Fast Drain Cleaning Services for Northern Virginia Homes & Businesses
How to Tell If Your Drain Is Clogged

If you plan on trying drain cleaning on your own, you should be ready to work. The first step of the process is to remove the strainer from the sink. After you take the strainer off, you should clean it well. There may be hair and soap scum stuck to the strainer. To completely clean the strainer, you might need to soak it in soapy water or a vinegar and water solution.
Then, run hot water down your drain. Clean out the area around the drain and make sure there are no visible blockages. If you see any debris or objects, you can try to remove them with a tool. It’s worth mentioning that some sinks have pivot rods, and removing them may require you to unscrew the rod. You can use pliers for this, but you should wrap the pliers in a towel to avoid damaging the rod. Of course, the easiest way to unclog a drain is to call a plumber.
When you rely on professionals for drain cleaning, you can expect the process to take about two to three hours. During that time, the company installs all of the necessary equipment. They use a hose attached to a machine and a water tank. After putting the hose into your pipes, the expert sends high-pressure water through your pipes.
The longest part of the process is the water pumping. Usually, it takes about an hour for the water to remove all the debris from your plumbing. If there are any roots, oil, or hair, they will be sent away by the high-pressure water. A camera inspection confirms that the drains are free from debris. As a final step, the plumber removes their equipment and cleans up any mess. When you work with a quality plumbing company, you don’t need to worry about them leaving a mess behind for you to clean.
You should clean your drains once every two or three years. This frequency depends on the size of your household, the amount of water you use, and how well you care for your drains. If you’re not cautious about the objects that go down your drains or have a particularly large home, you may need to call the plumber more frequently. Failing to do so leaves you vulnerable to a large blockage and a costly plumbing repair.
In older homes, you need to be more mindful of cleaning your plumbing. If you have an old home with the original plumbing, you should clean your pipes once a year. You should also be more cautious about using chemical cleaners and attempting DIY plumbing projects because old pipes are particularly vulnerable.
If you’re still not sure how frequently you should call for a professional drain cleaning, just ask your neighborhood plumber. They can inspect your pipes and help you determine whether or not you need a drain cleaning.