The Ultimate Guide to Drain Cleaning

If you're looking for expert advice on drain cleaning, you've come to the right place. At All Systems Pros, we help homeowners across Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley keep their drains clean, safe, and flowing. In this guide, we'll provide an overview of drain cleaning, what you need to know about local rules, the tools and materials involved, the different methods you can use to clean drains, DIY tips, and when to call a professional.

Overview of Drain Cleaning

Drain cleaning is the process of clearing out debris or buildup that has accumulated in your drains. This can include dirt, grease, hair, soap scum, and, in sewer lines, tree roots. Keeping your drains clean and free of obstructions ensures proper drainage and helps prevent backups. If a clog keeps coming back or affects more than one fixture, it's best to contact a professional drain cleaning service.

What You Need to Know About Local Drain Cleaning Regulations

Clearing a clog in your own home generally doesn't require a permit. Work that goes further, such as repairing or replacing a drain or sewer line, may require a permit and inspection from your city, and requirements vary from city to city in the San Gabriel Valley. If you hire someone, make sure the company is licensed and insured.

What Tools and Materials Do You Need for Drain Cleaning?

When it comes to drain cleaning, the right tools are essential. Depending on the type of blockage, you may need a plunger, a hand snake, or a drain auger. Some homeowners also use enzyme cleaners or a baking soda and hot water rinse for light buildup. You'll also want gloves and safety glasses. Never mix drain products, and never combine bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or another cleaner, because the combination can release toxic gas.

What Are the Different Methods for Cleaning Drains?

There are several different methods for cleaning drains:

• Mechanical tools: Plungers, snakes, and augers physically break up or pull out a blockage. Professionals also use motorized cable machines and hydro jetting for heavier or recurring blockages. See our comparison of hydro jetting vs. snaking.
• Chemical cleaners: These use caustic or acidic ingredients to dissolve buildup. They can damage some pipes and are hazardous to handle, so use them sparingly, if at all.
• Natural cleaners: Baking soda, vinegar, and hot water can freshen a drain and loosen light residue, but they won't clear a true blockage.

DIY Tips for Cleaning Drains

If you're looking to tackle a minor clog on your own, start by removing and cleaning the sink or tub stopper, since hair and soap often collect there. Next, use a plunger to try to dislodge the blockage. If the plunger doesn't do the trick, a hand snake or auger can reach further into the line. If none of these work, stop there and call a professional rather than reaching for harsher chemicals.

Professional Drain Cleaning Services

If you're dealing with a more serious blockage, a clog that keeps returning, or several slow drains at once, it's best to call in a professional. All Systems Pros has the equipment to clear blockages safely and can recommend steps to help prevent future ones. Drain cleaning with us typically runs $89 to $350, depending on the location and severity of the clog.

What Is the Best Way to Maintain Your Drains?

The best way to maintain your drains is with simple, regular habits:

• Clean out stoppers and traps periodically.
• Use a drain cover or drain screen to catch hair and debris before it reaches the drain.
• Keep grease, coffee grounds, and wipes out of your drains and toilets.
• Run water for a few seconds after using a sink to help carry residue through the line.

Do You Need a Plumbing License to Clean Drains?

Homeowners can clear their own drains without a license. If you're hiring someone, keep in mind that California contractors are licensed by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB), and you can verify any license number on the CSLB website. It's always important to hire a drain cleaning service that is licensed and insured.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Drains

When it comes to cleaning drains, there are a few common mistakes you should avoid:

• Relying on harsh chemical cleaners, which can damage pipes and rarely clear a serious clog.
• Plunging or snaking a drain right after pouring in a chemical cleaner, which can splash caustic liquid onto your skin or eyes.
• Mixing cleaning products in the same drain.
• Trying to remove a blockage without the proper tools and safety gear.

Conclusion

Drain cleaning is an important part of keeping your plumbing working the way it should. In this guide, we've covered the basics of drain cleaning, local rules, tools, methods, DIY tips, and professional services. If you're not sure whether a slow drain is a minor clog or a bigger problem, our guide to drain clog warning signs can help.

Whether you have a clogged drain or need emergency plumbing service, All Systems Pros can help, 24/7, throughout Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley. Call 800-754-5076 with any questions about drain cleaning.