THE COSTS INVOLVED TO UNCLOG A DRAIN
Some plumbing clogs can be removed by hand, sometimes a clog will respond to a simple plunger. A more persistent clog requires a plumbing cable/auger, also known as a “plumbing snake”. The most stubborn line obstructions require a Hydrojet machine. Simply put, the more complex the obstruction, the more equipment will be needed and the longer the job will take. This will determine the final price you pay to clear the obstruction.
Nature & Extent of The Obstruction
The extent of the obstruction will determine the amount of work it will take to remove and what equipment will be used. Sometimes a clog can be removed simply by pouring a chemical solution such as Drano down the drain. If this doesn’t work, a simple plunger sometimes does the trick. If neither of these techniques is successful, it will be necessary to open or get into the drain and manually clear away the obstruction.
Causes of Plumbing/Drain Obstructions
There can be many causes of plumbing obstructions. Tree roots in the pipes, damaged or corroded pipes, or a buildup over time of grease, oil, hair, food, or paper products can all cause obstructions that will stop the flow of water and the obstruction will need to be removed. Only an experienced professional plumber can tell exactly what the problem is, exactly where it is located, and which equipment will need to be used. The ultimate price will be determined by the equipment needed and how much time the process will take.
Count the Number of Clogs
The number of clogs you have can also tell you about the nature or location of the clog. If you have only one clog, it’s probably a buildup of hair or paper in the drain. These obstructions may often be removed directly by hand or with a plunger. If water starts backing up into your sinks, tubs and toilets at the same time, it usually means you have an obstruction in the main line. This will have to removed with either an auguring/cabling tool or with a Hydro Jet machine. Sending a video camera into the line often tells the plumber more about the nature of the obstruction, and shows the plumber the exact location of the obstruction.
Drain Upkeep and Maintenance.
After a plumbing obstruction has been cleared, we often pour a chemical solution into the drain to clean the inside of the pipe/s. Baking soda, vinegar, chlorine bleach and complex chemical solutions can all be used. If you have a restaurant, your grease traps will have to be professionally cleaned out on a regular basis. A Hydrojet machine is the best way to blast away the build-up of grease. Not all chemicals work on all kinds of plumbing: a highly corrosive liquid can damage PVC/plastic piping, so read the directions carefully and know as much about your plumbing system as you can. The more maintenance you do on a regular basis, the cleaner your drains will be, and with clean drains you will have less need for professional plumbing services.
