Why Do-It-Yourself Drain Cleaning Might Not Take Care of the Issue
Clogged drains are a frequent household issue, causing many to try DIY solutions for a quick patch. Although do-it-yourself unclogging may seem like a cost-effective and straightforward way to go, it usually does not address the main source of the clog and can even cause additional problems later on. Discover the approaches, downsides and advantages of different drain cleaning options to see why Expert plumbing service is the superior choice.
Drawbacks of DIY Drain Cleaning
Even with the ease and fewer costs of attempts to clear the clog on your own, they might not be the ideal choice for several reasons:
- Patchy Fixes: DIY methods typically provide a quick, but not quality fix. They may unblock part of the clog to get things moving temporarily, but the root cause persists, leading to repeat problems and an ongoing battle.
- Possibility of further damage: Haphazardly using plungers and drain augers might ironically harm the pipes by gouging the inside of your pipes. An uninsured novice can easily cause more harm than good, leading to extra expenses and frustration.
- Little benefit: Going the DIY route may remove small clogs, but they won’t address more serious issues like root intrusion or a collapsed sewer line. Lacking proper tools, it’s challenging to properly identify the underlying problem, let alone fix it.
- Damage to the pipes: Store-bought chemical drain cleaners can harm your home’s plumbing. These products often have strong acids that wear away at the plumbing, particularly if they’re in an older home or composed of iron piping or zinc-coated pipes. Additionally, chemical cleaners can be dangerous, leading to skin irritation or toxic fumes, not to mention the negative environmental impact from pouring them down the drain.
Conventional DIY Drain Cleaning Techniques
It’s perfectly reasonable to test out do-it-yourself projects to remove clogs from blocked pipes before seeking professional service. Here are some typical options, giving varied results:
- Plunger: A sink plunger is helpful for a few simple clogs in sink drains and toilets. Making sure the sink or tub has a small amount of water ensures a tight seal over the pipe opening. Then, using strong pressure should loosen the obstruction, as long as it’s near enough to the drain.
- Using Hot Water: Pouring heated (but not boiling) water down the drain can melt a little of the greasy blockages or rinse off soap scum. That said, this option is more effective at preventing clogs than fixing current clogs.
- Chemical Drain Cleaners: A lot of folks actually start with this approach, but it’s the least successful and most likely to actually cause harm to the pipes.
- Baking Soda and Vinegar: This well-known DIY unclogging technique entails placing half a cup of sodium bicarbonate then adding one-half cup of vinegar through the line. Once the mixture stops bubbling and hissing, the last step is to wash out the drain with warm but not scalding hot water.
- Hand-Crank Plumbing Snake or Auger: This tool mechanically disrupts or removes blockages. It’s the potential option most likely to clear out the clogged drain. However, if the clog is too deep for the flexible cable to get to, it won’t do any good.
The Perks of Professional Drain Cleaning
If an attempt at DIY to fix a clogged drain falls short, choose professional drain cleaning services. Here’s how you’ll benefit when you decide this is the best option:
- Preventive maintenance: Routine drain cleaning is the best way to ensure free-flowing drains. Think about this preventive measure to cut down on the risk of unexpected clogs and high repair costs later on.
- Long-lasting solutions: Professional drain cleaning delivers a more comprehensive fix, addressing the underlying problem of the clog so you can get rid of clogs permanently.
- Expertise and safety: Qualified plumbers have the knowledge and experience to tackle complex clogs safely and efficiently. They employ the right tools and tools to stop further issues with your plumbing.
Professional Drain Cleaning Services
Professional plumbers utilize various high-tech tools to ensure thorough and long-term results to your clogged plumbing:
- Professional-grade plumbing auger: When small manual augers prove ineffective, plumbers bring in the more serious equipment. Electric-powered snakes have extended reach and longer cables able to reach far into your sewer line, cutting apart the clog.
- Video camera inspections: Experts often start plumbing inspections with a sewer camera inspection. This involves feeding a tiny camera into the drainage lines to accurately locate the location and cause of the blockage, ensuring targeted and effective repairs.
- Hydro jetting: The most high-tech option uses strong streams of pressurized water to blast away blockages and clear the inside of your pipes, eliminating all debris and gunk. Even roots blocking the line are vulnerable to this high-power technique.
Ask About Expert Drain Cleaning
Even though self-cleaning approaches are a quick fix for lesser obstructions, deeper or larger problems call for Expert help. For safe, efficient and longer-lasting solutions, rely on Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We provide dependable drain cleaning services supported by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Should you not be fully satisfied with our service, we’ll make it right. Contact us today to guarantee your drains are in Expert hands.