Reasons Why DIY Drain Cleaning Might Not Take Care of the Problem

Stopped-up drains are a common household nuisance, leading many to take a stab at DIY work for a quick patch. While cleaning out the drains on your own seems like an affordable and easy option, it usually does not solve the underlying issue of the clog and can even result in additional problems in the future. Discover the methods, downsides and advantages of different drain cleaning options to see why professional service is a better option.

Drawbacks of DIY Drain Cleaning

Despite the convenience and cost-effectiveness of DIY methods, they may not be the best approach for several reasons:

• Short-Term Results: DIY methods typically give only a temporary solution. They might clear just enough of the clog to allow water to drain for a while, but the main problem persists, leading to ongoing clogs and annoyance.
• Possibility of additional damage: Improperly using plungers or drain augers can have the opposite effect and lead to issues by damaging the inside of your pipes. An uninsured novice can quickly make matters worse, leading to extra expenses and frustration.
• Low impact: Going the DIY route might remove smaller clogs, but they can’t fix more significant problems like root intrusion or a collapsed sewer line. Lacking proper gear, it’s challenging to properly identify the exact source of the problem, let alone fix it.
• Damaged pipes: Store-bought chemical drain cleaners can damage your home’s plumbing. These products often have strong acids that damage pipes over time, particularly if they’re older or composed of iron piping or galvanized iron. Besides, drain cleaning chemicals can be hazardous to your health, leading to skin irritation or toxic fumes, not to mention environmental pollution from having to dump them down the sink.

Common Do-It-Yourself Drain Cleaning Techniques

It makes sense to attempt do-it-yourself methods to clear blocked pipes before getting a plumber. You may remember some common techniques, offering varied results:

• Plunger: A conventional plunger is effective for a few simple clogs in sinks and bath drains. Making sure the sink or tub has an inch of water gives a secure fit over the drain. Then, plunging with strong, consistent force should loosen the blockage, as long as it’s not too far from the drain.
• Using Hot Water: Running hot (but not scalding) water into the clogged pipes can dissolve oil-based clogs or rinse off soap scum. At the same time, this approach 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 prone to create more issues than they resolve.
• Vinegar and Baking Soda: This popular DIY unclogging technique involves placing half a cup of sodium bicarbonate and then adding half a cup of vinegar down the drain. After the baking soda stops bubbling, the last step is to wash out the pipe with warm but not scalding hot water.
• Hand-Crank Plumbing Snake or Auger: This option physically breaks up or pulls out clogs. It’s the DIY method most able to resolve the clog entirely. Even so, if it is too far for the flexible cable to reach, it won’t do any good.

Benefits of Professional Drain Cleaning

If your do-it-yourself adventure to unclog a blocked pipe falls short, choose professional drain cleaning services. Here’s what you’ll gain when you make the call:

• Preventive maintenance: Regular maintenance is the best way to ensure free-flowing drains. Consider this preventive measure to lower the risk of problems and big repair bills in the future.
• Longer-lasting solutions: Licensed service from local plumbers delivers a more thorough fix, addressing the root cause of the clog so you can move past drain issues permanently.
• Safe work from local Experts: Licensed Experts have the skills and experience to tackle tough blockages securely and efficiently. They employ the proper equipment and tools to minimize the risk of further damage to your plumbing system.

Expert Drain Cleaning Services

Plumbing pros employ various advanced equipment to ensure thorough and long-term results to your plumbing concerns:

• Professional-grade plumbing auger: When basic plumbing snakes fail to clear the clog out, Experts break out the more serious equipment. Electric-powered snakes have longer cables designed to extend into your drainage system, smashing through the clog.
• Using a video camera: Plumbers usually start their inspections with a sewer camera inspection. This involves placing a tiny camera into the plumbing system to precisely locate the location and cause of the clog, ensuring precise and effective repairs.
• Hydro jetting: The most advanced option utilizes high-pressure water to blast away clogs and clear the interior of your plumbing, wiping out all debris and gunk. Even roots invading pipes are easily cut up by this professional specialty.

Schedule Expert Drain Cleaning

While do-it-yourself drain cleaning techniques are a fast remedy for small clogs, more serious or larger problems require professional services. For safe, efficient and long-lasting results, count on Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We offer dependable drain cleaning services supported by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not fully satisfied with our work, we’ll make it right. Contact us today to ensure your plumbing is in Expert hands.