Line Snaking in Stafford

Hydro Jetting vs. Snaking

Drain Cleaning Services in Stafford, VA: Hydro Jetting & Snaking

We offer two techniques to clean drains, hydro jetting and snaking. Snaking, aka cabling, is a traditional technique that uses a flexible metal to break up blockages. Though you can get DIY snaking kits for your home, misuse of these tools can damage your pipes. Snaking is an excellent solution if you have individual clogs in your kitchen, bathroom, shower, or bathtub. This is the chosen service for individual clogs that aren’t far into your system.

Hydro Jetting: The Ultimate Solution for Persistent Clogs

Hydro jetting may be a better solution if you’re experiencing multiple or recurring clogs. However, your pipes have to be strong enough for hydro jetting. If you have root intrusion or weakened pipes, snaking might be the better option for you. Hydro jetting is usually used to remove clogs in the main sewer line, septic systems, or simultaneous clogs. This service always begins with a video inspection to ensure your pipes are prepared for the service.

Common Causes of Drain Clogs & How to Prevent Them

Understanding what causes drain clogs can help you avoid unnecessary plumbing headaches. Here are the most frequent culprits and how to address them effectively:

• Hair and Soap Scum: Hair and soap residue are leading causes of clogs in bathroom drains. Use hair traps to catch loose strands and clean them regularly. Opt for liquid soap over bar soap to minimize buildup.
• Grease and Food Scraps: Cooking grease and food particles can solidify and block kitchen drains. Always dispose of grease in a container and throw it in the trash. Install sink strainers to catch food debris before it goes down the drain.
• Foreign Objects: Items like wipes, paper towels, and hygiene products should never be flushed or washed down drains. Teach everyone in your household what belongs in the trash to prevent accidental clogs.

By implementing these preventive measures and scheduling annual professional drain cleaning, you can keep your plumbing system running efficiently and avoid costly repairs.

Types of Plumber Snakes

It’s crucial that you understand the various ways to snake a line depending on the type of drain and clog. 

Here are the three types of snakes and how they’re used:

• Hand augers: Perfect for a sink or bathtub drain, hand augers are compact, so they’re easy to store and allow you to feel the clog’s resistance to ensure it’s completely removed.
• Closet auger: This snake is used in toilets because it has a shorter cable. Toilet clogs are often stuck in the p-trap area, so a shorter flexible cord is critical for the various twists and turns.
• Drum auger: This powerful choice is a versatile solution. If you have a clog caused by tree roots, a drum auger can break up the tree roots and the clog. Tree root intrusion is a significant problem for most plumbing systems. In this case, snaking is preferred as the roots have weakened your pipe, making hydro jetting dangerous.

The DIY drain snaking kits don’t offer these various augers, so you may be trying to remove a blockage with the incorrect tool that could damage your system. Unlike DIY solutions, American Tank Cleaning is insured and bonded if other issues arise. Our team has over 20 years of experience completing expert line snaking in Stafford and you can trust our work.

As soon as you notice a clog, don’t hesitate to trust our professionals before it becomes worse. A complete blockage can cause unsanitary material to enter your home, putting you at risk for bacterial illnesses and severe water damage.

Signs You Need Professional Line Snaking

Clogs are more than just an inconvenience; they can escalate into severe plumbing issues if left untreated. Here are key warning signs that you need expert help from American Tank Cleaning:

• Water Backups: Water pooling in sinks, bathtubs, or toilets often signals a blockage deep in your system that requires specialized tools to clear.
• Persistent Odors: Foul smells coming from your drains can indicate trapped food, grease, or waste. A thorough cleaning is necessary to restore freshness.
• Slow Draining: If water takes too long to drain despite using DIY solutions, it could point to a stubborn clog or pipe damage that only professionals can address.
• Gurgling Noises: Unusual sounds from your pipes when water is running may mean air is trapped by a clog, indicating a deeper issue.