Why Do-It-Yourself Drain Cleaning May Not Take Care of the Issue

Clogged drains are a typical household problem, causing many to try DIY solutions for a quick patch. Even though DIY drain cleaning appears to be an affordable and easy way to go, it usually does not fix the underlying issue of the clog and can even lead to additional problems in the future. Discover the techniques, downsides and benefits of various tips for unclogging to understand why professional service is a better option.

Reasons Some Homeowners Avoid DIY Drain Cleaning

Even with the ease and affordability of do-it-yourself methods, they may not be the most effective solution for a few reasons:

• Patchy Solutions: DIY methods typically provide a quick, but not quality fix. They may clear enough of the blockage to allow water to drain for a while, but the root cause is still there, leading to repeat problems and an ongoing battle.
• Accidentally causing more damage: Improperly using plungers and manual augers may actually cause damage by scratching the plumbing’s interior walls. An uninsured novice can quickly make matters worse, leading to higher bills and frustration.
• Ineffectiveness: Do-it-yourself methods may clear smaller clogs, but they don’t fix more significant problems like root intrusion or a collapsed sewer line. Without proper gear, it’s challenging to pinpoint the underlying problem, let alone resolve it.
• Damaging the plumbing: Over-the-counter chemical drain cleaners can ironically damage your pipes. These cleaners often include strong acids that wear away at the plumbing, more so if they’re in an older home or composed of cast iron or galvanized iron. Additionally, chemical cleaners can be dangerous, causing burns or toxic fumes, not to mention the negative environmental impact from flushing them into the sewer.

Popular DIY Drain Cleaning Techniques

It makes sense to attempt DIY projects to clear stopped-up drains before calling in the pros. You’re probably familiar with some typical options, providing different levels of success:

• Plunger: A conventional plunger is useful for a few simple clogs in sinks and toilets. Making sure the sink or tub has a small amount of water gives a tight seal over the pipe opening. Then, using strong pressure should break up the blockage, as long as it’s near enough to the incoming pressure.
• Hot Water: Dumping hot (but not TOO hot) water into the clogged pipes can dissolve greasy blockages or clear out dried soap. However, this method is more effective at avoiding stoppages than fixing current clogs.
• Chemical Drain Cleaners: A lot of folks actually start with this approach, but it’s the least successful and most likely to cause damage.
• Vinegar and Baking Soda: This popular DIY drain cleaner consists of pouring one-half cup of bicarbonate of soda and then adding one-half cup of vinegar down the drain. Once the mixture finishes fizzing, the last step is to rinse the drain with warm but not boiling hot water.
• Hand-Crank Plumbing Snake or Auger: This tool physically breaks up or pushes them out through the pipe. It’s the do-it-yourself approach most likely to clear out the clogged drain. Even so, if it 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 clogged drain fails, go with professional drain cleaning services. Here’s how you’ll benefit when you do:

• Preventive maintenance: Routine drain cleaning is the best way to ensure clog-free pipes for as long as possible. Consider this preventive measure to lower the possibility of plumbing emergencies and high repair costs down the line.
• Solutions that last: Professional drain cleaning offers a more thorough fix, rising to meet the main issue of the blockage so you can get rid of clogs once and for all.
• Safe work from local Experts: Licensed Experts have the know-how and training to address stubborn clogs in your home plumbing quickly and efficiently. They utilize the right tools and tools to avoid causing further harm to the pipes.

Local Expert Drain Cleaning Best Practices

Plumbing pros use various modern techniques to ensure comprehensive and lasting solutions to your drain problems:

• Professional-grade plumbing auger: When standard tools fail to clear the clog out, Experts bring in the big guns. Power augers have longer cables that go deep into your pipes, breaking up anything in their path.
• Video camera inspections: Plumbers often start service calls with a sewer camera inspection. This involves inserting a miniature camera into the pipes to precisely locate the exact spot and reason of the clog, making sure they can provide precise and efficient repairs.
• Hydro jetting: The most advanced option uses strong streams of pressurized water to blast away blockages and clean the inside of your pipes, removing all buildup and gunk. Even intrusive tree roots are vulnerable to this professional specialty.

Schedule Professional Drain Cleaning

While self-cleaning approaches are a fast remedy for lesser obstructions, vast or larger problems call for licensed assistance. For secure, effective and long-lasting results, turn to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We offer trustworthy drain cleaning services backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not completely happy with our work, we’ll fix it. Contact us today to ensure your pipes are in Expert hands.