Advanced Tools for Your Stubborn Plumbing Repair

Homeowners often have very independent spirits, leading to a can-do attitude and a desire to solve problems on their own and save a little money at the same time. Without a doubt, there are plenty of instructional plumbing repair videos offering advice, and several DIY supply chains to assist homeowners with necessary supplies.

Many homeowners are eager to take on this challenge of clearing drains, always optimistic that the solution will be simple. When the clog is simple, there are several common tools and plumbing repair approaches that work on simple clogs.

• Plunger or plumber’s helper. A plunger forces air into the drain to dislodge the material causing the blockage. A plunger can only push a relatively small amount of air into the pipe, so it is effective for very soft, organic clogs. A plunger’s reach is also very limited, so it will only work on blockages very close to the toilet bowl or sink drain.
• Chemical drain cleaners. Common drain cleaners use very harsh chemicals—a combination of lye, bleach, and strong detergents. These chemicals create heat to melt some of the grease and an oxidation reaction to dissolve organic material. They also have a limited reach, since the chemicals get diluted in large quantities of water. When the chemicals are not effective, anyone working on the remaining clog is splashing around in very hazardous liquids. If the chemicals encounter skin or eyes, they can cause severe burns.
• Short drain snakes. Another option is a drain snake, a hardened cable that is inserted into the drain to physically try to push through the blockage. Again, the reach of DIY drain snakes is usually limited; it will only help with clogs within reach.

Professional plumbers have advanced plumbing repair training and powerful tools to remove a variety of clogs. First, plumbers will not use chemical drain cleaners, since they must work with the resulting hazardous materials. Here are some common advanced methods that a professional plumber will employ for difficult clogs.

• Bypassing the trap. A trap exists in every drain line to ensure that toxic gases from the drain and sewer do not leak into the home or business. These traps, however, cause many clogs and make reaching a clog very difficult. Plumbers feel much more comfortable in disconnecting pipes and replacing them without leaks.
• Powered drain snakes. A plumber will have access to a motorized snake. The motor can push the snake much further, reaching a clog distant from the toilet, sink, or tub. The force of the motor can penetrate stubborn clogs, and the moving cable can soften or remove the grease that collects on the pipe walls.
• Hydro jetting. A water jet is another advanced drain cleaning tool. A directed, hardened hose with a camera is inserted into the drain. The hot water exits the hose under high pressure, cleaning the grease and debris that collects on the pipe walls. This can only be completed after the clog has been removed and the drain is opened.
• Camera and auger. Some plumbing contractors also use advanced tools that include a drain camera to locate deep clogs and a drain auger that cuts the roots from drain lines. Any flaw in a pipe crossing the lawn will attract the roots of trees and shrubs. The contents of the pipe have everything the root is seeking—organic nutrients and water. Removing the growth of roots can be very difficult and requires specialty equipment or unearthing the drain line.

Trust the Doctor Cool Professionals for Plumbing Repair

While the intrigue of a DIY project is strong, a stubborn clog often requires more than simple tools and a can-do attitude. Don’t risk causing further damage or exposing yourself to hazardous chemicals. For effective and lasting plumbing repair, trust the plumbing repair professionals at Doctor Cool to handle the tough jobs with advanced equipment and expertise.

Let Doctor Cool assist with all of your clogged drain questions. Call Doctor Cool & Professor Heat today at 281-516-5935 or email Doctor Cool and let our professional Residential League City Plumbing Repair Contractors assist with all of your plumbing repair and installation needs.