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

Clogged drains are a common residential plumbing nuisance, prompting many to attempt do-it-yourself work for a quick fix. Even though do-it-yourself unclogging may seem like a budget-friendly and easy option, it typically does not solve the underlying issue of the clog and can even result in the clog expanding in the future. Learn about the techniques, disadvantages and advantages of different drain cleaning options to see why professional service is the superior choice.

Downsides of DIY Drain Cleaning

Even with the convenience and cost-effectiveness of attempts to clear the clog on your own, they aren’t always the best approach for a few reasons:

• Short-Term Solutions: DIY methods usually only offer a quick, but not quality fix. They might clear part of the clog to allow water to drain for a while, but the main problem remains, leading to recurring issues and annoyance.
• Potential for additional damage: Haphazardly using plungers and manual augers might ironically harm the pipes by gouging the plumbing’s interior walls. An untrained user can quickly make matters worse, leading to additional repair costs and headaches.
• Ineffectiveness: DIY solutions may unblock minor blockages, but they can’t address more significant problems like root intrusion or a collapsed sewer line. Lacking proper equipment, it’s challenging to pinpoint the underlying problem, let alone resolve it.
• Damage to the pipes: Over-the-counter chemical drain cleaners can ironically damage your plumbing system. These products often use strong acids that wear away at the plumbing, particularly if they’re old or composed of iron piping or zinc-coated pipes. Besides, drain cleaning chemicals can be dangerous, resulting in chemical irritation or toxic fumes, not to mention harm to the planet from having to dump them down the sink.

Popular DIY Drain Cleaning Techniques

It makes sense to attempt DIY once or twice to clear stopped-up drains before calling in the pros. You may remember some conventional techniques, giving different levels of success:

• Plunger: A standard plunger is helpful for small clogs in sink drains and toilets. Adding to the fixture a small amount of water gives a tight seal over the drainage. Then, using strong pressure should break up the clog, as long as it’s near enough to the incoming pressure.
• Hot Water: Pouring hot (but not scalding) water through the line can melt a little of the oil-based clogs or rinse off soap residue. That said, this method is more effective at preventing clogs than resolving a clog that’s already formed.
• Drain Cleaning Chemicals: Most homeowners actually try this method first, but it’s the least successful and most known to create more issues than they resolve.
• Vinegar and Baking Soda: This popular do-it-yourself unclogging technique involves pouring a ½ cup of bicarbonate of soda and then adding a ½ cup of vinegar through the line. When the mix stops bubbling and hissing, the last step is to rinse the entire line with warm but not too hot water.
• Hand-Crank Plumbing Snake or Auger: This device physically breaks up or pulls out clogs. It’s the potential option most able to clear out the clogged drain. Still, if the clog is too deep for the flexible cable to get to, it won’t be effective.

The Perks of Professional Drain Cleaning

If a DIY attempt to unclog a clogged drain doesn’t work, go with professional drain cleaning services. Here’s how you’ll benefit when you decide this is the best option:

• Preventive maintenance: Regular maintenance is the best way to ensure smooth, efficient plumbing. Think about this routine upkƒ∂eep schedule to reduce the risk of problems and big repair bills later on.
• Long-lasting solutions: Licensed service from local plumbers offers a more complete solution, rising to meet the main issue of the clog so you can put drainage problems behind you for good.
• Safe work from local Experts: Qualified plumbers have the skills and experience to handle tough blockages safely and thoroughly. They utilize the right tools and tools to avoid causing further harm to the pipes.

Local Expert Drain Cleaning Services

Plumbing pros use various high-tech techniques to provide comprehensive and lasting results to your plumbing concerns:

• Professional-grade plumbing auger: When basic plumbing snakes fail to clear the clog out, Experts turn to the big guns. Motorized augers have extended reach and longer cables designed to extend into your drainage system, smashing through the clog.
• Using a video camera: Plumbers typically begin service calls with a drain camera. This involves placing a miniature camera into the pipes to precisely find the location and cause of the clog, ensuring precise and effective repairs.
• Hydro jetter: The most advanced option employs strong streams of pressurized water to blast away blockages and clear the inside of your pipes, wiping out all debris and gunk. Even roots invading pipes are easily cut up by this commercial-grade solution.

Request Expert Drain Cleaning

Although do-it-yourself drain cleaning techniques are a quick fix for minor blockages, more serious or more significant issues demand professional services. For safe, efficient and long-lasting results, turn to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We deliver reliable drain cleaning services with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Should you not be fully satisfied with our work, we’ll fix it. Contact us today to ensure your plumbing is in good hands.