Clearwater Laundry Drain Clog Fixed Fast
This weekend, we tackled a seriously clogged laundry drain line. It was one of those jobs where you know it's going to be messy, but you gotta get it done. We used some specialized tools to get the job finished.
The Problem: A Backed-Up Laundry Drain
It all started with a call about a laundry drain that was backing up. My first thought? The drain line is probably clogged. When you have water coming back out of the drain, that's usually the sign.
To confirm, I grabbed my wrench and headed for the cleanout. Yep, sure enough, the water was backing up right out of the laundry drain. So, the mission was clear: clean out that laundry drain line.
Getting Ready to Tackle the Clog
First things first, I had to unplug the washing machine to avoid making a bigger mess. Then, I moved the washer and dryer out of the way to give myself some working room. This is always a bit of a hassle, but necessary.
To help with the cleaning process, I disconnected the cold water supply line from the washing machine. My plan was to run that line down into the drain. This way, I could run water as I worked, which helps me see exactly when the clog starts to break free. It also lets me know how much water it takes to cause a backup.
The Cleaning Process: Tools and Techniques
With the water supply set up, I could start running my drain cleaning machines. I began with a flex shaft machine to try and break up the clog. Sometimes, this is enough to get things moving.
When that didn't quite do the trick, it was time to bring out the big guns: the Rigid K60. This machine is a workhorse for stubborn clogs. You could feel the machine working hard, fighting against whatever was blocking the pipe. After a bit of effort, I felt it give way. That was the moment of truth – the clog was broken.
Even after breaking the main clog, I kept running more cable. The goal is to clear as much of the blockage as possible. Then, I ran the flex shaft back through the line to really open it up and make sure it was clear.
What Was Causing the Clog?
So, what was the culprit behind this mess? After pulling out the gunk, it looked like a combination of lint and, surprisingly, a dead lizard or frog. Yep, you heard that right. A dead critter and lint decided to team up and clog the drain. Just another day in the life of a plumber!
The Final Inspection and Cleanup
After clearing the clog, I ran more cable with the largest head I had for the K60. I could feel it hitting the area where the clog was, which is a good sign. To be absolutely sure, I did a camera inspection. The camera showed that the drain line, which is about 30 feet long before it connects to the main, was completely clear. Everything was draining great.
Key Takeaways
Identify the problem: Water backing up from the laundry drain is a clear sign of a clog.
Prepare the workspace: Move appliances and set up water supply for testing.
Use the right tools: Different machines and heads are needed for different types of clogs.
Inspect and confirm: A camera inspection is the best way to ensure the drain is fully clear.
Clean up: Always finish the job by cleaning the work area.
Finally, it was time for the cleanup. I dried up the floor, put the washer and dryer back in place, and made sure the area was spotless. Another job well done by the Sewer Studs team.
Conclusion
Dealing with a clogged laundry drain can be a real headache, but with the right tools and techniques, it's a problem that can be solved. From lint to unexpected critters, drain clogs come in all shapes and sizes. The important thing is to address them promptly and thoroughly to avoid future issues. If you're facing a similar problem, don't hesitate to call in the pros!
