A drain cleaning bladder is a tool that can be used in some situations to unclog drains and clear pipes.
Each drain in your home has the potential to become blocked through normal use. Blockages occur most frequently in the kitchen sink and in the bath tub, but can occur in the washing machine or toilet. Grease and food particles are the most common cause of blocked drains in the kitchen.
Grease can solidify in the drain and cause small particles of food to become stuck in the drain. In the bath tub, hair is very commonly the cause of blocked drains while paper waster is the culprit behind a blocked toilet drain.
The washing machine drain can become blocked from several causes. Washing clothing that is very dirty, such as muddy kids clothes, or the lint from regular use can build up and block the drain pipe that empties the washer. There are specific sizes of drain cleaning bladders for each of these drains.
After you have determined where the pipes are clogged, you will need to insert the drain cleaning bladder anywhere from six inches to several feet into the pipe. If you are working to clear a sewer line, you may need to open the line to insert the bladder.
In general, a drain cleaning bladder will work on a portion of blockages and won't work on others. The size of the blockage and the type of blockage will have a big impact on whether or not water pressure is enough to remove the debris that is causing water to back up. Seeking professional assistance is the best option when you aren't sure why your drain is blocked.
A clogged drain, especially a kitchen drain with food and waste, can lead to drain flies. So if you're noticing drain flies in or around your drains, you may have a clogged drain.
One of the benefits of choosing to seek professional plumbing assistance is that your plumber will be able to identify the cause of the problem and choose the right solution quickly. A professional plumber is a particularly good choice if your drain is blocked farther than a couple of feet into the pipe or when the outside lines are blocked rather than a simple drain clog.
For example, when a sewer line is clogged it may be necessary to use a drain camera or sewer camera to find the source of the problem. High pressure water jetters and sewer snakes or even digging up the pipe may be necessary. This is far beyond the capabilities of a drain cleaning bladder.
Blocked drains are a nuisance and can become a health hazard if not fixed. A drain cleaning bladder may help is some situations, but If you have a clogged drain in the workplace, a professional can solve the problem within a short time, ensuring your employees will be able to get back to work quickly and in a safe working environment.
Restaurants, condos and retail buildings will most likely have a professional plumber or maintenance company to handle these issues. A professional plumber can also give you tips on pipe maintenance and how to keep your pipes clean and free of clogs over time.