Calgary Drain Cleaning Options For Homeowners

Posted by Shiloh Fletcher
1
Feb 19, 2013
909 Views
The most effective way to eliminate a clog is through a mechanical method. While the chemical method might fail to dislodge the clog, dismantling the pipe and actually locating the clog is the most certain way to permanently eliminate the clog. However, dismantling the pipe is not always practical and there are more effective methods.   

One of the most common methods used is the plunger. The plunger is placed over the drain and creates suction that is usually powerful enough to dislodge the clog. However, some clogs might be stubborn and may require more effective methods.   

Plumbing snakes are Calgary drain cleaning methods that can help dislodge a clog. It is an auger made out of a coiled wire that has a space in between the coil and the end of the auger. How the plumber's snake removes the clog depends on a variety of factors. Some plumber's snakes remove the clog by digging into the pipe like a screw. In other cases, the snake is able to pass through the drain and the passage through dislodges the clog. The snake moves around inside the pipe and can help dislodge more of the debris.   

The auger can come in many varieties including the closet auger, hand auger, and the heavy-duty drum auger. The hand auger is most commonly used to dislodge bathtub and sink clogs. They are not used in toilets since they can cause damage. The closet augers protects the flush toilet because of the plastic boot on the end of it.   

If the drain is clogged to the extent where the auger cannot remove it, the last option is for the pipe to be replaced. Some pipes are so severely clogged that attempting to dislodge the debris would only damage it.   

Chemical Calgary drain cleaning methods should be used at last resort. While they can be effective against some clogs, they are highly corrosive, which can lead to the drain cleaner damaging the inside of the pipe over time. Using the drain cleaner to often will cause the pipe to be damaged.   

Acid cleaners are the most dangerous and should not be used by anyone other than a professional Calgary drain cleaning specialist. Caustic and oxidizing cleaners are better options for non-professionals.   

The chemical drain cleaners can come in the form of a powder, gel or liquid. The caustic drain cleaner uses either potash, lye or a similar caustic substance. They provide electrons to the clog, which causes hydroxide ions to create a chemical reaction that turns the clog into a soap that can then be washed down the drain.   

Oxidizing Calgary drain cleaning chemicals are commonly found in households. They mostly react with organic materials by causing them to become oxidized and lose their electrons.    

Drains are often clogged by organic materials. As a result, introducing bacteria and enzymes can help dissolve a clog over time. These types of chemicals are all-natural, so those using them do not have to worry as much about damaging the pipes. However, the enzymatic drain cleaners do not clean the pipes as quickly as the chemical or mechanical methods.   

For the chemicals to work as cleaners, they must be heavier than water. Otherwise, they will float to the top of the water poured down the drain and will not be as effective. For this reason, not all acids will be effective when clearing out drains.   

When working with chemicals, it is important that they not be swallowed, since they are very toxic. For that reason, they should be kept out of reach of children. Also, they should not be used too excessively since they can contaminate the environment.
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