Drain Cleaning

Understanding what causes clogged drains can help you prevent future issues and identify when it’s time to call in a professional. Here are some of the most common culprits:

• Hair Buildup: Hair is one of the leading causes of clogged bathroom drains, particularly in showers and sinks. Over time, hair can accumulate and combine with soap residue to form a stubborn blockage.
• Soap and Grease: In kitchens, grease and soap can coat the walls of your pipes, eventually leading to clogs. As grease cools and hardens, it restricts water flow and traps other debris.
• Foreign Objects: Items such as paper towels, hygiene products, or small toys can accidentally end up in your drains, causing serious blockages.
• Food Waste: Kitchen sinks equipped with garbage disposals can still become clogged if large amounts of food waste, coffee grounds, or fibrous materials are washed down the drain.
• Tree Roots: Outside, tree roots can infiltrate underground sewer lines in search of moisture, causing cracks, blockages, and even pipe collapses.

While some minor clogs can be temporarily managed with DIY methods, recurring or severe issues often require professional attention. Here are some signs that it’s time to call Southside Plumbing for expert drain cleaning:

• Slow Draining Water: If water is taking longer than usual to drain from your sink, shower, or tub, it may indicate a developing clog that needs professional cleaning.
• Frequent Clogs: Experiencing clogs regularly, even after using over-the-counter drain cleaners or plungers, suggests a deeper issue that requires a more thorough solution.
• Foul Odors: Unpleasant smells coming from your drains are often caused by trapped food particles, grease, or sewage backups that need to be cleared out.
• Gurgling Sounds: If your drains are making unusual noises, such as gurgling or bubbling, it may indicate a blockage in the pipes or improper venting.
• Water Backups: Seeing water back up in sinks, tubs, or toilets when using other fixtures points to a serious clog in the main line.

At Southside Plumbing, we use a variety of advanced drain cleaning techniques to ensure your plumbing system is restored to optimal condition. Here’s an overview of the methods we employ:

1. Drain Snaking

Drain snaking, also known as drain auguring, is a common method for clearing minor to moderate clogs. We use a specialized tool called a drain snake, which is a flexible metal cable with an auger on the end. The snake is inserted into the drain and rotated to break up and remove blockages. This technique is effective for clearing hair, soap scum, and other debris from bathroom drains.

2. Hydro-Jetting

Hydro-jetting is a powerful and effective drain cleaning technique that uses high-pressure water to blast away clogs and clean the interior walls of your pipes. It’s especially useful for removing tough blockages like grease buildup and tree roots in the sewer line. Unlike traditional methods, hydro-jetting not only clears the blockage but also helps to prevent future clogs by thoroughly cleaning the pipes.

3. Video Camera Inspection

Before performing a drain cleaning, we often use a video camera inspection to accurately locate the clog and determine the most effective solution. This technology allows us to see inside your pipes in real-time, identifying the exact cause and location of the blockage. After the cleaning, we can use the camera again to confirm that the drain is fully cleared.

Choosing Southside Plumbing for your drain cleaning needs provides several advantages over DIY methods:

• Long-Lasting Results: Our professional techniques thoroughly clean your pipes, reducing the likelihood of future clogs.
• Protects Your Pipes: DIY methods, such as chemical drain cleaners, can damage your pipes over time. Our services are safe and effective, ensuring the integrity of your plumbing system.
• Quick and Efficient: We have the tools and expertise to resolve drain issues quickly, minimizing the inconvenience to your daily life.
• Prevents Major Plumbing Issues: Regular professional drain cleaning can help prevent more serious problems, such as sewage backups and pipe damage, saving you money on costly repairs.