Going with routine, eco-friendly drain maintenance usually leads to noticeable improvements in plumbing performance. When everything flows freely, there’s a much lower chance of wastewater contamination and costly backups.
But just how green are today’s eco-friendly drain cleaning methods? Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of common drain maintenance options.
Hydrojetting Uses High-Pressure Water to Blast Away Buildup
You can skip the harsh chemicals with hydrojetting. It uses high-pressure water to scour away grease and sludge, so you don’t have to worry about toxic runoff in our water. Plus, since it’s just water, it’s much gentler on your pipes than corrosive cleaners.
Hydrojetting offers a powerful way to clear drains, but it does come at a cost. When compared to basic drain cleaning methods, it’s usually much more expensive. It’s also worth noting that the high pressure can be an issue on older pipes, especially if they’re already fragile.
Here’s why hydrojetting is a go-to drain cleaning method for eco-conscious homeowners:
- The high-pressure nozzle goes straight into the drain line.
- There’s no need for digging or harsh chemicals.
- It naturally clears away buildup using water.
- It lowers the chance of future blockages.
- It’s a deep-cleaning solution for structurally sound drain lines.
Video Camera Inspections Prevent Unnecessary Digging
Before there were video camera inspections for drain cleaning, it was very difficult for plumbers to pinpoint the exact location of a blockage. Oftentimes, they had to rely on guesswork and extensive digging in the yard to locate the clog. Video camera inspections completely changed the game. Plumbers simply insert the camera into the drain line to get a full visual inspection of the pipes.
As part of routine drain maintenance, camera inspections can help identify buildup, root intrusion, and frequent problem areas before they lead to major backups.
There are only a few downsides to video camera inspections. For one, they require advanced skills to operate the equipment. But this shouldn’t be an issue as long as you hire a licensed plumber. Secondly, when a blockage stems from heavy sludge, the buildup may limit the camera’s visibility, making it harder to diagnose the problem. Thirdly, some pipe layouts are too narrow for larger cameras.
Enzyme-Based Cleaners Break Down Organic Waste Naturally
Enzyme-based drain cleaning is a smart choice because it avoids corrosive alkalis. You just pour the enzymes in and let them work for several hours. They provide a great way to clear clogs and prevent future recurrences.
Even though enzyme-based cleaners have their advantages, they also come with a few disadvantages that you need to know about. You’ll most likely want to leave the cleaner sitting overnight since it can take over eight hours for it to fully clean the pipe. If the blockage isn’t from organic matter, the cleaner probably won’t make much of a difference. This is particularly true for severe grease clogs and those that form from tree root intrusion.
These will almost always need hydrojetting or trenchless sewer repair. You must also be careful with how you store enzyme-based cleaners. If you put them in extreme heat or freezing temperatures, they lose their effectiveness.
Call Always Plumbing for Drain Maintenance
Eco-friendly drain cleaning methods can help reduce harsh chemical use while supporting healthier plumbing systems. However, each option comes with its own limitations, costs, and maintenance considerations. Routine drain maintenance helps keep water moving, reduces recurring clogs, and lowers the risk of large-scale plumbing problems.
Contact Always Plumbing today to schedule drain maintenance service and keep your plumbing system flowing smoothly.