Reasons Why Do-It-Yourself Drain Cleaning May Not Take Care of the Problem

Clogged drains are a common home headache, causing many to take a stab at DIY work for a quick fix. Although cleaning out the drains on your own appears to be a cost-effective and convenient choice, it typically does not address the root cause of the clog and can even cause the clog expanding down the line. Discover the techniques, drawbacks and perks of different drain cleaning options to see why calling a licensed plumber is the best way to go.

Downsides of DIY Drain Cleaning

Regardless of the ease and affordability of attempts to clear the clog on your own, they might not be the ideal choice for several reasons:

• Inconsistent Results: Do-it-yourself techniques often only offer a temporary solution. They can remove enough of the blockage to restore flow briefly, but the main problem persists, leading to ongoing clogs and more headaches.
• Possibility of additional damage: Incorrectly using plungers and manual augers might ironically harm the pipes by scratching the plumbing’s interior walls. An inexperienced hand can easily make matters worse, leading to higher bills and headaches.
• Lack of effectiveness: Going the DIY route might clear smaller clogs, but they don’t resolve more severe examples like root intrusion or a collapsed sewer line. If you don’t have the proper equipment, it’s challenging to pinpoint the root cause, let alone take care of it.
• Damaging the plumbing: Over-the-counter chemical drain cleaners can harm your home’s plumbing. These cleaners often contain strong acids that wear away at the plumbing, more so if they’re old or made of materials like old, cast iron piping or zinc-coated pipes. Additionally, drain cleaning chemicals can be hazardous to your health, causing burns or toxic fumes, not to mention the negative environmental impact from pouring them down the drain.

Conventional Do-It-Yourself Drain Cleaning Techniques

It’s understandable to attempt do-it-yourself methods to clear blocked pipes before calling in the pros. You may remember some conventional options, offering varying degrees of effectiveness:

• Plunger: A sink plunger is useful for small clogs in sinks and toilets. Adding to the fixture a small amount of water creates a secure fit over the drain. Then, using strong pressure should loosen the obstruction, as long as it’s near enough to the incoming pressure.
• Hot Water: Pouring hot (but not TOO hot) water down the drain can melt a little of the greasy blockages or wash away soap scum. At the same time, this method is more useful at avoiding stoppages than resolving current clogs.
• Chemical Drain Cleaners: A lot of folks actually use a chemical cleaner first, but it’s the least effective and most prone to actually cause harm to the pipes.
• Vinegar and Baking Soda: This common do-it-yourself unclogging technique consists of pouring half a cup of sodium bicarbonate followed by half a cup of common vinegar solution down the drain. Once the mixture stops bubbling, the last step is to wash out the entire line with warm but not too hot water.
• Hand-Crank Plumbing Snake or Auger: This option mechanically disrupts or pushes them out through the pipe. It’s the DIY method most able to help clear the clog out. Still, if the clog is too far for the flexible cable to get to, it won’t be effective.

Benefits of Professional Drain Cleaning

If an attempt at DIY to unclog a blocked pipe fails, choose professional drain cleaning services. Here’s why it’s worth it when you do:

• Preventive maintenance: Regular maintenance is the ideal approach for ensuring clog-free pipes for as long as possible. Consider this preventive service to lower the risk of problems and costly repairs in the future.
• Longer-lasting solutions: Licensed service from local plumbers delivers a more complete resolution, fixing the root cause of the obstruction so you can put drainage problems behind you once and for all.
• Safe, Expert work: Professional plumbers have the knowledge and tools to address stubborn clogs in your home plumbing quickly and thoroughly. They use the best techniques and tools to avoid causing further issues with your plumbing.

Local Expert Drain Cleaning Techniques

Professional plumbers utilize various high-tech equipment to ensure thorough and lasting solutions to your clogged plumbing:

• Heavy-duty plumbing auger: When standard tools don’t work, Experts bring in the heavy-duty tools. Power augers have extended reach and longer cables able to reach far into your sewer line, cutting apart anything in their path.
• Using a video camera: Plumbers often start inspections with a drain camera. This means placing a miniature camera into the drainage lines to correctly locate the precise source of the blockage, guaranteeing targeted and efficient repairs.
• Hydro jetter: The most cutting-edge unclogging approach uses high-pressure water to force out clogs and clean the inside of your pipes, wiping out all buildup and gunk. Even roots blocking the line are no match for this high-power technique.

Schedule Licensed Drain Cleaning Service

Although do-it-yourself drain cleaning techniques are a quick fix for minor blockages, vast or larger problems demand licensed assistance. For secure, effective and permanent solutions, count on Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We provide trustworthy drain cleaning services backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Should you not be fully satisfied with our job, we’ll make it right. Contact us today to ensure your plumbing is in capable hands.