Why DIY Drain Unclogging May Not Take Care of the Problem

Blocked pipes are a common residential plumbing nuisance, causing many to take a stab at do-it-yourself solutions for a quick fix. While cleaning out the drains on your own seems like a budget-friendly and convenient choice, it usually does not solve the main source of the clog and can even result in additional problems later on. Discover the methods, drawbacks and advantages of other drain clearing techniques to see why professional service is a better option.

Reasons Some Homeowners Avoid DIY Drain Cleaning

Even with the ease and cost-effectiveness of DIY methods, they might not be the most effective solution for several reasons:

• Short-Lived Results: Do-it-yourself techniques typically provide a temporary solution. They can clear part of the clog to allow water to drain for a while, but the main problem remains, leading to repeat problems and annoyance.
• Possibility of more damage: Incorrectly using plungers or manual augers might ironically harm the pipes by gouging the inside of your pipes. An untrained user can quickly create bigger problems, leading to extra expenses and frustration.
• Little benefit: DIY solutions could remove smaller clogs, but they don’t fix more significant problems like root intrusion or a collapsed sewer line. If you don’t have the proper equipment, it’s challenging to fully diagnose the exact source of the problem, let alone resolve it.
• Damaged pipes: Store-bought chemical drain cleaners can damage your plumbing system. These products often include corrosive ingredients that wear away at the plumbing, particularly if they’re in an older home or composed of iron piping 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.

Common DIY Drain Cleaning Techniques

It’s understandable to try do-it-yourself methods to remove clogs from clogged drains before calling in the pros. Here are some common methods, giving different levels of success:

• Plunger: A conventional plunger is effective for small clogs in sinks and bath drains. Adding to the fixture a small amount of water ensures a tight seal over the drain. Then, using strong pressure should break up the obstruction, as long as it’s near enough to the incoming pressure.
• Hot Water: Dumping warm (but not scalding) water into the clogged pipes can dissolve oil-based clogs or rinse off dried soap. But, this approach is more useful at preventing clogs than fixing a clog that’s already formed.
• Chemical Drain Cleaners: Many people actually try this method first, but it’s the least reliable and most likely to actually cause harm to the pipes.
• Baking Soda and Vinegar: This well-known DIY drain cleaner involves placing half a cup of bicarbonate of soda followed by one-half cup of vinegar into the clogged pipe. Once the mixture finishes fizzing, the last step is to wash out the pipe with hot but not boiling hot water.
• Hand-Crank Plumbing Snake or Auger: This option physically breaks up or removes blockages. It’s the do-it-yourself approach most able to clear out the clogged drain. However, if the clog is too far for the flexible cable to reach, it won’t work.

Reasons Homeowners Choose Professional Drain Cleaning

If an attempt at DIY to fix a blocked pipe doesn’t work, opt for professional drain cleaning services. Here’s why it’s worth it when you do:

• Routine maintenance: Routine drain cleaning is the ideal approach for ensuring smooth, efficient plumbing. Look into this routine upkƒ∂eep schedule to lower the chance of problems and costly repairs down the line.
• Long-lasting solutions: Licensed service from local plumbers offers a more thorough fix, addressing the main issue of the clog so you can get rid of clogs permanently.
• Safe work from local Experts: Licensed Experts have the knowledge and experience to handle complex clogs securely and efficiently. They use the proper equipment and tools to minimize the risk of further damage to your plumbing system.

Expert Drain Cleaning Techniques

Professional plumbers employ various advanced tools to offer comprehensive and lasting resolutions to your clogged plumbing:

• Heavy-duty plumbing auger: When small manual augers prove ineffective, Experts break out the more serious equipment. Power augers have extra-long cables designed to extend into your pipes, cutting apart anything in their path.
• Digital camera inspections: Plumbers typically begin inspections with a sewer camera inspection. This means inserting a miniature camera into the drainage lines to accurately identify the precise source of the clog, making sure they can provide precise and lasting repairs.
• Hydro jetter: The most cutting-edge option uses pressurized jets of water to wash out blockages and scrub the interior of your plumbing, eliminating all buildup and gunk. Even intrusive tree roots are easily cut up by this commercial-grade solution.

Ask About Licensed Drain Cleaning Service

While do-it-yourself drain cleaning techniques are a fast remedy for minor blockages, more serious or more significant issues call for professional services. For risk-free, effective and longer-lasting solutions, rely on Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We deliver reliable drain cleaning services backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. In case you’re not entirely satisfied with our job, we’ll get back to work. Contact us today to ensure your plumbing is in capable hands.