumber’s proverbial de-clogging belt is the drain snake. This chemical-free system works great for older homes with fragile plumbing or for smaller clogs. Snakes come in motorized or hand-cranked versions.

Drain snaking utilizes a long, thin cable attached to the auger, which is then snaked or pushed through the pipe to unclog debris in the system. The cable rotates as the auger is turned, helping to displace any clogs.

Benefits of Drain Snaking

As previously mentioned, drain snaking is chemical-free and safe on older and newer pipes alike. Sinks, toilets, and sewer lines can all be snaked for clogs.

Snaking drains reduce odors, reduces the chances of overflows, and helps improve pipe longevity alongside getting rid of pesky clogs and improving drain speed.

Do - Hydro-JettingHydro-jetting nozzle spraying high-pressure water jets for effective plumbing cleaning and clog removal.

For tougher or harder to reach clogs, hydro-jetting is the way to go. Hydro-jetting involves pushing a hose into the clogged pipe and using powerful water jets to clear the entire plumbing system. On average, hydro-jetters use 4000 psi of force to clear clogs.

Benefits of Hydro-Jetting

Hydro-jetting works great for a comprehensive, deep clean of the plumbing in a home. It eliminates everything from dirt to deep clogs, all from one central location in the home. It’s chemical-free, and when done correctly, is perfectly safe for older pipes. 

After a hydro-jetting clean, homes experience faster plumbing, reduced odors, and fewer chances of bacterial build-up in the pipes. Plus, hydro-jetting tends to clean more efficiently than snaking and usually needs to be completed less often than snaking, too.

Don’t - Liquid Drain Cleaners

Everyone has used over-the-counter drain cleaners in their home - but that doesn’t mean they should. The label of liquid drain cleaners usually includes highly corrosive ingredients like bleach, lye, aluminum, and salt. When paired together, these ingredients work wonders on breaking down clogs while posing a severe risk to the home.

Risk of Liquid Drain Cleaners

Liquid drain cleaners come with a batch of warnings plastered on their label for a reason: they are dangerous. The highly acidic nature of the cleaners can eat through pipes and pose a hazard to the skin and materials that the liquid comes in contact with. Additionally, prolonged use of liquid cleaners puts plumbers working on the home at risk of experiencing their corrosive effects. In the long run, liquid cleaners are more harmful than good for a home and its occupants.

When it comes to getting slow drains fixed, let the professionals handle it. Methods like drain snaking and hydro jetting can fix blocked drains without putting a home or its occupants at risk and get the pipes flowing in no time.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

For over two decades, B&L Plumbing and Heating has been providing its community with affordable, expert plumbing care. They offer a full range of plumbing solutions, from water heater replacement to pipe installation. So call them today for blocked drain cleaning in Colorado Springs, CO. 

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3 Methods for Getting Rid of Blocked Drains

methods for getting rid of blocked drains
Open drain cover revealing a dark, empty drainage pipe, surrounded by gravel, illustrating common plumbing issues like blocked drains.

Blocked Drains Be Gone!

There are always surprises when it comes to owning a home. Everything is working as it should be until the pipes start leaking, the hot water stops flowing, or the drains start slowing. Slow and blocked drains can be a real hassle. They are a common problem caused by hair, dirt, mineral buildup, or other things that get caught in the drain and stop water from flowing well. Blocked drains cause dirty water to set onto the sink bowl or the shower or tub floor. 

In this article, homeowners can learn about the best methods to get rid of blocked drains when they happen.

Snaking the DrainPlumber using a drain snake to clear a blocked kitchen sink, showcasing plumbing tools and kitchen setting.

In the case of a blocked drain, one of the first products homeowners turn to is liquid drain cleaner. However, these contain harsh chemicals that can be hazardous to a person's health and can even damage the plumbing system. Therefore, it's best to avoid these types of products and use different methods like snaking to clear the drains.

A drain snake is a flexible device that can maneuver inside pipes to catch and clear out clogs that may block them. Plumbers will insert the snake into the pipes and rotate the device to grab hold of the clog and pull it out. While it's an easy tool to use, there are some potential pitfalls for homeowners that try to snake drains by themselves. If not used properly, the snake could push the clog further down the pipe, where it becomes harder to reach and remove. Therefore, it's best to let a professional plumber handle the snaking process. 

Hydrojetting the PipesIllustration of hydrojetting process in plumbing pipes, featuring high-pressure water jets clearing clogs and buildup effectively.

Hydrojetting is another popular option that is safe and effective for the plumbing system. It's a more eco-friendly cleaning option since only water is used to clear the clogs rather than chemicals or other materials. The method sprays a blast of high-pressure water into the plumbing pipes, which forcefully clears out clogs and removes any other buildup. 

Hydrojetting is commonly used to clean out sewer lines, but it can be used on any clog, whether in a sink, a shower, toilets, or other plumbing mechanisms. As mentioned, it's very safe for pipes, but only when handled by the right people. High-pressure water is more powerful than most people think; it's strong enough to cut through metal! And when it's not in the right hands, it can open holes in the pipes and plumbing system. Only trained professionals should execute hydrojetting to ensure that the plumbing system remains safe and intact.

A Temporary Solution with Baking Soda & VinegarBaking soda and vinegar in labeled containers, commonly used as a temporary DIY solution for clogged drains in plumbing.

When homeowners are looking for a plumbing solution, they often turn to the DIY options. In the case of blocked drains, baking soda and vinegar are commonly used as a solution. When these ingredients get mixed, they create a chemical reaction to help remove clogs and buildup that exist in the drain. However, homeowners should know that this solution is only temporary and won't work against larger, tougher clogs that may be at play. Plumbing professionals would only recommend this method to give some initial relief until a long-term solution can be implemented.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating is a local Colorado Springs, CO plumbing company dedicated to providing top-quality service for its customers for over two decades. They believe that being a great plumber means more than just having a license and the right tools. It's also about providing exceptional service, and B&L plumbing offers both.

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