What to Expect During Professional Drain Cleaning

What Is a Video Drain Inspection?

Professional drain cleaning often starts with a video drain inspection. This is a clever way for experts to look inside your pipes without digging them up. A small camera is attached to a long, flexible cable, which is carefully fed into your drains. As the camera moves along, it sends a video to a screen, showing the inside of the pipes.

The inspection helps the professional spot any problems, like clogs, cracks, or tree roots growing into the pipes. It also helps them figure out exactly where the problem is and how big it might be. This step is important because it makes sure the cleaning is done in the right places, saving time and avoiding unnecessary work.

Video drain inspections are safe and don't damage your pipes. They're like having a little robot explore your drains and report back. Knowing what's inside your pipes means the professionals can choose the best cleaning method to fix the problem.

What Should You Do to Prepare for Drain Cleaning Services?

Before the professionals arrive, there are a few things you can do to get ready. First, clear the area around the drain or pipe that will be worked on. This might mean moving items from under the sink or clearing a path to an outside drain. Doing this helps the experts get to the pipes easily without delays.

Next, let your family or anyone in the house know about the appointment. This way, everyone can avoid using water in sinks, showers, or toilets during the cleaning. If water is used while the cleaning is happening, it could make the job harder.

If you have pets, make sure they’re kept in a safe and quiet area, away from where the professionals will be working. This is to keep your pets safe and prevent any interruptions during the job.

You might also want to ask the professionals if there’s anything special you should do. For example, they may suggest turning off your water supply for a short time. Being prepared means the cleaning can start quickly and be done smoothly.

Lastly, it’s a good idea to have questions ready. If there’s anything you’re curious about, like how long the job will take or what equipment they’ll use, you can ask the team when they arrive.

Work Preparations

Before starting the cleaning, professionals will do a few checks and set up their equipment. First, they will inspect the area to make sure it’s safe. They’ll look for any risks, like slippery floors or obstacles, to avoid accidents.

The team will also check the pipes and drains once more to confirm what needs to be done. They may use tools like a video camera or special sensors to double-check the location of the problem. This makes sure they’re working in the right spot and won’t damage anything nearby.

Once everything is ready, the team will set up their equipment. This might include tools like high-pressure water jetting machines or drain snakes, depending on the problem. They’ll also wear protective gear, like gloves and goggles, to keep safe while they work.

Finally, the professionals will explain what they’re about to do. This is your chance to ask any last-minute questions or let them know if there’s anything important they should be aware of, like a fragile sink or a tricky pipe.

The Drain Cleaning Process

The actual cleaning process depends on what’s causing the problem. If the drains are clogged with grease, food, or soap, professionals might use a tool called a drain snake. This is a long, flexible cable with a special tip that can grab or break up clogs.

For tougher clogs, like tree roots or solid build-ups, they might use high-pressure water jetting. This machine sprays powerful jets of water into the pipes to blast away dirt, grime, and blockages. It’s very effective and can even clean the inside of the pipes, leaving them fresh and clear.

The team might also use eco-friendly cleaning solutions to help dissolve grease or other stubborn materials. These solutions are safe for your pipes and the environment.

Throughout the process, the professionals will keep an eye on their progress. They may use the video camera again to check how well the cleaning is going and to make sure all the blockages are gone.

When the cleaning is finished, the team will test the drains to see if water flows through easily. If everything works as it should, they’ll pack up their tools and leave your drains in much better shape.

What To Expect After the Drain Cleaning Service

After the service is done, your drains should be working smoothly again. You’ll notice water flowing quickly down the sink or shower, and there should be no strange smells coming from the pipes.

The professionals might give you advice on how to keep your drains in good shape. For example, they might suggest not pouring grease or coffee grounds down the sink, as these can cause clogs. They may also recommend using drain strainers to catch food bits or hair before they go into the pipes.

In some cases, the team might suggest a follow-up service, especially if your drains had a serious problem. Regular maintenance can help prevent big issues in the future and keep your pipes in tip-top condition.

If they found any damage during the cleaning, like cracks or weak spots in the pipes, they’ll let you know. They might suggest repairs to make sure the problem doesn’t happen again.

Lastly, don’t forget to ask about their guarantee or warranty. Many professional services offer a promise that their work will last for a certain amount of time. This gives you peace of mind and ensures your drains stay clean and clear.