Drain cleaning is one of the most valuable services for your plumbing system. If you have never had professional drain cleaning done before, you should definitely consider it, as it may get rid of clogs you were not even aware of and help your plumbing equipment to move faster overall. However, what many homeowners do not know is that drain cleaning works better when you take a few simple steps to get your system ready for it. Keep reading to learn how to prepare for drain cleaning service, and make sure to hire our Memphis plumbers at Smith’s Plumbing Services for all your other plumbing needs.
5 Steps to Prepare for Drain Cleaning Service
- Create an Easy Access Point: By clearing a path between your front door and drain, your plumber will be able to access your system faster. Ideally, there should be at least 3 feet around the drain in question, so all drain cleaning equipment can be brought in and out swiftly.
- Remove Items Around the Access Point: In conjunction with the last point, it is also important to remove items around the access point where your plumber will be working. For instance, if you keep toiletries under your bathroom sink, or cleaning supplies around your kitchen drains, it is important to remove these items for maximum safety and efficiency.
- Dispose of Sewage: When sewage starts to bubble through your drains, the fact that you need drain cleaning becomes evident. However, you will need to contact a waste removal company before your plumber can provide this service. We understand this is a nasty business, but even the most skilled plumbers can’t identify drain issues if the access point is blocked by sewage.
- Avoid Using Chemical Drain Cleaners: Besides being dangerous, using chemical drain cleaners is bad for pipes, and can erode your system over time. Plus, if you have already hired a plumber, chances are your problem is big enough that chemical cleaners won’t do anything but create an unsafe environment for everybody. If you do want to clean a drain on your own, consider pouring a half-cup of baking soda down it, immediately followed by a cup of white vinegar. Block your drain with a stopper after doing this, and then wash it out 15 minutes later with hot water. It may not get rid of your clog completely, but should at least make it easier for your plumber to remove an obstruction.
- Be Prepared to Have More Work Done: The unfortunate fact is, drain problems often belie a bigger issue. You may be dealing with a damaged pipe, for instance, or a sewer line failure. Fortunately, our Memphis plumbers offer sewer repair, pipe repair and replacement, and even kitchen and bath remodeling to solve such issues. Remember, waiting to deal with drain problems can have devastating results for your plumbing and sewer system, so it’s always better to call for service sooner rather than later.
You can reach Smith’s Plumbing Services 24/7 at (901) 290-1110, or contact us online.