Why DIY Drain Unclogging Might Not Take Care of Your Problem

Stopped-up drains are a typical home nuisance, leading many to attempt DIY fixes for a quick fix. Even though do-it-yourself unclogging may seem like a budget-friendly and easy way to go, it usually does not address the root cause of the clog and can even lead to the clog expanding down the line. Discover the techniques, downsides and benefits of various tips for unclogging to see why professional service is the superior choice.

Drawbacks of DIY Drain Cleaning

Regardless of the accessibility and affordability of do-it-yourself methods, they might not be the best approach for a few reasons:

• Inconsistent Results: DIY methods usually give only a temporary solution. They may clear just enough of the clog to restore flow briefly, but the underlying issue remains, leading to ongoing clogs and an ongoing battle.
• Accidentally causing additional damage: Incorrectly using plungers or drain augers might ironically harm the pipes by scratching the inside of your pipes. An untrained user can quickly cause more harm than good, leading to extra expenses and headaches.
• Low impact: DIY solutions could clear small clogs, but they won’t address more significant problems like root intrusion or a collapsed sewer line. Lacking proper equipment, it’s harder to pinpoint the root cause, let alone fix it.
• Damage to the pipes: Commercially available chemical drain cleaners can ironically damage your plumbing system. These cleaners often include harsh chemicals that can weaken your plumbing lines over time, especially if they’re old or composed of cast iron or galvanized iron. Besides, chemical cleaners 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 Do-It-Yourself Drain Cleaning Techniques

It’s perfectly reasonable to test out do-it-yourself projects to unclog stopped-up drains before getting a plumber. You’re probably familiar with some typical approaches, providing varying degrees of effectiveness:

• Plunger: A standard plunger is useful for minor blockages in sinks and bathtubs. Adding to the fixture a small amount of water creates a secure fit over the drainage. Then, using strong pressure should break up the blockage, as long as it’s located close enough to the opening.
• Using Hot Water: Running heated (but not scalding) water down the drain can dissolve greasy blockages or rinse off soap residue. At the same time, this method is more useful at avoiding stoppages than unclogging a clog that’s already formed.
• Drain Cleaning Chemicals: Most homeowners actually use a chemical cleaner first, but it’s the least successful and most known to actually cause harm to the pipes.
• Baking Soda and Vinegar: This well-known DIY pipe-clearing method consists of placing one-half cup of baking soda and then adding a ½ cup of common vinegar solution down the drain. When the mix finishes fizzing, the last step is to wash out the pipe with hot but not too 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 able to resolve the clog entirely. Still, if the clog is too deep for the snake to be able to to get to, it won’t work.

The Perks of Professional Drain Cleaning

If an attempt at DIY to clear a blocked pipe proves fruitless, opt for professional drain cleaning services. Here’s what you’ll gain when you make the call:

• Preventative maintenance: Regular maintenance is the ideal approach for ensuring free-flowing drains. Consider this preventive measure to reduce the possibility of plumbing emergencies and high repair costs down the line.
• Long-lasting solutions: Licensed service from local plumbers offers a more thorough fix, addressing the underlying problem of the blockage so you can get rid of clogs permanently.
• Expertise and safety: Qualified plumbers have the knowledge and tools to address complex clogs quickly and effectively. They use the proper equipment and tools to stop further damage to your plumbing system.

Professional Drain Cleaning Best Practices

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

• Professional-grade plumbing auger: When standard tools prove ineffective, plumbers turn to the big guns. Motorized augers have extra-long cables that go deep into your pipes, smashing through the clog.
• Using a video camera: Experts usually start their plumbing inspections with a video pipe inspection. This means feeding a small camera into the pipes to correctly locate the exact spot and reason of the clog, ensuring precise and efficient repairs.
• Hydro jetting: The most advanced unclogging approach uses pressurized jets of water to wash out clogs and clear the inside of your pipes, removing all debris and gunk. Even roots invading pipes are vulnerable to this commercial-grade solution.

Schedule Professional Drain Cleaning

Even though do-it-yourself drain cleaning techniques are a quick fix for small clogs, vast or larger problems call for licensed assistance. For secure, efficient and longer-lasting solutions, rely on Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We provide reliable drain cleaning services with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Should you not be fully satisfied with our job, we’ll fix it. Contact us today to guarantee your plumbing is in capable hands.