4 Questions to Ask about Professional Drain Cleaning Services

Are your home's drains clogged? Whether the water sits in your bathroom sink or moves slowly down the drain, you need to clear the clog ASAP. But this doesn't mean you should clean the drains yourself. Before you plunge, snake, or chip away at a clog with the end of a hanger, take a look at what you need to know about drain cleaning and professional plumbing services. 

What Is A Professional Drain Cleaning Service?

This plumbing service goes well beyond simply snaking hair from your clogged tub drain. While the plumber may use a snake to remove a clog, the cleaning service could include a more intensive type of clearing method—such as hydro jetting or the use of a power snake. 

Instead of just one drain, this plumbing service may include multiple drains or your home's main sewer drain. The plumber may inspect the drains (with or without a video camera) to detect clogs, deposits inside of pipes, tree roots (in exterior pipes), or other similar issues. After the inspection, the plumber will recommend a cleaning service that meets your home's needs. 

Why Shouldn't You Use Power Cleaning Tools Yourself?

These services require tools or equipment that a novice should never attempt to use. Not only could a power snake (or similar piece of plumbing equipment) damage your drains, pipes, and fixtures, it could pose a serious injury risk—especially if you don't know how to use it or use it incorrectly. 

A do-it-yourself attempt to clean a drain may remove a blockage. But this doesn't mean your DIY job completely cleared the clog.

Instead of fully removing the debris, it's possible to push it deeper into your home's plumbing system or cause your sewer drain to clog. A sewer main clog can cause multiple fixtures (such as the toilet, bathroom sink, kitchen sink, and bathtub) to back up. This type of serious plumbing problem can also cause one fixture to fill up with water as another one drains. 

Can Any Plumber Clean A Home's Drains?

The answer to this question is yes — and no. Any licensed, qualified plumber should have the technical ability to assess clogs and clear blockages. But this doesn't mean you should hire the first pro you Google.

Like a DIY job, a subpar drain cleaning service could damage your home's plumbing system. Failure to find and remove clogs or clear the built-up debris that lines the interior of the pipes could result in a repeat backup. 

Before you hire a contractor to clean your home's drains, ask about the company's expertise in this area. Some plumbing companies offer general services — including drain cleaning. But others may only provide a specific menu of options or specialty services, such as tankless hot water heater installation or re-piping. 

If the plumbing contractor does regularly offer drain cleaning, and is fully licensed and insured with warranties on their work, ask for references. These should come from past customers and go beyond generic comments such as, "Good work" or, "Performed well."

How Often Should You Schedule a Professional Drain Cleaning Service?

The answer to this question depends on your home's plumbing system (the age, type of pipes, wear, and existing maintenance), use, and previous clog or backup issues.

Start with the plumber. Ask the professional for more information about the condition of your home's drains and how your household use will impact the cleaning schedule. Annual maintenance is an easy way to stay on top of this plumbing service. If the plumber feels the condition of your home's drains may warrant more than one cleaning service each year, you can set up a schedule after the first service. 

When was the last time a professional cleaned your home's drains? Contact Art Douglas Plumbing Inc for more information.