Drain Cleaning

HOUSTON DRAIN CLEANING

Clearing and Preventing Clogs in Your Kitchens and Bathrooms

Clogs in drains can be a major source of frustration and disruption. No one wants to deal with the mess and inconvenience of clogged sinks, toilets, showers, or bathtubs, but the unfortunate reality is that you will inevitably have to deal with a clog at some point, even if you take good care of your fixtures and appliances.

When you do encounter a clog, you need a professional to not only resolve the issue quickly but also determine why it formed in the first place. Our responsive Houston drain cleaning professionals at Santhoff Plumbing have over 200 years of combined experience and are available 24/7 for emergency services. After unclogging your drain, we will explain how the clog developed and what you can do to prevent future blockages. We offer a satisfaction guarantee, so you can trust a clog we fix will not be back anytime soon.

Our Veteran-owned and family-operated plumbing company is ready to help you combat stubborn clogs of all kinds. Call (713) 665-4997 or contact us online to schedule a service appointment today for drain cleaning in Houston!

Why Do Drains Become Clogged?

Drains can become clogged due to a variety of factors.

One of the most common reasons is the accumulation of food waste in your home’s drainpipes. Grease buildup from cooking oils, fats, and grease can also cause clogs if they are not disposed of properly. This food waste attracts bacteria and other microorganisms, which further contributes to blockage in the pipes.
Soap scum and other debris from cleaning products that are washed down drains can also contribute to clogging as they accumulate over time and form a thick layer that restricts water flow.
Hair accumulation is another major cause of clogs: When hair passes through drains, it tangles with other matter and creates obstructions.
Foreign objects such as toys, jewelry, or hygiene products that cannot be broken down easily by water passing through the pipes may also become stuck in the drainage system and lead to blockages.
Tree roots may infiltrate underground pipes and disrupt their normal flow, which can cause serious blockages.
Lastly, sludge and sediment buildup due to lack of maintenance can create an obstruction in the drainpipe over time if left unchecked.

Why It’s Important to Invest in Drain Cleaning

No matter its cause, any clog must be taken seriously. If you ignore a clog, the blockage will likely get worse as more debris, sludge, and sediment accumulate in your pipes. This can cause serious damage to your drainage system, potentially leading to burst pipes or flooding in your basement or other areas of your home. Even worse, an unaddressed clog will in many instances produce unpleasant odors due to backed-up sewage or stagnant water sitting in the piping. To avoid these outcomes, get in touch with our Houston drain cleaning experts as soon as you realize you have a clog you cannot easily fix yourself.

Preventive Drain Plumbing Maintenance

At Santhoff Plumbing, we believe that prevention is key when it comes to plumbing issues. Regular maintenance on your drainage systems can help you avoid costly repairs and inconvenient disruptions to your daily life. Our team of experienced plumbers in Houston, TX can provide comprehensive preventive plumbing services to ensure that your plumbing system is in top shape.

Benefits of preventive drain maintenance include:

Early detection of leaks and potential issues
Extended lifespan of your plumbing system
Improved water efficiency
Reduced risk of major plumbing emergencies
Peace of mind knowing that your plumbing system is well-maintained

Our preventive drain services include:

Inspection of pipes, faucets, and fixtures
Testing of water pressure
Drain cleaning and inspection
Water heater inspection and maintenance
Identification and repair of minor leaks

By investing in preventive plumbing maintenance, you can save time, money, and stress in the long run. Contact Santhoff Plumbing today to schedule a maintenance appointment and keep your plumbing system running smoothly.

What Are The Benefits of Drain Cleaning Services?

Whether you have a minor clog or a stubborn blockage, we have the tools and expertise to effectively clear your drains and prevent future clogs.

Benefits of professional drain cleaning services:

Thorough removal of debris: Our advanced drain cleaning techniques ensure that all debris, including hair, grease, soap scum, and other buildup, is completely removed from your drains.
Prevention of future clogs: By removing the underlying causes of clogs, our drain cleaning services help prevent future blockages, saving you time and money on costly repairs.
Improved plumbing system performance: Clear drains allow water to flow freely, improving the overall performance of your plumbing system and reducing the risk of backups and overflows.
Extended lifespan of your pipes: Regular drain cleaning helps prevent corrosion and damage to your pipes, extending their lifespan and avoiding the need for costly replacements.

Commonly Asked Questions About Drain Cleaning

What should I do if I have a clogged drain?

If you have a clogged drain, it’s best to call a professional plumber to handle the issue. They have the expertise and tools to safely and effectively unclog your drain without causing further damage. Avoid using chemical drain cleaners, as they can be harsh and may not fully resolve the clog. In the meantime, you can try using a plunger or a drain snake to attempt to remove the blockage. However, if these methods don’t work or if you’re dealing with a recurring clog, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.

How often should I have my drains cleaned?

The frequency of drain cleaning depends on several factors, such as the age of your plumbing system, the number of people in your household, and your usage habits. As a general guideline, it’s recommended to have your drains professionally cleaned at least once a year. However, if you notice slow drainage, recurring clogs, or foul odors coming from your drains, it may be necessary to have them cleaned more frequently. Regular maintenance can help prevent major clogs and extend the lifespan of your plumbing system.

What are the signs of a main sewer line clog?

A main sewer line clog can cause several noticeable signs. First, multiple drains in your home may become clogged or have slow drainage. Flushing the toilet may cause water to back up into the bathtub or shower. You may also notice gurgling sounds coming from your drains or toilets. Foul odors, sewage backups, and wet spots or pooling water in your yard can also indicate a main sewer line clog. If you experience any of these signs, it’s important to contact a professional plumber immediately to prevent further damage to your plumbing system.

What should I avoid using to unclog my drains?

Avoid using chemical drain cleaners to unclog your drains. These products can be harsh and may not fully resolve the clog. They can also cause damage to your pipes and may be harmful to the environment. It’s best to call a professional plumber to safely and effectively unclog your drains.

How can I prevent drain clogs?

There are several steps you can take to prevent drain clogs. Avoid pouring grease, oils, and fats down your drains, as they can solidify and cause blockages. Use drain strainers to catch hair and other debris before they enter your drainpipes. Regularly clean your drains by pouring boiling water down them to help prevent buildup. Avoid flushing foreign objects down your toilets or sinks. Additionally, consider scheduling regular drain cleaning and maintenance with a professional plumber to keep your drains clear and prevent clogs.

UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF CHEMICAL DRAIN CLEANERS

You may have seen advertisements for drain cleaners that can be bought in stores. They come in gel, liquid, and powder forms and contain chemicals that create electron reactions and generate heat to clear most typical clogs. While using chemical drain cleaners can be an effective way to clear blockages, they also have the potential to cause damage to your pipes if used improperly or too frequently. Chemical drain cleaners are highly caustic, meaning that they are strong enough to dissolve organic matter, grease, and sludge buildup in pipes. This same strength makes them potentially dangerous to use without professional guidance, as they can damage surfaces they come in contact with, including the materials found in some homes’ pipes.

The good news is many modern chemical drain cleaners, some of which are not available in consumer-facing stores, should not negatively affect your home’s piping. Most homes today use polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes, and though chemical drain cleaners may soften these pipes to some degree, they will seldom cause any damage. However, it is not wise to use drain cleaners if your Houston home has metal pipes, as the chemicals can corrode the metal material and increase the likelihood of a leak or burst pipe down the road. In these situations, we may use a long plumber’s snake or more advanced unclogging methods that can successfully resolve a blockage without the need for chemical drain cleaners.

Chemical drain cleaners come in three major types:

Acid drain cleaners contain either sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid. Therefore, they are rarely found at stores and are only sold to professional plumbing companies like Santhoff Plumbing. The hydronium ions in this type of drain cleaner interact with the clog’s electrons, creating a chemical reaction that releases heat and melts congealed grease.
Caustic drain cleaners contain lye, potash, and other substances and act as bases during the unclogging. After applying a caustic drain cleaner to the pipe, it releases electrons to the clog and creates a chemical reaction that turns grease and similar clogs into a soapy substance. Because a caustic drain cleaner weighs more than water, it reaches the clog more easily and immediately begins working.
Oxidizing drain cleaners contain bleach, nitrates, and similar household cleaning substances. These cleaners act similarly to caustic drain cleaners since they are heavier than water and move straight to the clog. The chemicals force the clog to lose its ions and oxidize it for easier clearing.

Our Houston drain cleaning professionals understand the undeniable value of chemical drain cleaning products as well as when (and when not) to use them. Protecting your home’s piping is paramount, so we will be sure to assess what types of pipes your home has before selecting the best tool to efficiently resolve your clog.

Methods for Preventing Drain Clogs

From the kitchen sink to the toilet, preventing drain clogs comes down to regular maintenance. With proper care and good habits, it is possible to proactively avoid most clogged drains.

Take the following simple steps to minimize the risk of clogs forming in your drains:

Avoid dumping certain foods, such as eggshells and coffee grounds, in your garbage disposal.
Keep your sink strainer in place when rinsing dirty dishes, and clean the strainer regularly to prevent backups.
Never dump hot grease in your sink, as it will likely congeal and lead to a blockage later on.
Keep your bathroom sink stopper closed during hair brushing, or put a small screen cover over your drain to prevent hair from falling in. These screens also come in handy for catching other particles like foundation makeup and mascara when removing makeup over your sink.
Avoid flushing paper towels, baby wipes, dental floss, and facial tissues down your toilet. These items do not break down as easily as toilet paper.
Have your septic system checked every few years.
Pour hot water down your drains at least once per week to loosen grease and debris before they create clogs.

Regardless of the scope or nature of your problem, we are confident we can swiftly diagnose the issue and choose the appropriate method or cleaner for the job. Call (713) 665-4997 or contact us online to speak to a member of our Houston drain cleaning team today.