Clogged drains are commonly seen by our team. They come with a multitude of causes and a few different ways to correct it. You may be wondering how your drain became clogged and how you can go about fixing it. Do you need a professional to come out, or is it something simply corrected with a bit of DIY magic? Let’s discuss!

Causes and Prevention

Oftentimes, clogged drains are the result of soap scum buildup, hair, grease and other debris getting trapped in your drain. From toilets to showers to kitchen sinks, you need to be careful about what you’re putting in them. 

In order to keep clogs from happening, be certain to never dispose of toxic chemicals, paper towels, fats/grease/oils, flour, eggshells, medications, feminine hygiene products, rinds/peels or stringy foods in your drains. Put them in the trash to help keep your drains healthy. 

Additionally, there are some methods to avoid buildup inside your drains. Screen grates prevent larger items such as hair from entering the drain in the first place. Running hot water through your drains each time you use them also helps prevent buildup. For a bit of maintenance, you can occasionally pour a cup of vinegar and a handful of baking soda down the drain and follow it up with hot water. 

DIY VS Professional Services

This will largely depend on the overall severity of the situation. You can begin by using a plunger or snake the drain to see if you can clear it yourself. If you lack plumbing prowess, it’s best that you do not disassemble any of the pipes or use harsh chemicals. This could result in damage or even more severe issues. 

If there are multiple drains that are clogged or backed up, then you will require a professional. This means that the clog may be coming from the main line, and could be the result of a more serious issue. Our mantra is when in doubt, call a professional. You don’t want to end up with more severe, costly problems by attempting to DIY something big.

What Can a Plumber Do? 

We typically employ one of two methods to unclog drains. Hydro Jetting and snake drain cleaning are our go-tos. 

Hydro jetting involves using a pressurizing machine attached to a hose that propels water at a high force to clean out your drain. The hose is threaded through your pipes, releasing pressurized water to clear out any buildup and debris inside. 

Snake drain cleaning is meant for clogs that are located near the entrance to the drain. We employ an auger (plumbing snake) in order to reach the clog and manually remove it. 

Tree Roots

Oddly enough, tree roots may be the cause of your clogged pipes. They’re attracted to water and will grow near strong sources. Occasionally, they are able to make their way into pipes, causing serious blockages that require removal. 

Give Us a Call

If you’ve noticed your drains are clogging and are at a loss on what to do, get in touch with Texas Drain Specialist today to have a professional come out to take a look!