Various Methods of Drain Cleaning

Clogged drains are a common residential plumbing issue that demand prompt action by homeowners. Clogs happen due to tree root intrusions, gradual accumulation of dirt, grease, oil and fat, food waste, and other debris like wipes, feminine hygiene products, hair, skin flakes, soap, cat litter, and cotton swabs, within the pipes. Blocked drains cause several issues, ranging from slow drainage, water contamination, mold and pest growth, backflow of dirty water, structural damages, foul odor, and severe health problems.

The best way to avoid clogs and protect the home plumbing system from damage is by cleaning the drains regularly. However, not many people include drain cleaning into their home maintenance schedule, which can result in blockages. Using a safe and reliable drain cleaning method clears clogs, improves the drain functionality, increases the life of the home plumbing system, and prevents future clogs. 

Different techniques are used to clean drains depending on the nature and severity of the clog. While minor clogs are easy to clear by the homeowner, more stubborn clogs require hiring the services of a professional drain cleaning company.  

Let us look at some effective drain cleaning methods used to keep drains in optimum condition:

Plunging

A well-known and widely used drain cleaning method using a plunger. Most homeowners use it to clear toilet clogs; however, plunging is also helpful in eliminating blockages in shower, bathtub, and sink drains. Cup and flange are the two main types of plungers used to clear clogs from plumbing fixtures. 

Chemical cleaning

Build-up inside the pipes solidifies over time to block the free flow of water. People often use chemical drain cleaners when the draining process slows down. Neglecting slow-moving drains can lead to complete blockage. Chemical drain cleaning products are available in solid and liquid form and are poured directly into the pipes, where they react with the organic debris and dislodge it to clear the clog. However, most experts advise against using this method as they use toxic and corrosive chemicals that are detrimental to the long-term health of the plumbing system. It is essential to hire professionals or choose eco-friendly, non-corrosive cleaners that are safe for the family, pets, and the environment. 

Drain snakes

A drain snake or a drain auger is a long and flexible metal wire, about a quarter inch in thickness, with a coiled end, traditionally used to fix sink and toilet clogs. It is a highly effective and valuable tool that can clear even the stubborn clogs located even far from the pipe opening. Insert one end of the wire with the corkscrew into the pipe till it reaches the clog. Then use it to poke and disintegrate the clog, allowing the water to travel freely. Motorized drain snakes are also widely available and are capable of clearing any obstruction.

Airburst cleaning

Airburst drain cleaning is a faster and more efficient method than chemical cleaning and is highly valuable to clear blockages from deep down the drain without leaving any marks. The technique uses carbon dioxide gas to clear clogged pipes. The gas enters the drain to create a force that is enough to disintegrate and dislodge the accumulated build-up.

Hydro jetting

The most modern and advanced drain cleaning technique that professionals use to clean drains is hydro jetting. The method involves using a motorized device with a long thin hose pipe with a nozzle to discharge water at a very high pressure inside the drain pipes to break through the sludge and clean the pipe’s interior. It is used to get rid of even the most stubborn clogs, including tree root infiltration.  Hydro jetting is beneficial for long pipes and requires a trained professional to perform the task. It is a thorough drain cleaning method, and may be helpful in preventing future clog formation. However, it is not a suitable method for every situation as not all pipes can withstand the type of pressure it exerts. A professional can inspect and determine whether using hydro jetting is safe or not. It is an environmentally friendly method and does not harm pipes in any way.

Clogged drains are a major annoyance for homeowners. Hire a professional drain cleaning service to get rid of clogs and efficiently clean the drains. Professionals have the skills, knowledge, tools, and expertise to perform the job quickly and efficiently using the most appropriate method. They can also offer valuable tips to prevent clogs. 

Guest Contributor: Richa Khandelwal

Signs of a Clogged Drain

Plumbing issues are not uncommon in homes across the country. As a homeowner, a common problem that people encounter is a clogged drain. Over time, pipes accumulate debris, like soap scum, hair, food particles, grease, oil, wipes, paper towels, non-flushable items, and tree roots that eventually lead to build-ups that cause clogs.

A clogged drain, whether in the kitchen or a bathroom, is a nuisance.  It needs immediate attention to avoid mess, inconvenience, and potential health risks. Clogs hamper the effective functioning of drains, and when left unaddressed for long, can overflow or cause severe damage to the overall plumbing system. While minor drain clogs are easy to fix using some simple home remedies, there is a need to hire an experienced professional plumber to address stubborn clogs and complicated drain problems effectively. 

Clean and free-flowing drains are critical to the proper working of the sinks, toilets, showers, and bathtubs. It is essential for homeowners to proactively look out for the drain clog warning signs to avoid complex and more expensive plumbing issues.

Read on to know about some of the tell-tale symptoms of a clogged drain:

Slow water drainage

One of the apparent signs of a clogged drain is when the water takes longer than usual to go down the toilet, shower, bathtub, and sink drain, or they do not drain at all. The issue may occur in a single drain or multiple drains across the house. The build-up in the pipes is often the reason behind slow water movement. Clean the drains regularly and avoid putting items not meant for them to prevent clogs. Avoid using store-bought drain cleaners as they do more harm than good and can damage the plumbing.

Water back-up

If the water backflows from any of the pipes, it indicates lack of a clear passage to flow smoothly. Sinks and toilets are more prone to water back-ups. The issue is more visible in the toilet as there are notable bubbles after every flush. Backups indicate something is causing an obstruction, and the water has to force its way through a small space. Use a plunger to clear the blockage or call a professional to examine the pipes.

Unpleasant odors

Perpetual foul smells emanating from the drains indicate that all is not well. When food pieces, debris, and other organic matter build-up and start to decompose in the pipes, it leads to stinky smells. Failed attempts of a rodent to gain access to the home by crawling through the pipes can also cause strange-smelling drains. If the unpleasant odor fails to go away, do not ignore it, and check the system to fix the issue to avoid further clogging and damage.

Gurgling sound

If there is gurgling or any other strange noise while flushing the toilet or running water through the tap, it can indicate a blockage. Gurgling occurs  when the air gets trapped inside the pipes due to an obstruction. Issues with the main sewer line or vent pipe blockage are some other reasons for gurgling sounds. Sewer line-related issues require professional assistance to fix the issue safely and avoid back-ups.

Unexplained water puddles 

Water puddles indoors, near the sink, commode, shower area, washing machine or bathtub, or outdoors, anywhere around the yard or lawn requires calling a professional for evaluation. Clogged drains can lead to backflow and leakages. Tree roots can severely damage the sewer pipes and lead to expensive repairs down the line.

Drain clogs are dangerous and annoying and don’t take long to turn into a major inconvenience leading to costly repairs or replacements. Call a professional plumber to unclog the drains and assess the plumbing system when DIY attempts fail to fix the issue. Homeowners should also consider taking preventative steps to reduce the possibility of clog formation and other plumbing issues.

About the author: This article is written by Richa for Dan’s Dirty Drains – Las Vegas drain cleaning experts.

Guest Contributor: Richa Khandelwal

5 Design Tips to Create a Welcoming Open Floor Plan

The open floor plan has become a popular home layout choice. One large, open space works well for entertaining and encouraging family time, but it can also feel a bit gaping. The following design tips can help you put together a homey and welcoming open floor plan. 

Use Furniture as Walls

With an open floor plan, you don’t have walls to break up your living space into rooms, but you can create the feeling of separate rooms using your furniture. Sofas and chairs arranged around a focal point such as a fireplace help clearly define a living room. You can place a console table behind a floating sofa to create an even more solid division. Open shelves and bookcases also make great dividers to set up a reading nook or work area within a larger open space. 

Utilize Area Rugs

Area rugs are a pivotal design element in creating a cozy atmosphere within an open floor plan. You can use rugs as an easy way to define smaller, more intimate areas within your open floor plan. Area rugs also create natural walkways between the separate areas of your space. 

Consider Your Lighting

Lighting can be used to help comfortably decorate your open space. Larger statement lighting pieces, such as a chandelier over the dining table or pendant lights over the kitchen island, help create definition by acting as a focal point for each separate area. More intimate lighting features such as sconces, floor lamps, and table lamps give living areas and reading nooks a cozier ambiance inside your open floor plan.

Create Consistency With Your Decor

In a house with closed rooms, you might be able to decorate each room in a completely different way. That won’t work as well with an open floor plan. While you want to define more intimate areas, you also want the consistency to help create a comfortable flow throughout the entire space. There are a few elements of your decor that can help tie everything together:

• Color

• Patterns

• Materials

You can use color as a unifying element in your open floor plan by keeping a cohesive color theme throughout your space. You might choose shades of one color, use complementary colors, or pick one accent color to use throughout your decor. Design pieces in each area, such as furniture, throw pillows, rugs, and curtains, can all incorporate your color scheme of choice. 

Patterns can be used in the same way as color to help create a cohesive feeling. If you have an animal print rug in your dining area, you might want to carry that over to your other living spaces with items like throw pillows. 

The materials that are used in the more permanent features of your home can also be incorporated into your decor. If you have marble countertops in your open kitchen or a distressed wood accent wall in your living area: you can use those materials in other design elements to connect one section of your vast space to another. 

Stick With One Style 

The overall style is a significant consideration with an open floor plan. The use of completely different designs in one open space can create a disjointed and uncomfortable feeling. If you have a rustic farmhouse-style kitchen, you shouldn’t decorate your adjacent living area with sleek modern furniture. One consistent look will create a better flow and a more comfortable ambiance. 

An open floor plan offers the advantages of easy entertaining and family togetherness. If you consider this option for your home, you can use these design tips to arrange an open space that also feels cozy and inviting.

Guest Contributor: Andrew Adams

Backyard Pond Waterfall Ideas

Are you looking to add a waterfall into your backyard to enhance the view? Do you already have a pond and want to take it a step further and add a waterfall? Having a backyard waterfall is surely a nice and relaxing piece to have to admire, and is a guaranteed stress reliever. Who doesn't want to be able to walk into their back yard and be met with the soothing sounds of a waterfall? There’s many different unique styles of waterfalls you can install in your backyard, anywhere from rustic to elegant to simple, the styles are endless and are completely up to you. The size of the pond is also based on your decision, whether you would like it bigger or small, any size waterfall would surely be relaxing.