Is Your Sink Draining Slowly?

Has your sink been draining a bit slower lately? You may have a blockage that requires you to unclog your pipes. Over-the-counter liquid drain cleaners can damage your system, or fail to resolve the blockage altogether if there is a major obstruction.

If your slow drain is caused by something deeper than a simple clog, sewer rodding may be the best solution to clean your slow drains. Though you can purchase a sewer jet and machinery to do your own sewer rodding, it’s a complicated process that could go wrong if you don’t know what you’re doing. Make sure you know these five facets of this highly effective process before attempting it yourself.

1. It Requires Specific Equipment

Because sewer rodding requires a connection of multiple rods that must be flexible enough to snake through your plumbing system, specialized equipment is required. The rods have to be flexible, approximately three feet in length and made from polypropylene with specific connection attachments in order to work effectively. Therefore, it is impossible to do any kind of sewer rodding with miscellaneous poles you can find at the hardware store. Make sure you have the proper tools when considering this process, and call an expert if you are unsure or have any questions regarding sewer rodding!

2. Call A Licensed Professional

Though it is possible to purchase your own sewer rodding system, we strongly recommend that you do not attempt to complete this task alone. Not only does it require specialized equipment, but poking around in your pipes without the proper experience and knowledge required could potentially lead to more extensive damage that could cost you both time and money. With a multitude of search engines at your fingertips, it may seem easy to copy a video or set of steps provided by your chosen website, however, the video may have been re-shot multiple times until the process looks like a breeze, and reading a how-to guide may make sewer rodding seem less complicated than it actually is. Don’t take the risk, call a specialist to ensure your pipes clear up for good!

3. It Tackles a Variety of Issues

Sewer rodding can handle diverse issues in your plumbing system. Whether your main water line is impacted or your kitchen sink is a little backed up, this process will restore optimal water flow to your lines, making them run more efficiently than ever. Because it is one of the most reliable methods for clearing your pipes, it is a much safer bet than sticking a snake tool down your drain and hoping for the best!

4. Rod Variety

Not all clogs are the same, and neither are their rodding solutions. Some clogs require flexible lines that are malleable enough to gently dislodge an obstruction. Other sewer rodding techniques involve using compressed air to more forcefully clear out congestion. It can be difficult to determine which method to use, especially if you are unable to clearly identify the source of the blockage. From simple tape rods to kinetic water rams, it is essential that you know which method is best for clearing your clog effectively without damaging your system.

5. It’s Not Exactly Pleasant

Unclogging a drain or pipe, especially if sewage is involved, is not an ideal way to spend a free afternoon. If not done carefully, retrieving any matter from your pipes could spread germs to you and possibly your household. You may be forced to deep clean the area you are working in, depending on how severe the blockage is; this involves hours of extra work. Most specialists will clean up the space when their job is finished, so you don’t have to!

Here at J Blanton, our goal is to solve Chicago families’ plumbing problems with 5-star service. Since 1993, our family-owned business has focused on keeping your plumbing clean and working as it should. Make our family part of yours, and give us a call at (773)-724-9272 to speak to a specialist today!