Drain cleaners provide solutions necessary for keeping a business in operation. Whether referring to chemical solvents, or mechanical devices, drain cleaners can make the difference between staying open, and coping with costly clean up, or complete shutdown. No small business—from food service to auto repair—can afford to have clogged drains if it means any interference with conducting business.

When a drain problem arises, determining the extent of the clog and the best solution is of paramount importance. The drains and cleaning required that affect any business may include:

1. Sewer drain cleaning for main sewage drains.

2. Drain cleaning for sink drains—including kitchen or work sinks.

3. Drain cleaning for floor drains.

Knowing your building and the age of its pipes and sewer system is crucial. If this situation is occuring for the first time, in a building that is under 10 years old, the solution is probably a simple one. Commericially available products, such as drain cleaners, drain cleaning equipment, or a licensed, experienced drain cleaning service or plumber should be able to resolve the situation easily.

If the building is older, along with its plumbing, consider utilizing a professional plumbing company to assess the nature of the clog and drains, and to provide a complete evaluation of the viability of the plumbing system.

If you are in a city and on a public sewage line, it is also recommended that you check out any problems in the main drains before presuming the problem is simply your own. Depending on the nature of the business and ongoing drain needs, investing in an item such as an electric snake could be worthwhile in order to save hundreds of dollars on recurring drain cleaning needs.

If handling the drain cleaning in-house, always be cautious when using chemicals. Drain cleaners might contain lye, sulfuric acid, or sodium hydroxide—poisonous to humans and pets. Remember to properly use, store, and dispose of them. Even products that might be labeled as non-caustic or non-corrosive can still be poisonous if inhaled or swallowed in large concentrations. Consider using ecologically-friendly products when using drain cleaning solvents.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Determine whether you need a drain cleaners business to resolve your drain problems

Determine the nature of the drain clog--if it is not being resolved by pouring commercially available solutions or crystals, professional services are needed.

I recommend: American Residential Services offers local agents throughout the United States at its website. Services include sewer repair, drain cleaning, high pressure water jets that scour lines, and a drain cleaning solution for ongoing maintenance of drains that keeps pipes clear and flowing. Roto-Rooter is also a trusted national name in the drain cleaning business.

Know which equipment you need when cleaning drains yourself

Determine whether your long-term needs might include owning drain cleaning equipment such as an electric snake. Doing an investigation through the Internet can best prepare you for shopping and purchase--either online or through a local business.

I recommend: The Sureflow 50-foot Powersnake, a smaller and affordable but professional drain cleaning machine best suited to homeowners, motel, and restaurant owners, and other small businesses. PlumbingSupply.com also has a plethora of other drain cleaning snake tools.

Be prepared for future problems by knowing local sewer drain cleaning and other clean drain experts

Plan ahead for maintenance and resolution of future drain cleaning problems even if you cannot afford to purchase your own drain cleaning equipment.

I recommend: The web platform PlumbingNeeds.com provides information across the United States to supply local experts to address your problems. Go to the website, and plug in the local zip code, and recommendations for local contractors will be available. If buying locally, depend on the Better Business Bureau or other licensing agencies and business organizations to ensure that a product or service is reliable.

Always follow government regulations if your employees will be handling drain cleaning equipment

Stay informed regarding federal regulations and recalls on chemical products, and equipment.

I recommend: Consult the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to stay current with any recalls or cautionary notices regarding products you might be using in your business. You will find information regarding the source of the problem and any resources you might need regarding returns or refunds, or any more serious action necessary. See the Occupational and Safety Health Administration (OSHA) website for details on chemical hazards and regulations.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If the drain cleaning problem is as serious as raw sewage coming up through a basement drain, do the sensible thing and contact a drain cleaning professional immediately. Losing business due to a revoked restaurant or business license, and serious health and safety concerns are not worth the cost.