If you’re not a fan of snakes, have no fear. This blog has nothing to do with slithering reptiles! Drain snaking is a common plumbing technique that is used to clear stubborn clogs in residential and commercial drain systems. It involves using a long, flexible metal cable called a drain snake or auger. It is manually or mechanically fed into a drainpipe to break up or retrieve blockages created by debris, hair, grease build-up or even intrusive tree roots.
Have you ever wondered why, even with regular cleaning, your drains occasionally refuse to cooperate? Let’s take a look at the top reasons your home’s drains might need snaking.
You’ve poured FOG down the drain.
No, we’re not referring to environmental mist. FOG refers to fats, oils and grease. Regularly used while cooking, these liquids congeal when cooled. As sticky residue, FOG clings to the inner surfaces of pipes. This results in a narrowing of the water flow as it catches food bits and other debris over time. Eventually, this build-up can cause serious blockages in kitchen drains.
To properly dispose of fat, oils and grease, Durham Region recommends that you “absorb FOG with a paper towel (or let it cool and harden) and put into your green bin for disposal…For large amounts of FOG, bring to a Waste Management Facility or local hazardous waste collection depot for free disposal (when delivered separately from other waste).”
You have long hair.
By no means are we commenting on your appearance or fashion sense. It just so happens that those with longer hair end up finding more of it going down their shower drains. Especially when water mixes with soap residue in the shower, soap scum easily forms. It creates a sticky coating that, along with fallen hair, creates dense, pesky clogs. Naturally, these are quite common in showers, bathtubs and sink drains.
If possible, place a steel mesh cup over your shower drain. It will help to prevent much of your hair from going down the drain. It’s also a good idea to gently brush your hair before showering or bathing. This will remove loose hairs that would otherwise end up in your drain.
You got tricked by the word “flushable”.
Don’t worry. You’re not alone. Many people have flushed wipes down the toilet simply because they’re packages read “flushable wipes”. It’s important to add these products to the same “do not flush” list as feminine products, cotton swabs, cat litter, jewellery and small toys. Each of these items resist breakdown, get wedged in pipe bends and can cause major clogs.
According to Lisa Fogarty of Consumer Reports, “one study found that more than 50 percent of biodegradable and flushable wipes contained both biodegradable cellulose and low-degradable synthetic fibres. The study concluded that most biodegradable flushable wipes do not really degrade.”
A blocked drain is more than an inconvenience.
It can lead to slow drainage, water backup and eventual pipe damage. Could you use the help of professional drain snaking services from 2 Bro’s Plumbing? Our team uses professional-grade snaking equipment to clear clogs caused by organic buildup, grease, debris or intruding tree roots.
We perform each job with precision, beginning with an inspection to determine the cause of the blockage. Once identified, we insert the appropriate snaking tool to break up and remove the obstruction. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 905-556-0790 or email us at admin@2brosplumbing.ca today!
