What’s the difference between drain clearing and drain cleaning? Residents of Birmingham ask this question all the time. The differences are more important than you think! Luckily, Douglas Cooling & Heating’ new plumbing division helps you decipher the differences to best help your home.
What’s the Difference Between Drain Clearing and Drain Cleaning
Before you take action with your drain, it’s best to know if your drain needs clearing or cleaning. Drain clearing removes a blockage. After the clog is removed, a jet of pressurized water shoots through the pipe. This is called drain cleaning and it ensures any leftover debris moves through the pipe.
Seems simple enough, but at-home remedies often misdiagnose the problem.
Drain Clearing
Though drain clearing sounds like an easy task, professionals often need to get involved. Here’s how to tell if you actually need your drain cleared.
- Main drain blockage- Low water pressure throughout your home indicates a block between the main line and your plumbing system. Often, a camera is needed to see the problem before you take action. Luckily, Douglas Cooling & Heating has this equipment and takes care of the problem for you.
- Deep clogs- Secondly, clogs too far down in your pipe to be snaked or plunged need professional help. A professional plumber has the right tools to clear the blockage without damage to your pipes. Like with the main drain block, a camera diagnoses the problem; the plumber then clears the clog with the appropriate tools.
Sometimes, drain clearing is all that’s needed. In some cases, however, drain cleaning is necessary to prevent clogs from quickly resurfacing. In the cases of crumbling pipes or tree root infestation, the situation may be even more serious.
Our licensed plumbers perform the necessary assessments to provide you with as much information as possible before you make a decision about services.
Drain Cleaning
Unlike drain clearing, drain cleaning relates directly to surface-level clogs and leftover debris. At-home methods—such as baking soda, borax, or washing soda—can only clean close to the top of the drain. However, professional plumbers clean deeper with their specialized tools.
First, a plumber uses a camera to assess the problem. Next, they puncture a clog if needed. Once the clog is removed, a hydro-jet sprays your pipes with pressurized water. This clears any debris unable to be snaked or removed manually.
Why Is It Important?
So, now you know the difference between drain clearing and drain cleaning, but what does it mean for your home? When you understand why you experience blockages as well as why home fixes do not resolve the issue then you can understand what type of service you may need.
A good snake of your drain removes surface-level blockages but leaves larger clogs farther down the pipe untouched.
If you get frustrated with the process, excessive force with the snake usually follows. This actually causes more harm than good; damaged pipes are even more difficult to treat.
Last, excessive use of chemical cleaners also damages pipes. The chemicals erode the inside of the pipe. This leads to breaks and leaks which require more attention than a simple clearing and cleaning job.
The only way to clear your drain completely comes from professional assistance. Plumbers have the correct tools to remove deep blockages. After the drain clearing, a concentrated jet of water leaves your pipes sparkling clean and—most importantly—undamaged!
Call Douglas for Plumbing Services in Birmingham
Now you know the difference between drain clearing and drain cleaning. Damage to your pipes through excessive force with a snake or too many chemical cleaners causes more harm than good. Use at-home methods sparingly to maintain a healthy plumbing system.
When you’re stuck, call Douglas Cooling & Heating in Birmingham, Alabama! We give you a free estimate on your plumbing service. Trust us, we finish the job quickly and reliably.
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Douglas Cooling, H
eating, & Electrical co-owner and general manager, Jay Douglas has successfully completed his Residential Mechanical Ventilation Installation Level 1 Training Program.
