Reasons Why Do-It-Yourself Drain Cleaning Might Not Take Care of the Issue

Blocked pipes are a common residential plumbing nuisance, leading many to attempt DIY work for a quick patch. While do-it-yourself unclogging seems like a budget-friendly and easy choice, it typically does not fix the main source of the clog and can even lead to additional problems down the line. Learn about the methods, drawbacks and perks of various tips for unclogging to see why Expert plumbing service is the superior choice.

Drawbacks of DIY Drain Cleaning

Even with the accessibility and affordability of DIY methods, they may not be the most effective solution for several reasons:

• Inconsistent Results: DIY methods often provide a temporary solution. They may clear part of the clog to restore flow briefly, but the underlying issue is more stubborn, leading to ongoing clogs and an ongoing battle.
• Potential for 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 frustration.
• Ineffectiveness: Going the DIY route may unblock small clogs, but they don’t resolve more serious issues like root intrusion or a collapsed sewer line. Without proper equipment, it’s more difficult to properly identify the root cause, let alone resolve it.
• Damaged pipes: Over-the-counter chemical drain cleaners can damage your pipes. These cleaners often contain corrosive ingredients that wear away at the plumbing, especially if they’re older or made of materials like cast iron or zinc-coated pipes. Moreover, drain cleaning chemicals can be hazardous to your health, leading to skin irritation or toxic fumes, not to mention the negative environmental impact from having to dump them down the sink.

Conventional Do-It-Yourself Drain Cleaning Techniques

It’s perfectly reasonable to try DIY methods to clear blocked pipes before calling in the pros. You’re probably familiar with some conventional techniques, providing different levels of success:

• Plunger: A conventional plunger is useful for a few simple clogs in sink drains and toilets. Making sure the sink or tub has a small amount of water creates a tight seal over the pipe opening. Then, plunging with strong, consistent force should loosen the obstruction, as long as it’s located close enough to the drain.
• Hot Water: Running hot (but not boiling) water into the clogged pipes can melt a little of the oil-based clogs or clear out soap scum. That said, this approach is more useful at preventing clogs than resolving a clog that’s already formed.
• Drain Cleaning Chemicals: Many people actually start with this approach, but it’s the least effective and most prone to actually cause harm to the pipes.
• Vinegar and Baking Soda: This popular DIY drain cleaner involves pouring a ½ cup of baking soda followed by half a cup of common vinegar solution into the clogged pipe. When the mix stops bubbling and hissing, the last step is to flush the pipe with warm but not too hot water.
• Hand-Crank Plumbing Snake or Auger: This device mechanically disrupts or pushes them out through the pipe. It’s the DIY method most able to resolve the clog entirely. Even so, if it is too deep for the snake to be able to to reach, it won’t do any good.

Reasons Homeowners Choose Professional Drain Cleaning

If your do-it-yourself adventure to unclog a clogged drain fails, opt for professional drain cleaning services. Here’s why it’s worth it when you decide this is the best option:

• Routine maintenance: Routine drain cleaning is the best way to ensure smooth, efficient plumbing. Think about this preventive service to reduce the possibility of problems and high repair costs later on.
• Solutions that last: Licensed service from local plumbers offers a more thorough solution, fixing the main issue of the blockage so you can move past drain issues once and for all.
• Safe work from local Experts: Qualified plumbers have the know-how and tools to handle tough blockages quickly and effectively. They use the best techniques and tools to prevent further issues with your plumbing.

Local Expert Drain Cleaning Techniques

Plumbing pros employ various modern tools to offer complete and long-term results to your drain problems:

• Professional-grade plumbing auger: When basic plumbing snakes don’t work, professionals bring in the big guns. Motorized augers have extra-long cables designed to extend into your sewer line, breaking up the clog.
• Video camera inspections: Plumbers often start inspections with a video pipe inspection. This involves feeding a miniature camera into the plumbing system to correctly identify the exact spot and reason of the clog, ensuring focused and efficient repairs.
• Hydro jetting: The most advanced option utilizes pressurized jets of water to blast away blockages and scrub the inner walls of your piping, eliminating all debris and gunk. Even roots blocking the line are vulnerable to this commercial-grade solution.

Arrange for Expert Drain Cleaning

Even though DIY drain cleaning methods are a quick fix for small clogs, deeper or major blockages call for professional services. For safe, effective and long-lasting results, rely on Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We provide trustworthy drain cleaning services with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. In case you’re not fully satisfied with our job, we’ll fix it. Contact us today to ensure your pipes are in Expert hands.