All of that hair, grime, soap scum and food debris doesn't always just flow through your line with ease, which is why it's best to get your drains cleaned by an expert annually. You shouldn't need it done any more than that – unless you're a facility or business with unusually high usage.
Snaking your shower drain can be done at least once a month to remove residue and hair, and professional cleaning of the whole draining system should be done once a year.
According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost to have a drain professionally snaked is $220, with a range of $136 to $305.
Frequency of Cleanings
Some people say weekly, bi-monthly or quarterly. However, we feel that cleaning your drains monthly should be sufficient to avoid major plumbing issues. A monthly cleaning will allow you to use safe cleaning methods which will save you time, energy and money in the long term.
Regular maintenance. Performing regular maintenance, such as flushing your drains with hot water once a week, can help prevent build-up. Additionally, consider using a natural enzyme-based drain cleaner monthly to break down organic matter and keep your pipes clear.
Drain snakes also called drain rooters or augers, use a long cable with a spiral-shaped head.
One of the most common causes of clogged drains is actually caused by the minerals in the water. Hard water is full of minerals that build up and easily prevent drainage in your pipes. The best solution is to have a water softener installed in your home.
The fizzing reaction and gas created may help loosen some small blockages. However, it is not typically strong enough to break down larger clogs or remove hard-to-reach debris. As a result of the above facts, if you have a serious drain clog, using baking soda and vinegar is unlikely to be effective.
While DIY methods may provide a temporary fix, professional drain cleaning services aim to provide long-term solutions by addressing the underlying issue that caused the clog. This can save homeowners time and money in the long run by preventing future blockages and potential damage to the pipes.
Follow the package instructions for the right amount of product to use. Use Drano® Max Build-Up Remover on a monthly basis to replenish the bacteria in the septic system that help break down toilet paper and organic matter in pipes.
You'll likely pay between $300 and $450 to unclog your toilet with Roto-Rooter. However, the price could change depending on if the clog has caused a lot of damage, which your plumbing pro will want to inspect during your service appointment. Keep in mind that you won't get a quote from Roto-Rooter over the phone.
If your clog is still stubbornly in place, consider a drain snake. There are cheap plastic ones and hand-cranked metal models, either of which might snag the offending blockage with no need for a plumber. But if you still can't get to the root of the problem, it's time for professional assistance.
A drain snake is used to physically remove blockages. This method can take anywhere from fifteen minutes to almost an hour, depending on how complex your clog is. For more severe or deeper blockages, your plumber might use hydro-jetting.
If you use the wrong type of drain snake for the drain line, the snake could loop back on itself or scrape the sides of the plumbing pipe, causing damage that could lead to leaks and/or the need to replace the damaged piece of pipe.
In general, you should clean your vents at least once every two to five years.
Allowing the baking soda and vinegar mixture to sit in the drain for an extended period, such as overnight, can improve its effectiveness. The prolonged contact with the clog helps break down the build-up more thoroughly, making it easier to flush away with hot water the following morning.
One of the main reasons plumbers dislike liquid drain cleaners is that they can actually cause more harm than good. These products contain harsh chemicals that can corrode your pipes and cause damage over time.
Factors Influencing Drain Cleaning Costs
A simple clog caused by hair or soap buildup can be resolved quickly, resulting in a lower cost. However, severe blockages caused by tree roots, grease buildup, or foreign objects may require more intensive work and specialized equipment, leading to higher charges.
How Often Do You Need to Clean Your Drains? As part of your plumbing maintenance routine, call your plumber to schedule professional cleaning service at least once a year. This service helps your home maintain clean lines and eliminates debris buildup that will lead to clogs as time passes.
Pouring boiling water is quite risky as it might lead to a steam burn or scalding. Another thing to keep in mind is what type of material you are pouring in into. If you have a porcelain sink, it is likely to crack due to the heat. All in all, pouring boiling water down your drain will only cause issues down the road.
Heat 2 or 4 liters of water on your stove or in a kettle to just short of boiling. Add about 1/2 cup of salt. Try pouring this down the drain, then wait 15 minutes before seeing if it will clear more easily. If you need a stronger cleaning, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, then add 1/2 cup of vinegar.
Properties and Uses: Hydrochloric acid, also known as muriatic acid, is a highly corrosive acid used extensively by plumbers to clear severe clogs. It reacts rapidly with organic materials in drains, breaking them down into simpler compounds that can be easily flushed away.
Hair and Soap Buildup
Hair and soap are two of the most common culprits of bathroom drain clogs. As hair goes down the drain, it can get tangled up with soap and other substances, forming a sticky mass that can quickly build up and create a blockage.
Strange Smells and Noises
Foul smells emanating from your sink, bathtub or floor drain indicate a main sewer line blockage. The clog leaves nowhere else for the waste causing the smell to go, leaving a lingering odor. In addition to strange smells, you might also notice a gurgling noise coming from your drains.
All you have to do is pour 1 cup or baking soda down your drain and then follow it with 1 cup of vinegar. After your mixture is in the drain, seal the top of the drain and wait for about an hour so your concoction can start breaking down any clogs. After about an hour, rinse your drain a few times with boiling water.