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

Clogged drains are a common residential plumbing issue, leading many to try do-it-yourself solutions for a quick fix. Even though cleaning out the drains on your own may seem like an affordable and convenient way to go, it often fails to solve the underlying issue of the clog and can even lead to the clog expanding later on. Discover the techniques, drawbacks and perks of other drain clearing techniques to understand why calling a licensed plumber is a better option.

Drawbacks of DIY Drain Cleaning

Regardless of the convenience and fewer costs of attempts to clear the clog on your own, they aren’t always the most effective solution for several reasons:

• Short-Lived Solutions: Do-it-yourself techniques often provide a temporary solution. They might remove enough of the blockage to restore flow briefly, but the root cause persists, leading to recurring issues and more headaches.
• Accidentally causing further damage: Improperly using plungers or drain augers may actually cause damage by gouging the inside of your pipes. An inexperienced hand can easily make matters worse, leading to extra expenses and trouble.
• Low impact: Going the DIY route might clear smaller clogs, but they can’t fix more severe examples like root intrusion or a collapsed sewer line. If you don’t have the proper gear, it’s more difficult to properly identify the exact source of the problem, let alone resolve it.
• Damage to the pipes: Over-the-counter chemical drain cleaners can ironically damage your home’s plumbing. These cleaners often contain strong acids 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 toxic, leading to skin irritation or toxic fumes, not to mention environmental pollution from flushing them into the sewer.

Conventional Do-It-Yourself Drain Cleaning Techniques

It’s perfectly reasonable to attempt do-it-yourself methods to clear blocked pipes before seeking professional service. Here are some conventional options, providing varied results:

• Plunger: A sink plunger is helpful for a few simple clogs in sink drains and toilets. Filling the fixture with an inch of water gives a secure fit over the drain. Then, using strong pressure should dislodge the clog, as long as it’s located close enough to the incoming pressure.
• Using Hot Water: Running hot (but not boiling) water down the drain can dissolve greasy blockages or wash away soap scum. But, this option is more useful at avoiding stoppages than unclogging a clog that’s already formed.
• Drain Cleaning Chemicals: Many people actually start with this approach, but it’s the least reliable and most prone to actually cause harm to the pipes.
• Baking Soda and Vinegar: This common DIY unclogging technique entails pouring one-half cup of sodium bicarbonate and then adding a ½ cup of vinegar down the drain. When the mix stops bubbling, the last step is to flush the drain with hot but not too hot water.
• Hand-Crank Plumbing Snake or Auger: This tool mechanically disrupts or pushes them out through the pipe. It’s the do-it-yourself approach most able to clear out the clogged drain. Still, if the clog is too far for the snake to reach, it won’t be effective.

Reasons Homeowners Choose Professional Drain Cleaning

If your do-it-yourself adventure to fix a blocked pipe falls short, go with professional drain cleaning services. Here’s what you’ll gain when you do:

• Routine maintenance: Scheduled maintenance like pipe cleaning is the ideal approach for ensuring smooth, efficient plumbing. Consider this preventive measure to reduce the risk of unexpected clogs and big repair bills down the line.
• The longest-lasting solutions: Licensed service from local plumbers delivers a more complete solution, rising to meet the root cause of the clog so you can put drainage problems behind you for good.
• Safe work from local Experts: Qualified plumbers have the skills and training to handle complex clogs safely and efficiently. They use the right tools and tools to prevent further damage to your plumbing system.

Expert Drain Cleaning Services

Professional plumbers utilize various modern tools to offer complete and lasting solutions to your clogged plumbing:

• Professional-grade plumbing auger: When standard tools don’t work, professionals bring in the big guns. Electric-powered snakes have extended reach and longer cables designed to extend into your drainage system, cutting apart anything in their path.
• Digital camera inspections: Professionals often start service calls with a video pipe inspection. This means inserting a small camera into the plumbing system to correctly locate the precise source of the blockage, guaranteeing targeted and efficient repairs.
• Hydro jetting: The most cutting-edge drain cleaning technique employs high-pressure water to wash out clogs and clear the interior of your plumbing, wiping out all debris and residue. Even intrusive tree roots are vulnerable to this high-power technique.

Request Licensed Drain Cleaning Service

Even though do-it-yourself drain cleaning techniques are a quick fix for small clogs, deeper or larger problems demand licensed assistance. For risk-free, effective and longer-lasting solutions, rely on Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We deliver trustworthy drain cleaning services backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Should you not be completely happy with our job, we’ll fix it. Contact us today to ensure your plumbing is in good hands.