Routine drain cleaning eliminates buildup from your pipes that can lead to messy clogs. Homeowners in Waynesboro, VA, and the surrounding communities count on Cox Construction & Plumbing to provide fast, efficient services that keep their plumbing clean. In addition to helping clients protect their homes, these plumbers take pride in teaching families how their water removal systems work. Here, they answer some of the most common questions about keeping this equipment clean.

4 FAQs About Drain Cleaning

1. What Causes Clogs?

There are many reasons why drains develop clogs, from flushing inappropriate materials down the toilet to the accumulation of residue over time. Paper towels, food scraps, and hair can all cause blockages as they stick together and prevent water from flowing through the pipes. Soap and cooking oil can also cause clogs, as these substances solidify and block the pipe. Left unattended, clogs can cause standing water or back flow into sinks, showers, and toilets.

2. What Are the Best Ways to Prevent Clogs?

The easiest way to prevent plumbing problems is to be careful about what you pour down the drain or flush down the toilet. Use strainers to catch stray hairs, pieces of soap, and food particles. Pour cooking grease into a disposable container and throw it in the garbage once it cools. You may also want to use a pipe shield solution every few months. This product creates a smooth coating on the interior of the pipe, so items don’t stick to the surface and create clogs.

3. How Does My Garbage Disposal Affect the Drain?

Many homeowners believe they can put anything down the garbage disposal, but these devices cannot process food scraps like coffee grounds, eggshells, bones, and fibrous foods. Some of these items can stick together and cause the disposal to jam and overheat. Over time, they will eventually find their way into the drain and cause blockages. Limit how much you put into the disposal to prevent jams and always run cold water down the drain while the unit is running to keep it from overheating.

4. What Is Water Jetting?

Water jetting is the fastest method of drain cleaning and is effective on household pipes and sewer lines alike. To perform this service, plumbers pump pressurized water into into the pipes to clean out any stubborn blockages. The process forces the clog out of the pipe without the risk of it breaking up and encouraging future problems.

The team at Cox Construction & Plumbing is proud to be your one-stop shop for home maintenance. From drain cleaning and gas line installation to toilet and garbage disposal repairs, these experts provide service you can count on. Call (540) 943-8723 to schedule an appointment, and visit them online for more information.