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

Clogged drains are a frequent household headache, prompting many to try do-it-yourself work for a quick fix. While do-it-yourself unclogging appears to be a cost-effective and easy choice, it typically does not address the root cause of the clog and can even lead to the clog expanding later on. Learn about the approaches, drawbacks and perks of other drain clearing techniques to understand why professional service is a better option.

Downsides of DIY Drain Cleaning

Even with the accessibility and affordability of attempts to clear the clog on your own, they may not be the most effective solution for a few reasons:

• Patchy Results: Do-it-yourself techniques typically give only a short-term fix. They may clear part of the clog to restore flow briefly, but the main problem persists, leading to repeat problems and more headaches.
• Possibility of more damage: Haphazardly using plungers and plumbing snakes might ironically harm the pipes by scratching the plumbing’s interior walls. An uninsured novice can unintentionally cause more harm than good, leading to additional repair costs and frustration.
• Little benefit: Do-it-yourself methods could clear minor blockages, but they don’t address more serious issues like root intrusion or a collapsed sewer line. Lacking proper equipment, it’s harder to pinpoint the underlying problem, let alone take care of it.
• Damage to the pipes: Commercially available chemical drain cleaners can damage your home’s plumbing. These products often use corrosive ingredients that can weaken your plumbing lines over time, especially if they’re old or made of materials like cast iron or zinc-coated pipes. Additionally, drain cleaning chemicals can be dangerous, leading to skin irritation or toxic fumes, not to mention the negative environmental impact from flushing them into the sewer.

Common DIY Drain Cleaning Techniques

It makes sense to try do-it-yourself once or twice to unclog stopped-up drains before calling in the pros. You may remember some typical methods, providing varied results:

• Plunger: A standard plunger is helpful for minor blockages in sink drains and bath drains. Making sure the sink or tub has a bit of water creates a tight seal over the drain. Then, applying force should dislodge the blockage, as long as it’s located close enough to the opening.
• Using Hot Water: Pouring warm (but not scalding) water down the drain can dissolve fatty buildups or wash away soap scum. That said, this option is more useful at preventing clogs than fixing current clogs.
• Drain Cleaning Chemicals: A lot of folks actually use a chemical cleaner first, but it’s the least reliable and most known to create more issues than they resolve.
• Baking Soda and Vinegar: This common do-it-yourself pipe-clearing method consists of pouring a ½ cup of baking soda then adding one-half cup of common vinegar solution through the line. Once the mixture stops bubbling and hissing, the last step is to rinse the pipe with hot but not scalding hot water.
• Hand-Crank Plumbing Snake or Auger: This tool manually clears or pushes them out through the pipe. It’s the DIY method most able to resolve the clog entirely. However, if the clog is too deep for the flexible cable to get to, it won’t work.

Reasons Homeowners Choose Professional Drain Cleaning

If a DIY attempt to unclog a clogged drain falls short, choose professional drain cleaning services. Here’s why it’s worth it when you decide this is the best option:

• Routine maintenance: Regular maintenance is the ideal approach for ensuring clog-free pipes for as long as possible. Look into this routine upkƒ∂eep schedule to cut down on the possibility of problems and costly repairs in the future.
• Solutions that last: Professional drain cleaning offers a more complete fix, rising to meet the main issue of the clog so you can get rid of clogs for good.
• Expertise and safety: Qualified plumbers have the skills and experience to address complex clogs quickly and effectively. They use the right tools and tools to minimize the risk of further issues with your plumbing.

Professional Drain Cleaning Services

Professional plumbers use various high-tech equipment to offer complete and long-term solutions to your drain problems:

• Professional-grade plumbing auger: When basic plumbing snakes fail to clear the clog out, plumbers turn to the heavy-duty tools. Electric-powered snakes have longer cables that go deep into your pipes, breaking up the clog.
• Using a video camera: Professionals often start service calls with a video pipe inspection. This includes placing a miniature camera into the pipes to accurately identify the precise source of the clog, guaranteeing targeted and lasting repairs.
• Hydro jetter: The most cutting-edge unclogging approach utilizes strong streams of pressurized water to blast away blockages and scrub the interior of your plumbing, removing all debris and residue. Even roots invading pipes are easily cut up by this commercial-grade solution.

Ask About Expert Drain Cleaning

Even though DIY drain cleaning methods are a quick fix for small clogs, more serious or larger problems require licensed assistance. For secure, thorough and longer-lasting solutions, turn to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We provide trustworthy drain cleaning services supported by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. In case you’re not completely happy with our service, we’ll get back to work. Contact us today to ensure your pipes are in capable hands.