Drain Cleaning Methods
Cabling | Snaking | Auger
This method utilizes a cable with an electric motor and blades on the end to clear the lines. Snaking is best for clearing out simple soft debris such as toilet paper, wipes, feminine hygiene products, hair, and food. Cotter's has had much success cleaning lines using cables. Although it's the more affordable option, not every clog can be cleared with cables.
Hydro-Jetting
If cabling does not clear the line, we recommend hydro-jetting because it's a more aggressive way to clean lines. This method uses high-pressure water to break through stubborn clogs or hardened debris such as tree roots, sludge, calcium build-up, or grease and fats. Hydro-jetting is a very effective solution but is also very costly. However, not all sewer lines are a candidate for hydro-jetting. Hydro-jetting is not recommended for pipes made of Orangeburg or Cast Iron.
Camera Inspections
If you're having frequent-reoccurring issues, getting a camera inspection will allow us to get a better idea of the condition of your line to determine if the line needs to be repaired or replaced.
When do we cable a line?
When we need to clear soft debris such as toilet paper, wipes, feminine hygiene products, or food etc.
When we don't have history on the clogged line
When cabling the line in the past has been sufficient
When there is no sign of root intrusion
When the line is made of orangeburg or cast iron
When do we jet the line?
If there is a 6" pipe and the cleanout is a 4" or 3", we can not fully clear the pipe with the cables. We must have a 6" cleanout on the 6" pipe to be effective with the cables. Jetting will hit the entire pipe even going through smaller cleanouts.
When there is a history of frequent backups within a short period of time after cleaning with cables
When there is evidence that the line needs to be cleared of stubborn debris such as roots, sludge, calcium build-up, grease etc.
What happens if the line backs up again?
If the serviced line backs up again, the next steps may depend on a few factors:
When did the backup happen?
Was a jet/camera job recommended after the initial visit?
If the backup happens within the warranty period, we can send a technician to clean the line at no charge.
If the backup happened within a 12-month period, we will need to look at the recommendations from the initial cleaning. Cable/Snaking cleanings have proven to keep lines clear for months to years. However, if the backups happen more frequently, then we may need to consider jetting.
After jetting the line, and backups happen within a 6-month period, then there may be a more serious issue going on with the line such as pipe damage. In this case, we would need to camera the line to understand what is going on. We can diagnose the issue and provide recommendations for the repair or replacement of the line.