Drain snaking (also called vertical flushing or vertical seepage) is the practice of using a drain snake to force open blocked drains with no external pressure, using only gravity. A gravity-powered drain cleaner is an organic compound which effectively clogs blocked sewers or sewage pipes. The word also refers to a specialized mechanical device like a bathroom plunger, plumber's snake, drain snake, or other similar device. Such devices are sometimes available in residential drain cleaners. Professional drain cleaning services use pump-and-drain cleaners that force open blocked sewer and sewage pipes by exerting downward pressure with a Water service upgrade.
Drain snaking is one way that many homeowners can solve the problem of clogged plumbing and drains, especially for low-flow toilets and kitchen sinks. In older homes, using gravity to open plumbing is more common. However, modern plumbing relies more on the installation of specialized devices.
Some newer houses, particularly homes in areas where street flooding is a problem, use a different technique for unclogging drains. This method involves attaching plumbing snakes (or "rods") to household drains with a flexible cable, then allowing them to force their way through stubborn clogs. Drain snaking is often employed in basements where residents have been experiencing flooding problems. Usually, the PVC pipe, which makes up most household drainage systems, has large white, or tinted linings to keep water from running into pipes. If the drain snaking plunges into the piping, however, it exposes the white inner liner, which can be corroded over time.
In recent decades, many states have passed statutes that mandate the use of non-leaking pipe materials like polyethylene to build new residences. In some areas, this requirement is even required by law. Plumbing companies are required to use these non-leaking pipe systems to install storm drainage drains and sewage systems before they install a traditional plumbing system. Drain snaking is sometimes used in conjunction with these newer drain cleaning services to ensure that drains are completely clear of clogs and other problems before starting any plumbing work.
Many professional plumbers offer drain cleaning services, as well. Drain snaking is not their only option, however. If a pipe within a house develops a serious clog, it is often possible to address the problem by placing a drain snake auger in the pipe and turning it. The auger is strong enough to be able to clean out even the toughest clogs. If the pipe is large enough (usually around three inches or larger), it may be necessary to use drain snake augers multiple times.
Another technique that plumbers use when performing drain cleaning is to perform a backwashing procedure. This involves introducing a high volume of water into the blocked area to break up and dissolve the clogs. Backwashing can be useful if you have a very old or difficult clog to remove - in these cases, it can often take a number of attempts to break up a difficult clog. If you don't mind paying for professional plumbing service, you can even backwash your own drains to eliminate clogs in your toilets and kitchens.
A third technique most common among plumbing contractors is jetting. Jetting works by sending a jet of pressurized water through the pipes, breaking up any debris inside and forcing it down through the drain snaking. While jetting does not eliminate clogs in all cases, it is capable of removing larger clogs and helping to reduce water consumption. Some homeowners also choose to rent or buy water jetting machines to use at home instead of hiring professionals to perform the service.
Regardless of which drain snaking technique you choose to break up clogs in your drains, you should also avoid what is commonly known as "backflowing". Backflow is basically what happens when a person or appliance turns a drain back into its main sewer lines. This causes more waste water to enter your drains, causing more problems for you. Be sure to always follow the instructions included with your plumbing system, especially if you have a septic tank or hot water tank system, and never turn a clogged pipe back into its main drain.
