Choosing An Auger Or Water Jet To Clear A Sewer Clog
When your toilet won't flush, you've got a plumbing emergency to deal with. A sewer line can be plugged up anywhere along its length. Whether the problem is grease, hair, baby wipes, or tree roots, you need a solution fast. There are two basic ways to clean out a sewer line. One is with an auger tool and the other is with a water jet. Here's a look at your options.
Using An Auger For Minor Clogs
An auger or drain snake works well on simple clogs like those that happen because of tree roots. When the sewer line starts filling with roots, the flow from your toilet slows down, and eventually it may stop draining completely. An auger bores though roots and chops them into smaller pieces so they can flow on through the drain. Clearing the line with an auger may not be a permanent solution because tree roots might grow back. If that happens, you will need the line cleared again. If the roots grow slowly, it may be a few years before it's necessary.
Scrubbing The Line To Remove Buildup
Using a hydro jet or water jet to clear out a sewer line is another option. This tool can clear out roots, too, but it is especially useful if there is buildup on the inside of the line. The buildup could be from soap scum, grease, or hard water scale. When these things collect on the inside of the line over time, they grab onto bits of hair and paper debris until a clog is formed. A water jet scrubs the sides of the drains to remove the clog, and it scrapes off the sticky grease and soap scum at the same time.
Choosing The Right Method
Your plumber will recommend the best method for cleaning out the sewer line based on a few things. The severity, location, and type of clog are considered. The condition of the pipe is also a factor since a strong water jet might cause damage to a corroded pipe. The plumber might run a camera into the line to view the inside on a monitor. This shows the condition of the pipe as well as the type of clog so the best approach for fixing the problem can be taken.
If it seems like you have ongoing problems with clogs, take note of what goes down your drains. You should be careful about what you flush and send through other drains even if you don't have your own septic tank. Sewers connected to the city sewer system and the city's system itself are prone to clogging when the wrong things enter the drainage system and build up rather than dissolve.
Talk to a company like Challenge Rooter for more information.
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