Everyone has had to deal with a stubborn clog at some point. It’s a common issue of modern life that can typically be fixed with a little bit of effort. That said, if you notice frequent clogging of the same drain, that’s an indication there’s something more going on below the surface. If your drain clogs keep coming back, learn how to fix them for good by addressing the root cause of the issue.
Why Do Drain Clogs Keep Coming Back? Improper Drain Cleaning
There are a number of reasons why your clogs might keep coming back, not cleaning the drain properly being one of them. Sure, a chemical cleaner might break through and help things drain a bit better, but that’s rarely a permanent solution. Drain cleaners like this have a shaky track record at best for anything but the most minor of clogs, and that’s not the extent of the issue in many cases.
Hair and grease are notoriously hard to get rid of, and many common cleaning methods simply can’t handle them. Whether it’s the bathroom, the kitchen, or somewhere else, these are two of the most stubborn substances to remove. Hot water is minimally helpful at best, drain cleaning sticks can only catch so much so deep into the pipe, and chemical cleaners struggle to get the job done.
There’s also the possibility that your pipes have become clogged by other things, such as mineral buildup. The same goes for damage to your pipes, like tree root invasions, blocking off the drain with a large object that won’t respond to traditional cleaning methods.
Effective Methods to Fix Drain Clogs for Good
Effectively cleaning your drains often requires more extreme methods than you normally use. Some of them you might be able to do on your own, but others will require professional help to do safely.
Hydro jetting is one of these methods, using high-pressure water jets to blast stubborn and deep clogs out of your drains. It can also be an effective way to remove buildup in your pipes.
Snaking or augering is another. These tools move through your drain and break up any pipe clogs or blockages in the way. Once you’re done, the debris can be flushed with water.
An enzyme-based cleaner works similarly to the chemical drain cleaners you’re used to. However, they’re often more effective because of their makeup, not to mention less harsh on you and your pipes.
In some cases, though, you might simply need new pipes. Damage or corrosion down the drain can’t be fixed by removing clogs, and the only solution is to replace them.
Preventing Future Drain Clogs
As they say, the best cure is prevention. Things like drain screens can help stop clogs from forming in the first place, keeping debris that might clog your drains out of the situation. Properly disposing of that type of material is also necessary.
Above all else, keep up with maintenance on your drains and pipes. Having a professional inspection every year or so can spot problems before they get so bad that you need a professional cleaning.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
While you might be able to DIY unclogging your drain, there has to be a point where you throw in the towel and call the pros. In general, some signs you’ll need a plumber to help would be:
- Frequent DIY cleaning does little to help.
- The clog seems to be deeper than any of your methods can reach.
- You believe there may be damage to your pipe or some other issue you can’t easily handle on your own.
Say Goodbye to Clogs for Good
Stop wasting time on quick fixes that don’t last. Let Copperhead Plumbing clear your drains the right way fast, safe, and built to last. Contact us today and get lasting relief from stubborn clogs.
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