Drain Milling

Drain milling works by using an electric machine with a flexible cable and specialized cutting attachments to break up tough clogs. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process:

1. Insertion of the Milling Machine: A flexible cable with chains or cutting attachments is inserted into the blocked drain.
2. Spinning at High Speed: Once the machine is turned on, the chains spin at speeds of up to 3,500 RPM, expanding to fit the diameter of the pipe and cutting through the blockage.
3. Real-Time Video Monitoring: A drain camera is often used alongside the milling machine, allowing technicians to monitor the cleaning process in real-time to ensure that every part of the clog is removed.
4. Clearing the Debris: As the chains cut through tree roots, scale, or debris, the broken-up material is flushed out of the drain, leaving the pipes clean and free-flowing.
5. Final Inspection: After the milling process, another camera inspection ensures that the drain is completely cleared and functioning properly.

This high-speed precision process ensures that even the toughest clogs are removed without damaging the pipes, making it a highly effective and safe solution for long-term drain health.

Drain milling can be used on a wide variety of drain types, making it a versatile solution for both residential and commercial properties in Calgary. Some common applications include:

• Main Sewer Lines: Tree roots and debris commonly infiltrate main sewer lines, making drain milling an ideal solution for complete removal.
• Cast Iron Pipes: Over time, cast iron pipes develop scale buildup inside, narrowing the flow of water. Drain milling can remove this buildup effectively.
• Large Commercial Drains: Restaurants and industrial facilities with large drains often experience clogs from grease, food particles, or scale, which drain milling can efficiently clear.
• Residential Drains: Household drains that frequently clog due to hair, soap scum, or debris can benefit from this thorough cleaning method.
• Basement Floor Drains: Floor drains often collect dirt, debris, and even small objects that can cause clogs, which drain milling can safely remove.

Drain milling’s ability to adapt to different pipe sizes and clog types makes it an excellent solution for many plumbing scenarios.

Drain milling is particularly beneficial for Calgary residents due to the variety of environmental and infrastructure factors that can cause severe pipe blockages. Here’s why it’s a smart choice for local homeowners and businesses:

• Tree Root Intrusions: Calgary’s lush urban landscape means that tree roots are a common cause of sewer and drain line blockages. Drain milling cuts through these roots without damaging your pipes.
• Old Cast Iron Pipes: Many older homes in Calgary have cast iron pipes, which are prone to scale buildup and corrosion over time. Drain milling is the best method to descale these pipes and restore their function.
• Heavy Buildup: High mineral content in Calgary’s water can lead to calcium and mineral buildup inside pipes. Drain milling removes this buildup more effectively than traditional methods.
• Environmental Safety: Drain milling does not use harsh chemicals that can harm Calgary’s local environment. It’s an eco-friendly solution that focuses on mechanical cleaning.

By choosing drain milling, homeowners and businesses can prevent costly repairs and replacements while ensuring their plumbing systems function efficiently for years to come.

Drain milling is incredibly versatile and can handle a wide range of blockages. Here are the most common types of blockages that can be effectively removed using this technique:

• Tree Roots: Drain milling is one of the most effective methods for cutting through thick, invasive tree roots that have entered sewer lines.
• Mineral Deposits: Over time, minerals from hard water can accumulate inside pipes, creating a rough surface that traps debris. Drain milling removes these deposits, restoring smooth pipe walls.
• Scale Buildup: Scale from corroded cast iron pipes can reduce water flow and lead to clogs. Drain milling effectively removes this scale, restoring full pipe capacity.
• Hardened Grease and Sludge: In commercial kitchens, grease and food particles can harden and block drains. Drain milling breaks down this buildup to restore proper drainage.
• Cement or Foreign Objects: If cement or other foreign materials accidentally get into the drain, drain milling can be used to grind them away without damaging the pipes.

No matter how tough the blockage is, drain milling is capable of resolving it, making it a preferred method for difficult clogs.

While both drain milling and augering are used to clear blocked pipes, they work in very different ways and are suited to different types of clogs:

• Drain Augering: Augers rely on torque to twist and break through blockages. They are typically used for simple clogs like hair or small debris. Augers are great for routine maintenance but may leave behind residue in severe cases.

• Drain Milling: Drain milling uses speed, not torque, to clear blockages. The high-speed chains spin at 3,500 RPM, making them more effective at completely cleaning pipe walls, especially in cases of tree roots, scale, or heavy buildup.

Drain milling is a more comprehensive solution, especially for severe or recurring blockages that need complete removal, while augering is best for simpler, less severe clogs.

The frequency of drain milling depends on the condition of your plumbing system, the age of your pipes, and the type of debris causing the blockage. Here are general guidelines:

• Tree Roots: If tree roots are a recurring problem, drain milling every 1-2 years can help prevent major blockages.
• Old Cast Iron Pipes: Homes with cast iron pipes may need to descale them every 5-10 years, depending on the level of corrosion and buildup.
• Commercial Properties: High-use commercial drains, such as those in restaurants or industrial facilities, may need more frequent drain milling (annually or bi-annually) to handle heavy buildup from grease, food, or debris.

Regular inspections with a drain camera can help determine when your pipes need milling, preventing emergencies and costly repairs down the line.

Yes, drain milling is safe for most types of pipes, including:

• Cast Iron: Drain milling is ideal for descaling old cast iron pipes, removing years of buildup and restoring their capacity.
• PVC: The precision of drain milling ensures that the spinning chains only target the debris, not the pipe itself, making it safe for PVC and plastic pipes.
• Clay or Concrete: Sewer lines made of clay or concrete can also be safely cleaned with drain milling, provided they are structurally intact.

However, it’s important to have a professional plumber assess the condition of your pipes before performing drain milling to ensure they are strong enough to withstand the process.

The cost of drain milling in Calgary varies depending on several factors:

• Size of the Pipe: Larger pipes, such as main sewer lines, require more time and specialized equipment, which can increase the cost.
• Severity of the Blockage: Heavier blockages, such as thick tree roots or severe scale buildup, require more time to clear and may increase the price.
• Type of Property: Residential properties typically cost less than commercial or industrial properties due to the size and complexity of the drainage systems.

On average, the cost of drain milling can range from $300 to $1,000, depending on the specifics of the job. It’s recommended to get an estimate from a licensed Calgary plumber to understand the costs for your particular situation.

Yes, drain milling can significantly reduce the chances of future blockages by completely cleaning out the pipes and removing the buildup that causes clogs. For example:

• Tree Root Removal: Drain milling ensures that all tree roots are cut away, preventing them from growing back quickly and causing another clog.
• Scale Removal: By descaling cast iron pipes, drain milling restores smooth pipe walls, making it harder for debris to accumulate and cause future clogs.
• Preventive Maintenance: For high-use drains, scheduling regular drain milling can prevent the buildup of grease, food particles, or other debris, keeping your plumbing system clear and functional.

In addition to removing the current blockage, drain milling restores the overall integrity of your pipes, helping to prevent future issues.

Yes, drain milling is often used in conjunction with other plumbing methods for maximum effectiveness. Here are a few examples:

• Hydro Jetting: After drain milling removes the tough buildup, hydro jetting can be used to flush out any remaining debris and clean the pipe walls thoroughly.
• Camera Inspections: Video inspections are commonly used before and after drain milling to assess the condition of the pipes and ensure that the milling process has been successful.
• Rooter Services: In cases where tree roots are severe, rooter services may be used in conjunction with drain milling to ensure that the roots are completely removed.

Combining these methods provides a more comprehensive solution to clearing your pipes and preventing future problems.

Tree roots are a common cause of sewer line blockages in Calgary due to the city’s abundant green spaces and mature trees. Here’s why drain milling is ideal for removing tree roots:

• Complete Removal: Unlike traditional augers, which may leave root fragments behind, drain milling ensures that the roots are completely cut away.
• Prevention of Future Growth: By removing all the roots, drain milling helps delay the return of the root growth, extending the time between necessary cleanings.
• Minimal Damage to Pipes: The precision of the milling process prevents damage to your pipes, making it a safer alternative to other root removal methods.

With drain milling, tree root intrusions are handled thoroughly and effectively, preventing costly backups and pipe damage.

While drain milling itself doesn’t “repair” cast iron pipes, it is an essential step in maintaining and extending their lifespan. Here’s how it helps:

• Descaling: Over time, cast iron pipes develop a rough, scaly interior that traps debris and leads to clogs. Drain milling removes this scale, smoothing the pipe walls and restoring their function.
• Improves Water Flow: Descaled pipes allow water and waste to flow more easily, preventing clogs and backups.
• Prepares Pipes for Relining: If your cast iron pipes are severely corroded and need relining, drain milling is often used to prepare the interior surface for the relining process.

By maintaining your cast iron pipes with drain milling, you can prevent the need for costly pipe replacements and ensure your plumbing system remains in good condition.