Reasons Why Do-It-Yourself Drain Unclogging Might Not Take Care of the Issue

Clogged drains are a common residential plumbing headache, prompting many to attempt do-it-yourself work for a quick patch. Although do-it-yourself unclogging may seem like a budget-friendly and convenient way to go, it often fails to fix the main source of the clog and can even result in additional problems down the line. Discover the approaches, downsides and benefits of different drain cleaning options to see why calling a licensed plumber is the best way to go.

Reasons Some Homeowners Avoid DIY Drain Cleaning

Even with the convenience and cost-effectiveness of attempts to clear the clog on your own, they may not be the ideal choice for a few reasons:

• Inconsistent Solutions: DIY methods often provide a temporary solution. They may clear enough of the blockage to allow water to drain for a while, but the main problem persists, leading to recurring issues and annoyance.
• Potential for additional damage: Improperly using plungers and plumbing snakes can have the opposite effect and lead to issues by damaging the pipe’s interior. An untrained user can easily cause more harm than good, leading to higher bills and hassle.
• Lack of effectiveness: Going the DIY route might remove minor blockages, but they won’t address more severe examples like root intrusion or a collapsed sewer line. Lacking proper gear, it’s more difficult to pinpoint the exact source of the problem, let alone resolve it.
• Damaged pipes: Over-the-counter chemical drain cleaners can harm your plumbing system. These products often include harsh chemicals that damage pipes over time, particularly if they’re older or made of materials like old, cast iron piping or zinc-coated pipes. Besides, chemical cleaners 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 Do-It-Yourself Drain Cleaning Techniques

It’s understandable to try do-it-yourself once or twice to remove clogs from blocked pipes before getting a plumber. Here are some common techniques, offering varied results:

• Plunger: A sink plunger is useful for a few simple clogs in sink drains and bath drains. Adding to the fixture a bit of water ensures a good seal over the drain. Then, applying force should break up the clog, as long as it’s located close enough to the drain.
• Hot Water: Running heated (but not TOO hot) water down the drain can melt a little of the oil-based clogs or wash away soap residue. That said, this option is more useful at avoiding stoppages than fixing current clogs.
• Chemical Drain Cleaners: Most homeowners actually start with this approach, but it’s the least reliable and most likely to actually cause harm to the pipes.
• Vinegar and Baking Soda: This popular DIY drain cleaner involves pouring one-half cup of bicarbonate of soda followed by half a cup of common vinegar solution through the line. When the mix stops bubbling and hissing, the last step is to wash out the drain with hot but not scalding hot water.
• Hand-Crank Plumbing Snake or Auger: This device manually clears or removes blockages. It’s the do-it-yourself approach most likely to help clear the clog out. Still, if the clog is too far for the flexible cable 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, go with professional drain cleaning services. Here’s why it’s worth it when you do:

• Preventive maintenance: Scheduled maintenance like pipe cleaning is the key to free-flowing drains. Think about this preventive measure to lower the risk of problems and high repair costs in the future.
• The longest-lasting solutions: Licensed service from local plumbers delivers a more complete resolution, fixing the underlying problem of the blockage so you can get rid of clogs for good.
• Safe work from local Experts: Qualified plumbers have the knowledge and tools to tackle stubborn clogs in your home plumbing quickly and effectively. They employ the right tools and tools to prevent further damage to your plumbing system.

Local Expert Drain Cleaning Best Practices

Licensed Experts utilize various advanced tools to provide complete and long-term solutions to your clogged plumbing:

• Professional-grade plumbing auger: When basic plumbing snakes fail to clear the clog out, Experts break out the big guns. Motorized augers have extended reach and longer cables designed to extend into your sewer line, cutting apart the clog.
• Video camera inspections: Experts typically begin inspections with a drain camera. This means placing a small camera into the drainage lines to precisely locate the location and cause of the clog, guaranteeing focused and effective repairs.
• Hydro jetting: The most advanced option uses strong streams of pressurized water to wash out the deepest clogs and scrub the inside of your pipes, removing all debris and residue. Even roots invading pipes are no match for this professional specialty.

Request Expert Drain Cleaning

Even though do-it-yourself drain cleaning techniques are a fast remedy for minor blockages, vast or larger problems call for Expert help. For safe, effective and permanent solutions, turn to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We offer trustworthy drain cleaning services supported by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. In case you’re not entirely satisfied with our service, we’ll fix it. Contact us today to make sure your drains are in capable hands.