Why DIY Drain Unclogging May Not Take Care of the Problem

Blocked pipes are a frequent household issue, leading many to try do-it-yourself solutions for a quick fix. Even though DIY drain cleaning seems like an affordable and straightforward way to go, it typically does not fix the underlying issue of the clog and can even lead to the clog expanding down the line. Discover the techniques, disadvantages and perks of other drain clearing techniques to understand why Expert plumbing service is the best way to go.

Reasons Some Homeowners Avoid DIY Drain Cleaning

Even with the accessibility and fewer costs of DIY methods, they aren’t always the best approach for several reasons:

• Short-Lived Solutions: DIY methods typically provide a temporary solution. They may clear just enough of the clog to get things moving temporarily, but the main problem is more stubborn, leading to recurring issues and annoyance.
• Possibility of further damage: Haphazardly using plungers or manual augers might ironically harm the pipes by gouging the plumbing’s interior walls. An untrained user can easily make matters worse, leading to additional repair costs and trouble.
• Little benefit: Do-it-yourself methods might remove smaller clogs, but they don’t resolve more serious issues like root intrusion or a collapsed sewer line. Lacking proper tools, it’s harder to pinpoint the root cause, let alone fix it.
• Damaging the plumbing: Over-the-counter chemical drain cleaners can harm your home’s plumbing. These cleaners often have corrosive ingredients that damage pipes over time, especially if they’re old or made of materials like cast iron or galvanized iron. Moreover, chemical cleaners can be hazardous to your health, resulting in chemical irritation or toxic fumes, not to mention harm to the planet from flushing them into the sewer.

Standard DIY Drain Cleaning Techniques

It makes sense to try do-it-yourself methods to remove clogs from clogged drains before getting a plumber. Here are some common techniques, providing varied results:

• Plunger: A standard plunger is helpful for a few simple clogs in sinks and bathtubs. Filling the fixture with an inch of water gives a tight seal over the pipe opening. Then, applying force should break up the obstruction, as long as it’s near enough to the incoming pressure.
• Hot Water: Running warm (but not TOO hot) water into the clogged pipes can melt a little of the oil-based clogs or clear out soap scum. However, this approach is better at avoiding stoppages than unclogging existing ones.
• Drain Cleaning Chemicals: A lot of folks actually use a chemical cleaner first, but it’s the least reliable and most likely to actually cause harm to the pipes.
• Vinegar and Baking Soda: This well-known do-it-yourself drain cleaner consists of placing a ½ cup of sodium bicarbonate followed by a ½ cup of common vinegar solution into the clogged pipe. When the mix stops bubbling, the last step is to rinse the drain with warm but not scalding hot water.
• Hand-Crank Plumbing Snake or Auger: This tool manually clears or removes blockages. It’s the do-it-yourself approach most likely to resolve the clog entirely. However, if it is too deep for the snake to be able to to reach, it won’t do any good.

The Perks of Professional Drain Cleaning

If a DIY attempt to fix a blocked pipe doesn’t work, choose professional drain cleaning services. Here’s how you’ll benefit when you make the call:

• Preventative maintenance: Routine drain cleaning is the best way to ensure free-flowing drains. Think about this preventive service to reduce the chance of plumbing emergencies and high repair costs later on.
• Long-lasting solutions: Professional drain cleaning provides a more complete fix, addressing the main issue of the blockage so you can move past drain issues permanently.
• Safe, Expert work: Licensed Experts have the skills and training to address complex clogs quickly and effectively. They employ the proper equipment and tools to prevent further issues with your plumbing.

Professional Drain Cleaning Techniques

Licensed Experts employ various modern techniques to ensure complete and lasting solutions to your drain problems:

• Heavy-duty plumbing auger: When small manual augers don’t work, professionals turn to the more serious equipment. Motorized augers have extended reach and longer cables able to reach far into your pipes, cutting apart the clog.
• Video camera inspections: Professionals often start inspections with a video pipe inspection. This includes inserting a tiny camera into the pipes to correctly find the exact spot and reason of the clog, ensuring precise and lasting repairs.
• Hydro jetter: The most advanced unclogging approach utilizes high-pressure water to blast away clogs and scrub the inner walls of your piping, eliminating all buildup and gunk. Even roots blocking the line are easily cut up by this commercial-grade solution.

Schedule Expert Drain Cleaning

Although self-cleaning approaches are a quick fix for small clogs, more serious or larger problems demand Expert help. For safe, thorough and longer-lasting solutions, turn to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We provide dependable drain cleaning services backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. In case you’re not completely happy with our job, we’ll make it right. Contact us today to make sure your plumbing is in capable hands.