When you have a plumbing clog, you have a couple of options to get it fixed. You could call your plumber and have drain cleaning performed, where just the clog itself is cleared, or you can have drain clearing (hydro-jetting) done, where the entire pipe is cleared. But which one is best for your clog?
Our plumbing team at Frank Gay Services is here to clear up any confusion between the two services so you understand which service is right for your needs.
Drain Clearing
Essentially, drain clearing is used to clear a clog from a particular section of the plumbing pipe. A plumbing snake is used for this, and it is placed into the clogged pipe. A plumbing snake is a thick cable with a blade attached that turns when the cable’s motor is turned on. When activated, the blade will rotate and remove any obstacles in its path.
Once a clog is cleared by the snake blade, water flow should be restored to your plumbing system, though clog particles can remain in your pipes. This could cause more issues and clogs later on, which is why we usually recommend drain cleaning over drain clearing.
Drain clearing is considered a “quick-fix” for clogged pipes.
Drain Cleaning
If you’ve tried having your plumbing cleared with a plumbing snake, but you still are dealing with clogs, it’s time to have your drains thoroughly cleaned. Drain cleaning or hydro-jetting involves running highly pressurized water through your pipes with a specialized hose.
The process of drain cleaning removes clogs and grease buildup on the walls of your pipes and can solve existing problems in your plumbing system.
We often recommend a full drain cleaning over drain clearing because cleaning thoroughly clears any gunk from the entire pipe, instead of just dislodging a clog.
With hydro-jetting, your pipes will have long lifespans and fewer clogs.
Symptoms of Drain Clogs
If you notice any of the following symptoms, it’s time to call in the pros at Frank Gay Services for drain clearing or cleaning.
Signs your drains are clogged:
- Sinks, tubs, and shower drains have trouble draining water
- Your toilet is bubbling or gurgling
- Water backs up in the sink, toilet, or bathtub
- A bad odor comes from the drains in your home
- You notice puddles of water on the floor near the sink, shower, toilet, or laundry area
If your drains are clogged, call our 5-star rated plumbing pros at Frank Gay Services! We’ll clear that clog and clean your pipes so your plumbing system flows seamlessly.
Prevent clogged drains> Do This to Prevent Common Kitchen Clogs
Why Avoid DIY Drain Clearing
Although many homeowners enjoy doing their own home improvement jobs, drain cleaning shouldn’t be one of them! While it might seem like a simple task, there is much more to it than you might realize.
Even though there are many DIY equipment and chemicals available to clear or clean your drains, they can harm your plumbing, which means you’ll still need to call a plumber.
Why? The majority of chemical drain cleaners are so corrosive that they can chew through the plastic or metal pipes in your home. Also, using a plunger might harm your drainage system by damaging the pipe walls with the air pressure it creates. Yes, these DIY solutions can help in a pinch, but they can also do more damage than good, so it is best to avoid them and call in a professional plumber from Frank Gay Services instead!
Keep Your Drains Flowing with Frank Gay Services
Though drain clearing can help your plumbing flow better, a long-term solution like drain cleaning or hydro-jetting should be implemented if your plumbing system has chronic problems. Either way, it is important to consult with an experienced plumbing professional to ensure your pipes flow seamlessly year-round.
Pay attention to your pipes, and make sure that you get your drains and pipes cleaned and inspected regularly. Call our team at Frank Gay Services to schedule drain services today.
