Drain cleaning is a preventative maintenance task that is essential for the long-term health and efficiency of your plumbing system.

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Drain cleaning is a process to remove clogs and build-up within your drain and sewer systems. This build-up could be a result of debris, hair, food particles, soap scum, and even tree roots. If not regularly maintained, build-ups can lead to severe plumbing issues, harming the functionality of your drains. Plus, the more frequent the drain use, the higher the chance of stubborn clogs developing over time.

It can also help identify other issues that you might be unaware of, like the initial stages of a tree root interruption in your drain line, which can save plenty of time and money on emergency service in the long run.

Drain cleaning is a preventative maintenance task that is easy to overlook but is essential for the long-term health and efficiency of your plumbing system.

Causes of Clogged Drains in Commercial Spaces

It’s normal for drains to form a blockage over time despite efforts to prevent it– since various substances will inevitably end up in the drainage system. However, understanding the leading causes of these obstructions in various commercial spaces will help reduce recurrences. 

Tree Roots

The invasion of tree roots into the drain line is a major cause of plumbing issues. Tree roots are often attracted to the presence of water, nutrients, and the oxygen found in piping. When they find a small crack or loose joint in the sewer line, they can infiltrate, causing major blockages and potential damage. While tree roots may seem an unlikely cause to think of in urban commercial spaces, it is something to keep an eye out for.

Food Particles

Food particles can also cause drain blockages. Whether it’s kitchen sinks in a restaurant, or bathroom and shower drains in a hotel, the accumulation of food particles and other organic material is common. Over time, these materials bind together creating stubborn clogs that hinder the drain from performing as it should.

Other Potential Sources of Blockages

From hair and soap build-up in shower drains to washing wool or mud off clothes in laundry sinks, these can create significant blockages that impact drain performance.

Knowing these issues can help you prevent or prepare for them. If you encounter a clogged drain, take prompt action or consider calling for professional service.

Options for Drain Cleaning

Cleaning your drains effectively may require different methods depending on the severity of the clog.

Chemical Cleaners

For starters, chemical cleaners play a significant role in handling tough clogs. Ingredients like sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide, and hydrochloric acid cause a chemical reaction with the organic matter forming the clog, effectively dissolving it. For instance, sodium hydroxide and sulfuric acid react with the fat in clogs and convert it into soap, which then dissolves in water. Meanwhile, hydrochloric acid reacts with the clogged material, producing carbon dioxide gas that helps in breaking down the clog. These cleaners are not only effective, but they’re also relatively easy to use since they require simple drain cleaner registration and basic safety measures when pouring.

Enviro-Master’s Enzymatic Drain Cleaner

Similar to the chemical cleaners described above, Enviro-Master’s drain treatment service involves the use of a bio-active enzymatic foam clener to clear blockages. This process is extremely effective in all types of industries, from food service to fitness to healthcare. Our service can help keep drains free from food and grease buildup as well as reducing clog and buildup. 

Drain Snaking

While chemical cleaners work well for immediate and minor issues, long-term maintenance or more stubborn clogs may require mechanical processes. More often than not, a drain snake (or plumber’s snake) and drain auger are used. This flexible cable is pushed through the drain to the clog—a manual way to break through the clog and restore normal drain flow. This method, also called drain snaking, is exceptionally efficient in dealing with regular and tough clogs alike.

Hydro Jetting

Another efficient process is the use of a hydrojetting system that uses high-pressure water to clear clogs. This process is exceedingly useful for removing more significant blockages like tree roots from sewer lines, a task that smaller cables may struggle with.

Each drain cleaning method has its benefits and drawbacks, depending on the specific situation. Chemical cleaners are easy to use and fast but might not be as effective on severe clogs as mechanical methods would be. Whereas mechanical processes can handle severe clogs but may require more time, effort, and professional capability to execute.

Why Is Professional Drain Cleaning Service Necessary?

While drain cleaning methods may provide temporary relief from clogged drains, eventually, problems may resurface and could potentially escalate. So, the reliability and expertise of a professional drain cleaning service becomes more necessary. 

Drain Emergencies

Drain emergencies happen, and when they do, they require immediate attention to avoid a disruption in operations and extensive damage. Whether you’re dealing with a stubborn clog or a slow-moving drain, knowing exactly when to make a drain cleaning appointment with a professional can be a game-changer.

Complex Drains

The severity and complexity of some clogs might go beyond the reach of simple cleaning methods. Store-bought chemical cleaners may not fully dissolve the clog and little knowledge of using a plumbing snake might end up causing more harm than good. Professional drain cleaners are well-acquainted with all sorts of plumbing systems and their understanding of the effects of organic matter dissolution and chemical cleaner applications is extensive.

Comprehensive Solutions

Hiring professionals guarantees a solution that addresses the root cause of your drain clog issues, ensuring they don’t recur anytime soon. 

Ensure the Longevity of Your Plumbing System

Maintaining a well-functioning plumbing system can require us to go beyond just unclogging the drains whenever they get blocked. It requires regular inspection and routine cleaning, which is a preventative maintenance measure to avoid serious drain predicaments in the future.

Dealing with a slow-moving drain might seem manageable at the moment but letting minor issues slide can lead to major plumbing problems in the long run. The saying ‘prevention is better than cure’ couldn’t be more accurate when it comes to drain maintenance. 

Preventative Maintenance

Having a preventative maintenance plan in place, it involves regular inspections to detect early signs of trouble. This could be removing small clogs that could inevitably turn into stubborn clogs, or detecting and attending to issues like tree roots blocking your sewer line. 

Regular drain cleaning adds to the longevity and efficiency of your plumbing system, but bringing professionals on board can help you benefit from their expertise, more advanced tools, and the ability to address minor issues before they become major plumbing problems. 

Remember, a smooth running drain adds to the comfort and convenience of your environment, be it your home or commercial property. Drain cleaning is more than just a solution, it’s preventive maintenance that keeps your system running smoothly in the long haul. 

Let Enviro-Master Services help you with our Commercial Drain Cleaning Services so you can avoid unexpected drain issues and have peace of mind knowing that your plumbing system is in good shape.

Experiencing drain trouble? Contact us today!