Do You Make This Mistake When Clearing Your Drain?

Clogged drains can happen to any homeowner, even those careful about avoiding grease, food, or excess hair. While a plunger often works, there are times when it won’t be enough. In such cases, two effective methods are available for cleaning the drain, but unfortunately, many homeowners opt for a commonly recommended method that should actually be avoided.

Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners

The worst way to deal with a clogged drain is by using an expensive chemical cleaner, pouring it down the drain, and hoping for the best. These toxic chemicals not only expose you to harmful substances, but also contaminate our water supply. Any plumber will tell you that these cleaners can damage your pipes. Even when they seem to work, they often just burn a small hole through the clog instead of fully clearing it.

Plumber’s Snake

Another option you’ve likely heard of is using a plumber’s snake, also known as a plumbing auger, drain snake, or Roto-Rooter. This tool consists of a long metal tube with a cable inside, ending in a corkscrew auger or blade attachment that goes into the pipe. A crank is used to turn the auger, which either breaks up the clog or wraps it around the corkscrew, allowing for easy removal when the cable is pulled out.

While you can buy a plumber’s snake yourself, our Handyside professional plumbers use higher-quality tools with more effective augers. Plus, they have the expertise to quickly locate the clog and know exactly where to insert the snake for the best results.

Hydro-jetting

Homeowners are often less familiar with this second effective drain-cleaning method: hydro-jetting. This process involves inserting a hose with a specialized nozzle into the drain, connected to a machine that produces a high-pressure water stream (typically 1,500 psi or more). This powerful stream blasts away grease, buildup, and clogs, pushing the debris down the line. It’s even strong enough to eliminate tree roots if encountered. Unlike a plumber’s snake, which may just punch a hole through a clog, hydro-jetting completely clears the blockage and removes any other debris or residue in the pipe. Our Handyside plumbing experts typically inspect your pipes with a camera first, as hydro-jetting can be too powerful for weak pipes.

Summary

The next time your drain is seriously clogged, consult with our Handyside plumbing experts. We can assess the clog, examine your pipes, and determine the best course of action—whether it’s snaking the drain or hydro-jetting it. Whatever it takes, we’ll get your drain flowing smoothly again.