Why DIY Drain Unclogging May Not Take Care of the Issue

Blocked pipes are a frequent home headache, causing many to attempt DIY fixes for a quick fix. Even though cleaning out the drains on your own appears to be a budget-friendly and convenient choice, it usually does not solve the underlying issue of the clog and can even lead to more damage in the future. Discover the methods, drawbacks and benefits of other drain clearing techniques to understand why calling a licensed plumber is a better option.

Downsides of DIY Drain Cleaning

Regardless of the convenience and cost-effectiveness of DIY methods, they might not be the best approach for different reasons:

• Patchy Fixes: DIY methods typically provide a short-term fix. They can clear just enough of the clog to get things moving temporarily, but the main problem remains, leading to repeat problems and frustration.
• Potential for additional damage: Improperly using plungers and drain augers can have the opposite effect and lead to issues by scraping the pipe’s interior. An uninsured novice can easily create bigger problems, leading to additional repair costs and headaches.
• Low impact: Do-it-yourself methods could remove minor blockages, but they can’t fix more significant problems like root intrusion or a collapsed sewer line. Lacking proper gear, it’s more difficult to properly identify the underlying problem, let alone resolve it.
• Damaging the plumbing: Store-bought chemical drain cleaners can damage your pipes. These cleaners often include corrosive ingredients that damage pipes over time, more so if they’re older or constructed from cast iron or zinc-coated pipes. Besides, drain cleaning chemicals can be hazardous to your health, causing burns or toxic fumes, not to mention harm to the planet from pouring them down the drain.

Conventional DIY Drain Cleaning Techniques

It makes sense to attempt DIY projects to unclog stopped-up drains before calling in the pros. Here are some common techniques, offering varying degrees of effectiveness:

• Plunger: A conventional plunger is effective for minor blockages in sink drains and bath drains. Filling the fixture with an inch of water gives a tight seal over the drainage. Then, applying force should loosen the obstruction, as long as it’s near enough to the drain.
• Hot Water: Pouring warm (but not TOO hot) water through the line can dissolve greasy blockages or rinse off soap scum. At the same time, this option is more useful at preventing clogs than fixing current clogs.
• Chemical Drain Cleaners: Most homeowners actually start with this approach, but it’s the least successful and most known to actually cause harm to the pipes.
• Baking Soda and Vinegar: This well-known DIY drain cleaner involves pouring half a cup of baking soda then adding one-half cup of vinegar through the line. Once the mixture finishes fizzing, the last step is to flush the pipe with warm but not boiling hot water.
• Hand-Crank Plumbing Snake or Auger: This device manually clears or pushes them out through the pipe. It’s the DIY method most likely to clear out the clogged drain. However, if the clog is too far into the plumbing for the flexible cable to reach, it won’t be effective.

Benefits of Professional Drain Cleaning

If a DIY attempt to fix a clogged drain doesn’t work, opt for professional drain cleaning services. Here’s why it’s worth it when you make the call:

• Routine maintenance: Scheduled maintenance like pipe cleaning is the best way to ensure clog-free pipes for as long as possible. Think about this preventive service to reduce the possibility of problems and high repair costs in the future.
• Longer-lasting solutions: Expert drain cleaning service provides a more thorough solution, fixing the main issue of the blockage so you can put drainage problems behind you for good.
• Safe, Expert work: Professional plumbers have the skills and training to handle complex clogs securely and efficiently. They employ the proper equipment and tools to stop further harm to the pipes.

Professional Drain Cleaning Techniques

Professional plumbers utilize various advanced equipment to ensure comprehensive and long-term results to your plumbing concerns:

• Heavy-duty plumbing auger: When standard tools fail to clear the clog out, Experts break out the more serious equipment. Electric-powered snakes have extended reach and longer cables designed to extend into your pipes, cutting apart the clog.
• Using a video camera: Professionals typically begin service calls with a drain camera. This includes feeding a small camera into the pipes to accurately find the precise source of the blockage, ensuring targeted and lasting repairs.
• Hydro jetter: The most advanced option utilizes pressurized jets of water to force out the deepest clogs and scrub the inside of your pipes, removing all debris and residue. Even roots blocking the line are no match for this high-power technique.

Arrange for Expert Drain Cleaning

While self-cleaning approaches are a quick fix for small clogs, vast or more significant issues demand licensed assistance. For safe, effective and permanent solutions, rely on Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We provide dependable drain cleaning services supported by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not fully satisfied with our service, we’ll fix it. Contact us today to guarantee your plumbing is in capable hands.