Cleaning your drain is one of those things you probably don’t think about until you’ve got a problem, like a clog or a slow-running drain. Depending on your situation, you may research DIY sewer cleaning methods, hoping they will do the trick, however many of these tips could actually cause more issues down the line. That’s why we always recommend you call in a professional.

Let’s start with the method you want to avoid at all costs.

1. Liquid Drain Cleaner

Chemical drain cleaners should be avoided. While they are available at most hardware or grocery stores, and promise a quick solution for a clog or blockage in your drain they can cause significant damage to your pipes. We caution against using this method as you could do damage to your sewer system. The chemicals used in these cleaners not only eat away at whatever is clogging your drain, but they can also eat away at your pipes themselves. If you do decide to use a chemical drain cleaner, use it sparingly and with caution or you could end up causing holes or breaks in your sewer lines.

If you have a septic tank the good news is, there are more natural, environmentally friendly liquid drain cleaners on the market. For example, at IVIS Construction, we offer a cleaning product called Bio-Clean, which is a combination of all-natural bacteria and enzymes that rid plumbing and septic systems of debris. There are many benefits to using this product. It’s safe, effective and environmentally friendly. Plus you can use it in many different areas like kitchen sinks, bathtubs, showers and lift stations.

We use Bio-Clean in both residential and commercial locations. It is an excellent product for the maintenance of plumbing and septic systems because it helps keep them in good condition.

2. A Plunger

Your plunger is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you have a clog in your drain. Plungers are, of course, commonly used for toilet clogs, but there are also plungers made especially for sinks. You can also use a plunger on showers or floor drains.

By covering your drain opening with the plunger and then pushing the plunger up and down with consistent force;  the pressure you create should dislodge the debris stuck in your pipe or sewer line.

The issue with this method is that it’s temporary. It may remove the clog, but does not address the source of the problem.

Fortunately IVIS Inc. offers CCTV Inspections, which allows us to feed a small camera through your pipes and inspect from within.

3. A Drain Snake

Drain snakes, which are also called drain augers, are available at most hardware stores.Our professional plumbers use drain snakes to help unclog pipes. They feed the snake through your drain pipes while rotating the handle until they feel the clog. They then twist the drain snake so it burrows into the clog (or catches on to it). Slowly they pull the snake back up your drain and remove the debris once it reaches the surface.

IVIS Construction now offers Mechanical Plumbing services for residential and commercial customers.

4. Professional Sewer Cleaning

Sometimes it takes top quality tools and products to rid your sewer lines of debris and make sure they’re running efficiently. Professional plumbers use many effective and safe techniques and tools to clean sewer drains and remove blockages.

At IVIS Construction, we use a process called high-pressure flushing, which works to remove solids or liquids that obstruct pipes. Or we use VAC-CON® Combo units to remove debris. These are both reliable systems that can remove and hold large amounts of material.

5. Preventing Problems in Your Sewer Lines

Investing in sewer cleaning services is important for many reasons. Ensuring that your sewers are clean can protect against blockages that occur over time and result in problems with underground structures, including damage and build-up. Sewer cleaning services can also promote health and well-being, as well as protect against environmental damage.

Hiring a professional to perform this task or to do a Sewer Line Inspection can help you keep your system working well and prevent a costly repair down the line.

IVIS Construction provides sewer drain cleaning services in diverse settings, including residential, commercial, rural and urban locations.

Whether you need assistance with your home or business, our technicians have the knowledge and skills to perform Edmonton Sewer Cleaning services to the highest standard possible.