Virtually every home has a drain or more to get rid of wastewater from the property to the main sewer. Whenever you take a shower in the bathroom or use the bathtub to clean your body, the water carrying dirty elements from your body goes down the drain and into the main sewer of your water and sewer company. However, some of shampoo, shower gel, and body wash products contain oil, grease, and chemicals that end up blocking the drain. Soap, soap scum, and hair strands can also cause blockages if they accumulate in the drain over a period of time. Drain clogs and backup can be a nightmare. Here’s how professional plumbers use tricks to unclog bathroom sinks.
Camera pipe inspection
Professional plumbing companies have specialized tools to help them inspect the inside of pipes to establish problems and provide adequate solutions. Video snake inspection systems are some of the tools that allow them to view images and videos on a wireless monitor screen to identify the nature of the clog and devise the best solution. These systems are great at accessing difficult-to-reach areas inside the pipes. Once plumbers are pointed in the right direction, they can employ the best method to help clear the clog.
Tree root removal
You may not have heard about this but some clogged drains are caused when tree roots get entangled in the homeowner’s property with a network of pipes. The process involves removing the roots of trees that cause the entanglement and allowing the wastewater to flow freely in pipes. Only professional plumbers with the right tools and pieces of equipment should carry out this exercise because it is a complex procedure that requires some skills.
Cable drain clearing
To clear clogged drains, plumbers employ a wide range of tools. These tools may range from small, handheld snakes to huge and powerful drain machines capable of clearing large sewer pipes and getting rid of the clog. In cable drain clearing, a flexible cable is skillfully inserted into the sewer pipes. The attachments to the cable are then used to clean the clog buildup in the pipes through a wide range of processes, including boring, scraping, and cutting.
Hydro jetting
This is another drain-clearing technique commonly employed by professional plumbers. Similarly, this process is complex and requires a skilled plumber to perform. It involves using a high-pressure water jetter to eliminate the clog. The process is quite complex and very demanding, so it is often considered the last resort when most simple drain-clearing techniques have failed. When using a water jetter, a high-pressure water pump is used to blast away any stubborn blockages that may be preventing the wastewater from flowing. This process is very effective in clearing heavy clogs that have accumulated over an extended period of time. However, plumbers are very cautious when using this method to avoid causing further damage to the homeowner’s property. If done correctly, it allows the free flow of water down the drain.
They use a plunger
Professional plumbers also use plungers to unclog bathrooms, not just toilets and kitchen sinks. A cup-style plunger provides the best suction, especially if it completely covers the bathroom drain opening for a tight seal. With 6 or more up-and-down thrusts while ensuring the seal remains intact, you can be able to get rid of clogs. You can also try this at home if you have a similar plunger. If you remove the plunger and the water drains away, then you’ve made significant progress. However, if you notice no change, you might have to repeat the process over and over to get the results you desire.
They use natural drain cleaners
Professional plumbers also use natural drain cleaners to get rid of the dirt, gunk, and debris that clog bathroom sinks. While they may also use conventional drain cleaners, they prefer working with natural ones first to achieve the desired results. A natural remedy comprising white vinegar and baking soda instead of harsh chemicals can be just as effective, especially if the state of the clog is not as severe. They pour 1 cup of baking soda into your drain before adding a cup of vinegar. They then use a drain stopper to plug the drain and let the mixture sit for at least an hour before rinsing it with boiling water. You can also do the process yourself. Just ensure you repeat the process if you first don’t get the results you desire. However, don’t be afraid to call a professional plumber if the problem persists.
These are some of the ways professional plumbers unclog bathroom sinks to allow the free flow of water once more. If your bathroom drain is clogged and you’ve tried all methods but none seems to work, you should probably call a professional plumber to come and check it out because the problem may be bigger than you think.