Plumber Recommended Techniques for Unclogging a Sink
Given the amount of things that go down the average Reno household drain on a regular basis, it should not be surprising that clogs are a common problem. There are many ways that a sink drain can become clogged, but the most common cause is something going down the drain that does not belong there. The solutions that most homeowners will try before calling a plumber are typically to plunge the drain or to use a chemical drain cleaner.
Plungers can be useful for clearing milder clogs but chemical drain cleaners can actually damage plumbing. For a stubborn clog, it will be necessary to call a plumber. A plumber will likely use one or more of the following techniques:
• P-Trap Removal
Clogs often occur in the P-trap. Common causes are coffee grounds or grease sticking. If your attempts to plunge the drain clear fail, your plumber can take the P-trap apart and clean it out. This will involve emptying the sink and then loosening slip-nuts to disassemble the drain. This can be done with pliers.
• Snaking
Serious clogs may require the use of a plumbing snake, which is sometimes called an augur. This tool consists of a long, flexible metal cable. Your plumber will feed the snake down the drain to push the clog out of the way or to bore through it. In some cases, it will be necessary to remove the P-trap and feed the snake into the drain stub out. This can allow direct access to a clog that is further along in the drain line.
• Hydro Jetting
Kitchen drain lines are usually relatively small and longer ones may sag or dip so that grease, food debris and soap residue will accumulate and cause a clog. In cases where there is an excessive amount of grease, your plumber may choose to hydro jet the line. Hydro jetting or water jetting involves the use of high water pressure to clear a line of obstructions. The equipment used is similar to a power washer in that it delivers water at a high PSI.
When performed correctly, hydro jetting can eliminate a clog and solve the problem of recurring clogs as well. It is important to note that it may not be possible to jet older drains because of the potential for damage from the water pressure. A trained and experienced Reno plumber will inspect your drains before hydro jetting to ensure that they can withstand the force of the water.
Unclogging a sink is a job for the pros. Call Ira Hansen and Sons Plumbing at 775-406-6964 for plumbing service in your Reno, NV home!