The drains in your home’s plumbing system are subject to frequent organic buildup and clogs. While some DIY solutions like commercial drain cleaners and plungers can help, more serious clogs require Drain Cleaning Los Angeles services. 
For quick, easy-to-use DIY methods for unclogging slow-draining drains, try mixing baking soda and white vinegar or using a plastic drain cleaning strip with back-angled barbs. If these aren’t working, it’s time to call a plumber.
Clogged drains are more than just a nuisance. They can also lead to more serious plumbing issues if left unattended. A professional drain cleaning can remove even the most stubborn clogs and keep them from coming back in the future.
The most common causes of clogged pipes are food particles, hair, soap scum, and grease. These can all build up in the walls of your pipes and block the flow of water. When you notice that a sink, tub, or toilet is draining slowly or not at all, it’s time to call a plumber for drain cleaning.
Many people try to fix a clogged drain by using store-bought chemical cleaners. However, these harsh chemicals can be hazardous to your health and can deteriorate the inside of some pipes. A professional drain cleaning service uses safe, environmentally friendly methods to clear clogs and restore proper flow.
A plumber may use a special tool called a snake to break up and dislodge clogs from your pipes. A snake is a long piece of wire with a hook at the end that can be fed into a clogged pipe. It’s important to feed it into the clog slowly and not force it. Once the clog is broken up, the plumber can pull it out and dispose of it.
Another common way to clear a drain is with a plunger. First, remove the pop-up assembly from the sink or bathtub drain. Then, plunge vigorously to break up and dislodge any debris stuck in the drain. For deeper clogs, a plumber may choose to use a wire snake. These are similar to plumbing snakes but are longer and feature more aggressive tips for breaking up and hooking clogs for removal.
If a plunger and a snake fail to do the trick, a plumber can always use a sewer jetter. This is a powerful plumbing tool that uses high-pressure water to blast through and clear any clogs. It’s especially effective at clearing fat, oil, and grease (FOG) clogs that regular drain cleaning can’t remove.
To prevent future drain clogs, you should never flush disposal wipes. These non-biodegradable products can stick to the inside of your pipes and create tough clogs that are difficult to break up. It’s also important to place small toys and other objects into a garbage can instead of down a drain or toilet.
Reduced Odors
Sometimes smelly drains are caused by the build-up of mold or mildew. Fortunately, there are some easy home remedies you can try to eliminate the odor. For example, pouring boiling water down the drain helps remove odor-causing bacteria. To do this, bring a pot of water to the simmering point (when tiny bubbles appear) and then slowly pour half down your stinky drain. After a few minutes, pour in the rest of the hot water to wash away any gunk that has settled in your pipe.
Another great way to reduce drain odors is to use vinegar or baking soda. Baking soda is a natural cleanser that can dissolve small blockages and keep your pipes smelling fresh and clean. To use it, simply pour a cup of baking soda down your stinky drain. Then, follow it with a cup of vinegar. The mixture will fizz and bubble, killing any odor-causing bacteria and washing away any food debris that may be stuck in your drain.
If your smelly drain is caused by a clogged or blocked pipe, you can try snaking the drain to break up and remove the clog. Alternatively, you can use a chemical drain opener to kill the bacteria and remove the clog. However, using chemical cleaners can be dangerous to your health and your pipes.
A dirty garbage disposal can also cause foul drain odors. To avoid this, run ice cubes and lemon juice down your drain once a month to keep it running smoothly and preventing odors from building up.
If the foul drain odor is coming from the sewer line, it could be a sign of serious damage to your sewer line. This can be caused by tree roots, ground shifting, or construction projects. If the problem isn’t addressed, sewage will back up into your home and cause major plumbing problems.
In addition to drain cleaning, you can prevent stinky drains by utilizing a drain strainer to catch hair and other debris in the first place. You can also install a drain trap in your basement to prevent sewer odors from seeping into the house.
Reduced Risk of Leaks
A clogged drain can eventually lead to leaky pipes, which are not only inconvenient but also expensive to fix. Regular drain cleaning can eliminate minor clogs before they become a major problem and prevent them from causing water damage to your property.
A professional drain cleaner can use high-pressure water to clear clogs without damaging your pipes. In addition, they can inspect your pipe condition to identify any potential issues and suggest repairs. Moreover, some professional plumbers even offer preventive maintenance programs for homeowners that include regular drain cleaning and inspection.
Avoid Using Chemical Drain Cleaners
Commercial-grade drain cleaners contain toxic chemicals that can corrode your pipes. In addition, they often take too long to work and require multiple applications. In addition, they may not be safe for your home’s plumbing system, especially if you have a septic system.
Instead of chemical drain cleaners, choose an environmentally friendly option like oxidizing drain cleaners. These cleaners work by creating an acidic reaction with organic matter in the clogged pipes, including hair, grease, and soap residue. The acid breaks down the clog and allows the waste to flow through the pipes.
Stagnant water and organic matter create ideal breeding grounds for harmful bacteria and mold, which can contaminate your home’s water supply and lead to health problems. However, high-pressure drain cleaning can eliminate these bacterial growths and reduce the risk of water contamination in your home.
A clogged drain can produce unpleasant odors that spread throughout your home. In addition, if the clog is large enough, it can block water flow and leave the space dry on one side. This can cause rotting food and waste to accumulate in the drain and produce additional odors. However, a professional drain cleaning can remove these odors and make your home smell fresher and cleaner.
A clogged drain can disrupt your daily routine, which can be difficult and time-consuming to solve. However, by hiring a professional to perform regular drain cleaning, you can enjoy a properly functioning plumbing system and avoid costly repair costs in the future. In addition, a professional can offer a variety of other services, such as sewer pipe cleaning and septic tank cleaning, to protect your home’s plumbing system.
Longer Pipe Life
Many homeowners have a blind spot in their home maintenance routine—the drain pipes. This oversight can lead to expensive repairs down the line if not addressed. Regular drain cleaning removes the corrosive build-up that can eat through pipes over time and reduces your risk of pipe damage.
Clogged drains can be caused by a wide range of things, from hair and soap scum to paper and food scraps. A professional drain cleaner can use a combination of methods to thoroughly clean out your drain lines and restore them to peak performance.
Most clogs can be solved by taking a few preventative steps, like installing a drain stopper and limiting what goes down the drains (think turkey skin, oils, coffee grounds, etc). However, if you still experience slow-moving or completely blocked drains, it’s time for a drain cleaning.
There are many do-it-yourself and alternative drain cleaners available, but it’s important to choose one that works well with your pipes. Many DIY cleaners are caustic and can be damaging to your pipes. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly option, Biokleen’s Bac-Out Drain Care Gel is a good choice. Its formula uses natural enzymes to dissolve residue and break down moderate clogs, without the use of harsh chemicals. It also has a B rating with the Environmental Working Group, which makes it safe for families with children and pets.
Another great option is a hydro-jetter, which is a plumbing device that sends water at high pressure through a hose inserted into the drainpipes. This nozzle can reach down even the most stubborn clogs and thoroughly clean out your entire drain system. Hydro-jetting removes accumulated debris, breaks apart and dissolves tough blockages, and obliterates mineral deposits. It can also detect other problems in your pipes, like leaks, that may not be visible to the naked eye.
Replacing your drain pipes is a costly project, and it’s best to avoid the issue altogether by performing regular drain cleaning. This helps prolong the life of your pipes and keeps them functioning properly. If you need help with drain cleaning, contact a plumber in your area today.
