Why DIY Drain Cleaning May Not Take Care of the Problem

Clogged drains are a typical residential plumbing nuisance, causing many to take a stab at do-it-yourself fixes for a quick fix. Although cleaning out the drains on your own appears to be a budget-friendly and straightforward way to go, it usually does not address the underlying issue of the clog and can even result in the clog expanding down the line. Discover the methods, drawbacks and benefits of other drain clearing techniques to understand why professional service is the best way to go.

Reasons Some Homeowners Avoid DIY Drain Cleaning

Regardless of the convenience and fewer costs of do-it-yourself methods, they might not be the best approach for different reasons:

• Short-Term Solutions: DIY methods often only offer a short-term fix. They may clear just enough of the clog to restore flow briefly, but the main problem persists, leading to ongoing clogs and annoyance.
• Potential for further damage: Improperly using plungers and manual augers may actually cause damage by damaging the plumbing’s interior walls. An untrained user can quickly create bigger problems, leading to higher bills and hassle.
• Low impact: Going the DIY route might clear small clogs, but they don’t fix more severe examples like root intrusion or a collapsed sewer line. Lacking proper equipment, it’s harder to fully diagnose the exact source of the problem, let alone fix it.
• Damaged pipes: Over-the-counter chemical drain cleaners can ironically damage your plumbing system. These products often include harsh chemicals that can weaken your plumbing lines over time, particularly if they’re older or made of materials like cast iron or galvanized iron. Besides, drain cleaning chemicals can be hazardous to your health, resulting in chemical irritation or toxic fumes, not to mention environmental pollution from flushing them into the sewer.

Popular DIY Drain Cleaning Techniques

It makes sense to try DIY methods to unclog clogged drains before seeking professional service. You may remember some common options, offering varied results:

• Plunger: A conventional plunger is helpful for small clogs in sinks and bathtubs. Filling the fixture with a bit of water creates a secure fit over the drain. Then, using strong pressure should dislodge the clog, as long as it’s located close enough to the incoming pressure.
• Hot Water: Dumping hot (but not scalding) water down the drain can break down some of the oil-based clogs or clear out dried soap. However, this approach is more useful at stopping blockages than fixing a clog that’s already formed.
• Drain Cleaning Chemicals: Many people actually start with this approach, but it’s the least reliable and most likely to actually cause harm to the pipes.
• Baking Soda and Vinegar: This popular DIY pipe-clearing method involves adding one-half cup of baking soda followed by half a cup of common vinegar solution down the drain. After the baking soda stops bubbling, the last step is to flush the drain with warm but not boiling hot water.
• Hand-Crank Plumbing Snake or Auger: This device manually clears or pulls out clogs. It’s the do-it-yourself approach most able to resolve the clog entirely. However, if the clog is too deep for the snake to be able to to reach, it won’t be effective.

Benefits of Professional Drain Cleaning

If your do-it-yourself adventure to clear a blocked pipe doesn’t work, opt for professional drain cleaning services. Here’s what you’ll gain when you decide this is the best option:

• Preventive maintenance: Scheduled maintenance like pipe cleaning is the key to free-flowing drains. Look into this preventive service to cut down on the chance of plumbing emergencies and high repair costs in the future.
• The longest-lasting solutions: Licensed service from local plumbers delivers a more thorough fix, rising to meet the main issue of the obstruction so you can put drainage problems behind you for good.
• Safe, Expert work: Professional plumbers have the knowledge and training to address complex clogs safely and effectively. They utilize the right tools and tools to prevent further harm to the pipes.

Expert Drain Cleaning Techniques

Plumbing pros use various modern techniques to offer comprehensive and long-term resolutions to your clogged plumbing:

• Heavy-duty plumbing auger: When basic plumbing snakes prove ineffective, plumbers bring in the big guns. Power augers have extra-long cables able to reach far into your sewer line, breaking up anything in their path.
• Using a video camera: Professionals often start inspections with a sewer camera inspection. This includes inserting a tiny camera into the plumbing system to correctly identify the precise source of the blockage, ensuring targeted and effective repairs.
• Hydro jetting: The most cutting-edge drain cleaning technique uses strong streams of pressurized water to force out the deepest clogs and clean the inside of your pipes, wiping out all buildup and gunk. Even roots blocking the line are vulnerable to this high-power technique.

Arrange for Licensed Drain Cleaning Service

Although DIY drain cleaning methods are a fast remedy for lesser obstructions, vast or larger problems demand licensed assistance. For secure, thorough and longer-lasting solutions, count on Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We offer reliable drain cleaning services supported by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not entirely satisfied with our work, we’ll fix it. Contact us today to ensure your plumbing is in good hands.