Drain Cleaning

Main drain cleaning can vary in cost, depending on several factors. Quote prices usually range from $100 to $500. If your space is large or requires more extensive work, it can easily exceed $500. How much it actually costs also depends on regional pricing and the type of service you hire. Checking with multiple services is a good way to safeguard against overpaying and to ensure that you have secure drains afterward.

Drain clogs can sometimes be removed by using baking soda and vinegar, but they might not work for really tough clogs. This method is a two-step process. In the first step, you mix one cup of baking soda with one cup of vinegar in a bowl. This step is done outside the drain. The mixing causes a vigorous reaction between the baking soda and vinegar, generating lots of carbon dioxide gas and some foam. Carbon dioxide is a gas that occupies space; when it is confined to a space (like a drain), it exerts pressure.

Typical Roto-Rooter charges vary depending on local conditions where you live and on the nature of the clog (‘how bad it is, really’). They give a ballpark range of $100 to $300. However, they tell people to call for quotable specifics because sometimes problems are bigger and more involved than you might expect.

There are several reasons why professional drain cleaning is totally worth it. For one, the pros have the right tools and know-how—precisely what is required to do a safe and effective drain cleaning job. That in itself is a strong argument for going pro. There are other reasons, too, like these three: 1. Better cleaning. Pros not only clean better but also find problems that might lead to future clogs. 2. Preventive maintenance. Having drams done is a good way to prevent things like pipes bursting, etc. 3. Saves you money. You might think, "They cost so much; I can do it myself." But in the long run, especially if you value your time, having a pro do it... is worth it.

Drains, in homes and pools, need to be cleaned annually, at the very least. This ensures that they do not get clogged and do not cause working parts to malfunction. If you see signs that a drain is not draining well, or if a drain is emitting bad smells, it is time to clean clean it. Not resolving the problem with a slow or smelly drain will almost certainly lead to more serious problems with the drain, and it may also lead to some serious problems with whatever it is that the drain drains into (or leads to).

Using Drano too frequently or inappropriately can be harmful to your plumbing. This potent performance product is certainly powerful enough to do the job, but its sheer force can work against it when used improperly or too often. Mixing Drano with older plumbing materials doesn't always yield the best results, especially since many older pipes aren't as heat-resistant as newer ones. Failure to dissolve a severe clog can result in Drano stagnating in your pipes, with the potential for toxic flushes that can damage your system. Using a combination of much gentler methods and Drano as a last resort is the strategy most likely to result in continued good health for your plumbing.

If your main drain is clogged, some obvious signs will tell you so. The first sign to look for is this: Are multiple drains in your house slow or not working right? If your sinks, tubs, and toilets seem to be having simultaneous draining problems, that's a pretty big clue. And then there are the strange noises. Is your plumbing making any weird sounds, like gurgling? When your main drain is clogged, that's coming from the drain and not your imagination. Speaking of sounds, is water backing up in different places when you use a lot of it? That's another sign of a clogged main drain. And lastly, what about smells? If your drains are emitting an odor that makes you think of the things you shove down there, that could also mean the main drain is clogged.

Cleaning your sewer line with hydro jetting can be highly effective. It employs a high-pressure water stream to blast away clogs and buildup inside your line. This is a powerful and very effective method that can clear out things that you might normally just snake out. But you should be careful. If your line is old or compromised in any way, the powerful force of water can do just as much harm as good if it blows past a clog. It's a good idea to have a professional inspect your line before subjecting it to the water torture treatment.

Typically, it takes one to four hours to clear a main sewer line. Several factors can affect the time it takes, such as how severe the clog is, what caused it, and how adept the person working on it is. If tree roots or other tough stuff are in the way, it could take longer. On the bright side, if it's just a straightforward clog, it might be cleared in faster time than what I just said.

To clear a main line drain yourself, start with the simplest solution. Use a plunger to create pressure that might push the clog through. Plunging a drain isn't quite the same as plunging a toilet. If you have nearby sinks that can fill with some water, do so, then plunge vigorously over the drain. If that doesn't work, your best bet is a drain snake. This long, flexible tool is made for the job. Using a drain snake: 1. Gently turn the handle as you feed the snake into the drain. 2. Work the snake through the pipe, using the tool to break up the blockage and push it through the drain. If you don't have a drain snake, consider using an auger (also known as a snake or closet auger). These are available at most hardware stores.