Frequent Clogged Drains? Consider Hydro Jetting

A slow-moving or clogged drain line might need a different method than drain cleaning or clearing. Hydro jetting is a fast and effective method to clear the drain of any particles and residue sticking to pipes that continue to lead to clogs. Here are five things to know about hydro jetting and why you should consider the option if you have frequent clogged drains:

Hydro jetting nearly eliminates the chance of the clog returning

This is because of the powerful force water pushed through the pipes to clear debris and buildup such as hair, grease, and tree roots. Water is essentially sprayed through the line at a pressure of up to 4000 psi to remove the blockage, essentially pressure washing your drain or sewer line. This aggressive cleaning method flushes the line and removes stubborn debris left behind from previous drain-clearing methods. It scours the all the muck, harmful bacteria, and grime from the pipes, so they look nearly brand new.

Hydro jetting is a great option for frequent clogs

Most clogged drains can be solved with drain cleaning or drain clearing methods but if clogs continue to happen after these services, hydro jetting is a great option. If buildup is severe, typical methods cannot remove all of the minerals and debris stuck on pipes. This hard-to-remove buildup often causes recurring clogging and, at worst, sewer backups. If recurring clogs are happening in home in addition to gurgling noises, hydro jetting should be requested. A sewer camera inspection can confirm if hydro jetting is the best option.

Hydro jetting is eco friendly

Hydro jetting uses only pressurized water. No harsh chemicals make this method safe for the environment and not as damaging as other methods. Not only is it safe for the environment but is non-invasive. The hydro jetting machine requires access to your cleanout so digging is needed.

Hydro jetting is great for residential and commercial properties
This is a versatile method that is strong enough to handle clogged drains in homes as well as big jobs at commercial properties such as restaurants with a history of clogged drains due to food, grease, and debris. L.D. Smith Plumbing has the latest equipment to remove debris as stubborn as tree roots up to two inches thick. This method can also be used on all pipes.

Hydro jetting is a cost-effective method
Cost of hydro jetting depends on the severity of the buildup in the pipes but the cost is much less than ignoring the issue and using temporary solutions. Over time, hydro jetting will save you money long-term as you will no longer struggle with clogged drains, your pipes will be clean and fresh, eliminating frequent calls to a plumber or spending even more money on a larger repair.

Do you have frequent clogs? Request an appointment to review your pipes for hydro jetting services.

Bath bombs and hair...oh my! What's clogging your drain?

A clogged drain often seems to happen out of nowhere. Water is draining fine then, suddenly, there’s a back-up that needs immediate attention with a plunger, a drain clearing device, or a plumber. But clogged drains don’t just happen. The problem grows over time and often starts with simple everyday activities that seem harmless. Check out six things you may not know could lead to a clogged drain:

Bath bombs

This popular item is a must-have for many who enjoy a relaxing bath but bath bombs, if used too frequently, can cause big problems for your drains. One of the reasons is that oils can build up in your pipes. The more you use bath bombs, the more those oils can harden in your drain. This news might sound alarming for those who love bath bombs, but don’t panic and toss them away. Just use them in moderation and consider using a drain strainer to catch those particles like glitter and salt that don’t dissolve easily once they go down the drain. 


Cooking oil and grease

Never pour cooking oil or grease down the kitchen sink. These items solidify and seals off the pipe. It collects other debris causing a major problem that a plunger cannot fix. The best way to dispose of cooking oil and grease is by tossing both in the trash after cooling. 

Hair 

Hair is one of the biggest reasons for a clogged drain. We comb our hair at the sink, wash our hair in the shower, and, if you are the owner of a dog or dog that sheds, watch out! It’s hard to catch all the stray hair so it ends up down the drain. A hair catcher or drain hair stopper is worth an investment to minimize the amount of hair going down your drain. 

Hard water

You cannot avoid hard water in Indianapolis. Left untreated, hard water not only causes frequent stains on dishes and damage to faucet fixtures, it can also be a problem for your drains. The problem is the buildup of minerals like magnesium and calcium. A water softener is the best solution for hard water, especially in Indianapolis. 

Soap Scum

That chalky white residue in your shower and bathtub is soap scum. Not only is it on the surface but in your drain. Mix soap scum with stray hair and other debris and water will be slow draining out of your shower or bathtub. Purchasing a mesh guard can help reduce the amount of soap scum that gets in your drain. Also, clearing your drain once a month using hot water or baking soda can help loosen the soap scum sticking to your pipes. 

Toilet paper and disposable wipes

These items are among the most common reasons for a clogged drain. Toilet paper and disposable wipes cause soft blockages which means they don’t dissolve quickly when flushed down the drain, so they bind together and block the flow of water. Because these items are labeled “flushable,” it’s assumed they are toilet friendly, but they can be a big problem. Avoid flushing disposable wipes down the toilet. Toss them in the trash instead. As for toilet paper, be mindful how much you place in the toilet before flushing. Excessive amounts flushed at one time can cause a clog if done frequently. If you have children in the home, discuss the proper use of toilet paper to reduce frequency of large amounts being flushed at one time. Also, be sure you are purchasing septic safe toilet paper.


Call L.D. Smith Plumbing to address any clogged drain issue. We offer free camera inspections to find the location of the clog and provide solutions to treat it. Request an appointment here.

What is keeping your drain clogged?

DEAL ALERT! Clear your drain for $83, or it's free. More details here.

When water drains slowly out of your sink, shower, or bathtub, there’s a problem. It’s likely a clogged drain. It always happens at the most inconvenient time and leaves you wondering what could have caused it. Lance, the owner of L.D. Smith Plumbing, shared some of the common culprits that lead to a clogged drain on Life.Style.Live! on WISH-TV in Indianapolis. Watch the video below:

Common culprits causing a clogged drain

Grease: This is the most common reason for kitchen drain clogs. Once grease is poured down the drain, it hardens. Keep dumping grease down the drain day after day, and blockage happens. The best way to dispose of grease is to let it cool and toss it in the garbage.

Hair: Even with a stopper, hair often finds its way down the drain. Eventually, those strands clump together to cause a clog.  

Disposable wipes/hygiene products: Unlike toilet tissue, disposable wipes and hygiene products do not break down when flushed and easily clog your pipes and sewer line.

Tree roots: If you live in an older home, more than likely, tree roots will create problems in your pipes. Trees need moisture and water to survive, and if they are close enough to your property, they will seek those nutrients in your pipes and sewer system. Roots will wrap around whatever is in its path, including your pipes.

Best solutions for clogged drains

Sometimes a plunger or home remedies aren’t enough to clear a drain permanently. A good plumber is needed to resolve the issue. One treatment is drain clearing, which quickly breaks up the clog. Often particles remain, and, for many homeowners, the clogs return. Hydro jetting is one of the best ways to remove all those left-over particles to clear the drain completely if a conventional drain cleaning doesn't do the trick or if the line is full of sludge/grease.

A camera inspection also enables plumbers to determine the best solution to clear your pipes once and for all. 

Plumbing hacks: True or False?

Have you seen the latest trending topic about resetting your water heater if there's no hot water? What about the hack to use a plunger to remove any item from your sink? Lance Smith, owner of L.D. Smith Plumbing, separated fact from fiction when it comes to those and other hacks on social media. He visited Fox59's Indy Now recently to play a game of True or False with the hosts. Watch Lance's full interview here.

True or False: Reset your water heater when there's no hot water. FALSE

Resetting your water heater has its risks because of the electrical components involved. If you keep resetting it due to no hot water, it means there is a significant problem that needs to be addressed by a plumber.

True or False: Turn off all toilets in your home before leaving on vacation to eliminate the risk of a water emergency. TRUE

Yes, you can turn off the toilets, but an easier solution is turning off the main water shut-off valve, typically located outside the home. The main water shut-off valve supplies water to your entire home.

Use a plunger to unclog a sink. TRUE

Lance says a plunger is a great solution for most clogs in showers, sinks, and bathtubs. He recommends plungers with a plastic handle.

Need a plumber? Request an appointment with L.D. Smith Plumbing. Our latest deals include $50 off any plumbing repair, $300 off tankless water heaters, and $150 off a water softener installed. Review all coupons here.

When one flush is not enough

With families spending more time at home, you learn quickly if the toilet is not working properly. Maybe it's multiple flushes to get everything down the drain, or frequent use of the plunger when things just aren't moving. This is a common problem. In fact, an easy solution could be a pressure-assist toilet. These toilets are much powerful than standard models and use less water.

Pressure-assist toilets are often found in commercial properties, but they are becoming common in residential homes. Drainage systems can't handle the current flow of standard toilets, which is the reason for the double, even triple, flush most people experience.

Unlike standard or gravity-flow, toilets, a pressure-assist toilet has a bladder inside of the standard toilet tank – one inside of the other. This bladder uses the same amount of water, or less, but pressurizes it, creating a much more powerful flush.

Pros

A pressure-assist toilet costs more than standard models but will save you money long-term. Rarely do you flush twice of its powerful force, which reduces the need for repairs. It's a product that's built to last. In addition, you save hundreds of gallons of water each year due to less flushing - saving you dollars on your water bill.

Cons

These toilets are loud. Visit a restroom at your local shopping mall or hospital and you get a sense of the power of this toilet.

Overall, a pressure-assist is a solid option if you are getting tired of frequently clogged toilets and multiple flushing, especially if you are confident there are no other drainage issues in your home. It is definitely a permanent solution to keep things moving down the drain.

Need help with your toilet? Put down the plunger and call the experts at L.D. Smith Plumbing.

On the job: Rerouting a sewer line

There are many reasons rerouting a sewer line is needed: Consistent plumbing issues. Clogged drains due to obstruction such as tree roots. Construction on your property. The process doesn't have to cause significant damage to your property. Lance, owner of L.D. Smith Plumbing, visits a job site to explain one option our team uses when rerouting a sewer line.

The team at L.D. Smith Plumbing provides services to Indianapolis and the surrounding area. Contact us with questions about rerouting a sewer line or to schedule an appointment for any plumbing service.

Gas lines & Sewer line replacements in Indianapolis among the most popular summer plumbing projects

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The official start of summer is weeks away, but our plumbing experts are already busy meeting customer demand for popular seasonal projects. Here are our most requested plumbing appointments during the summer. Do any of these sound familiar in your home?
 
  1. Extra outside faucets - This one is very popular for customers with gardens and landscaping projects who desire to have a faucet near their work area to avoid dragging a hose across the yard. Check out our deal on outside faucets here.
  2. Drain cleaning and sewer line replacement - Tree roots get thirsty so they prey on the old underground drain lines when the weather warms up. Drain cleaning and sewer line replacement in Indianapolis is very common this time of year as customers call us about foul smells or clogged drains.
  3. Remodel projects - Summer is the best time for major home projects and, often, remodeling work includes plumbing. 
  4. Gas lines - Summer means cookouts. We receive frequent calls during the season to install additional gas lines. 
  5. Irrigation systems - Customers call us to connect irrigation systems to city water. 
 
Is a plumbing project on your to-list this summer? Contact us to schedule an appointment for an estimate.

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How to Clean Out a Push/Pull Tub Drain

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