FAQs on Rooter Service

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about rooter services from the experts at Art Plumbing, AC and Electric:

What is a rooter?

A rooter is a drain cleaning machine that was invented in order to unblock drains that had been clogged from tree roots and other hard-to-reach debris.

Why are there roots in my pipes?

Drier weather conditions often force plant roots to travel long distances in search of moisture. If your pipes have any cracks or leaks, the water vapor trail will cause roots to start penetrating the pipes in order to reach the water.

Why are roots in my pipes bad?

This could lead to a reduced flow and slow drains. In most cases however the roots lead to a complete blockage. This is because the roots quickly start to act as a net by catching all the grease and other waste from your household – this is why it is important to keep your drains clean if you suspect that you have roots in your plumbing. Also, once the roots enter the pipes through the cracks or other openings, the pipes are prone to break as a result of the increased pressure. Naturally such breakage will require repair or replacement. Pipes made from clay tile are especially vulnerable to damage caused by roots. 

How do I prevent clogged drains?

It is vital that you never pour cooking oils or fats into your kitchen sink. When exposed to cold temperatures, these fats solidify and create blockages. In addition the drains in your bathtubs and showers should all be fitted with a strainer in order to catch hair and pieces of soap. These strainers should be cleaned out regularly. However, it is best to get professional drain cleaning services to ensure that your pipes aren’t damage and you are not contributing to the problem instead of fixing it.

What can I do if my drains are clogged?

While many people reach straight for harsh acidic chemicals to remove blockages, these are not always recommended. The chemicals may cause damage to your pipes and ultimately cause more problems in the long run. It is best to make use of professional drain cleaning and rooter services. This is especially so when the blockage is caused by plant roots.

What do rooter services entail?

Drain cleaning professionals will clear your drains in one of two ways. The first method is to snake the drain as much as possible and then to use chemicals to clear the remaining debris, as well as speed up the decomposition of the dead roots. However, these chemicals can often be harmful to the environment. For this reason a new method has emerged, namely hydro jetting or hydro scrubbing. Water is forced through the pipes using varying amounts of pressure, in order to clear the pipes and scrub away any additional built-up debris on the walls of the pipes. This method is quick, effective, economic and friendly to the environment. Next, the plumber will use a rooter machine to break up the roots in the plumbing and flush them out. It is important that an experienced professional is in control of this machine as it is possible to damage your pipes further if not used correctly.

When should I replace my pipes?

Apart from obvious instances where a replacement would be absolutely necessary (for example, where the pipe cannot be cleared or where there has been extensive damage done by roots), whether or not you should replace your pipes is largely a personal matter. Some people will endure years of problems with blockages before deciding on a replacement while other people refuse to deal with more than one or two blockages. In difficult, cases a video camera inspection can be a useful tool to guide your decision as to what your next step should be.

For more information about clogged drains, drain inspections and cleaning, and rooter services, be sure to contact the experts at Art Plumbing, AC and Electric.