Why Do-It-Yourself Drain Unclogging Might Not Take Care of the Problem
Clogged drains are a frequent household problem, causing many to take a stab at DIY fixes for a quick fix. Even though DIY drain cleaning appears to be an affordable and easy way to go, it typically does not solve the main source of the clog and can even lead to additional problems later on. Discover the methods, disadvantages and advantages of various tips for unclogging to see why Expert plumbing service is the best way to go.
Reasons Some Homeowners Avoid DIY Drain Cleaning
Despite the convenience and affordability of attempts to clear the clog on your own, they may not be the best approach for several reasons:
- Patchy Results: DIY methods usually provide a short-term fix. They may remove part of the clog to get things moving temporarily, but the underlying issue remains, leading to ongoing clogs and annoyance.
- Possibility of further damage: Improperly using plungers or plumbing snakes can have the opposite effect and lead to issues by scraping the inside of your pipes. An inexperienced hand can unintentionally make matters worse, leading to higher bills and headaches.
- Ineffectiveness: Going the DIY route might remove smaller clogs, but they can’t resolve more severe examples like root intrusion or a collapsed sewer line. Lacking proper gear, it’s harder to fully diagnose the exact source of the problem, let alone take care of it.
- Damage to the pipes: Commercially available chemical drain cleaners can ironically damage your pipes. These cleaners often include harsh chemicals that can weaken your plumbing lines over time, especially if they’re in an older home or made of materials like iron piping or galvanized iron. Additionally, chemical cleaners can be toxic, causing burns or toxic fumes, not to mention the negative environmental impact from flushing them into the sewer.
Conventional DIY Drain Cleaning Techniques
It’s understandable to test out do-it-yourself projects to unclog stopped-up drains before getting a plumber. You’re probably familiar with some common options, providing different levels of success:
- Plunger: A conventional plunger is effective for minor blockages in sinks and bathtubs. Making sure the sink or tub has a small amount of water creates a good seal over the drain. Then, using strong pressure should break up the obstruction, as long as it’s not too far from the drain.
- Using Hot Water: Running heated (but not scalding) water through the line can melt a little of the oil-based clogs or rinse off soap residue. At the same time, this approach is more useful at avoiding stoppages than resolving a clog that’s already formed.
- Chemical Drain Cleaners: Most homeowners actually try this method first, but it’s the least successful and most known to actually cause harm to the pipes.
- Vinegar and Baking Soda: This popular do-it-yourself pipe-clearing method involves pouring a ½ cup of baking soda and then adding a ½ cup of vinegar into the clogged pipe. After the baking soda stops bubbling, the last step is to wash out the entire line with warm but not boiling hot water.
- Hand-Crank Plumbing Snake or Auger: This tool mechanically disrupts or removes blockages. It’s the potential option most likely to help clear the clog out. However, if it is too far for the snake to get to, it won’t work.
Reasons Homeowners Choose Professional Drain Cleaning
If an attempt at DIY to clear a blocked pipe proves fruitless, opt for professional drain cleaning services. Here’s why it’s worth it when you decide this is the best option:
- Preventative maintenance: Routine drain cleaning is the best way to ensure smooth, efficient plumbing. Look into this preventive service to reduce the risk of problems and big repair bills down the line.
- The longest-lasting solutions: Expert drain cleaning service provides a more thorough fix, rising to meet the main issue of the clog so you can move past drain issues for good.
- Safe work from local Experts: Professional plumbers have the skills and training to handle complex clogs quickly and efficiently. They utilize the proper equipment and tools to prevent further issues with your plumbing.
Expert Drain Cleaning Services
Plumbing pros use various modern equipment to offer complete and lasting resolutions to your plumbing concerns:
- Professional-grade plumbing auger: When standard tools fail to clear the clog out, plumbers turn to the more serious equipment. Electric-powered snakes have extended reach and longer cables that go deep into your drainage system, smashing through anything in their path.
- Digital camera inspections: Experts usually start their inspections with a video pipe inspection. This includes inserting a small camera into the pipes to correctly locate the location and cause of the blockage, making sure they can provide targeted and lasting repairs.
- Hydro jetter: The most high-tech unclogging approach employs high-pressure water to wash out the deepest clogs and scrub the inner walls of your piping, removing all debris and gunk. Even intrusive tree roots are easily cut up by this high-power technique.
Request Licensed Drain Cleaning Service
Although do-it-yourself drain cleaning techniques are a fast remedy for minor blockages, deeper or major blockages demand Expert help. For risk-free, thorough and longer-lasting solutions, count on Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We offer dependable drain cleaning services supported by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. In case you’re not completely happy with our service, we’ll get back to work. Contact us today to make sure your plumbing is in capable hands.