Why DIY Drain Unclogging May Not Take Care of the Problem

Blocked pipes are a frequent household nuisance, causing many to try do-it-yourself fixes for a quick patch. Although DIY drain cleaning seems like an affordable and easy choice, it usually does not address the main source of the clog and can even lead to the clog expanding later on. Learn about the techniques, downsides and perks of other drain clearing techniques to understand why Expert plumbing service is the superior choice.

Downsides of DIY Drain Cleaning

Despite the accessibility and affordability of DIY methods, they might not be the best approach for a few reasons:

• Patchy Results: DIY methods typically provide a temporary solution. They may clear enough of the blockage to restore flow briefly, but the main problem is still there, leading to recurring issues and frustration.
• Accidentally causing more damage: Incorrectly using plungers or drain augers can have the opposite effect and lead to issues by scratching the pipe’s interior. An untrained user can easily cause more harm than good, leading to higher bills and frustration.
• Low impact: DIY solutions could unblock smaller clogs, but they can’t resolve more severe examples like root intrusion or a collapsed sewer line. If you don’t have the proper tools, it’s more difficult to pinpoint the underlying problem, let alone take care of it.
• Damaged pipes: Store-bought chemical drain cleaners can damage your plumbing system. These cleaners often use harsh chemicals that wear away at the plumbing, especially if they’re in an older home or constructed from cast iron or zinc-coated pipes. Moreover, drain cleaning chemicals can be dangerous, causing burns or toxic fumes, not to mention environmental pollution from having to dump them down the sink.

Popular Do-It-Yourself Drain Cleaning Techniques

It’s understandable to try DIY projects to clear stopped-up drains before seeking professional service. You’re probably familiar with some conventional options, giving varying degrees of effectiveness:

• Plunger: A sink plunger is helpful for small clogs in sinks and bath drains. Adding to the fixture a small amount of water creates a tight seal over the pipe opening. Then, using strong pressure should loosen the clog, as long as it’s near enough to the opening.
• Using Hot Water: Running heated (but not TOO hot) water through the line can dissolve oil-based clogs or rinse off dried soap. At the same time, this approach is more useful at stopping blockages 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 common DIY pipe-clearing method entails placing a ½ cup of bicarbonate of soda and then adding a ½ cup of vinegar down the drain. When the mix stops bubbling and hissing, the last step is to flush the entire line with hot but not boiling hot water.
• Hand-Crank Plumbing Snake or Auger: This tool manually clears or pulls out clogs. It’s the DIY method most likely to resolve the clog entirely. Still, if the clog is too far for the snake to reach, it won’t work.

The Perks of Professional Drain Cleaning

If a DIY attempt to clear a blocked pipe proves fruitless, choose professional drain cleaning services. Here’s what you’ll gain when you decide this is the best option:

• Preventative maintenance: Regular maintenance is the best way to ensure clog-free pipes for as long as possible. Consider this routine upkƒ∂eep schedule to lower the chance of unexpected clogs and high repair costs in the future.
• Solutions that last: Licensed service from local plumbers offers a more thorough solution, rising to meet the root cause of the blockage so you can get rid of clogs for good.
• Expertise and safety: Professional plumbers have the know-how and training to address tough blockages quickly and efficiently. They utilize the right tools and tools to prevent further damage to your plumbing system.

Professional Drain Cleaning Techniques

Licensed Experts use various modern techniques to provide complete and lasting resolutions to your clogged plumbing:

• Heavy-duty plumbing auger: When small manual augers fail to clear the clog out, plumbers break out the big guns. Electric-powered snakes have longer cables designed to extend into your pipes, cutting apart the clog.
• Video camera inspections: Plumbers typically begin plumbing inspections with a video pipe inspection. This includes feeding a tiny camera into the drainage lines to accurately locate the location and cause of the blockage, guaranteeing focused and effective repairs.
• Hydro jetter: The most high-tech drain cleaning technique uses pressurized jets of water to wash out clogs and clear the inside of your pipes, removing all debris and residue. Even intrusive tree roots are vulnerable to this high-power technique.

Schedule Licensed Drain Cleaning Service

While do-it-yourself drain cleaning techniques are a temporary solution for small clogs, more serious or more significant issues require professional services. For safe, effective and permanent solutions, count on Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We offer reliable drain cleaning services supported by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. In case you’re not entirely satisfied with our work, we’ll fix it. Contact us today to make sure your plumbing is in good hands.