Reasons Why DIY Drain Cleaning Might Not Take Care of Your Problem
Clogged drains are a frequent household headache, causing many to make an attempt at do-it-yourself solutions for a quick fix. Even though do-it-yourself unclogging seems like a cost-effective and easy choice, it usually does not address the root cause of the clog and can even lead to the clog expanding down the line. Discover the techniques, downsides and perks of other drain clearing techniques to see why Expert plumbing service is a better option.
Reasons Some Homeowners Avoid DIY Drain Cleaning
Even with the ease and cost-effectiveness of do-it-yourself methods, they may not be the ideal choice for several reasons:
- Short-Lived Results: DIY methods usually provide a quick, but not quality fix. They may remove part of the clog to get things moving temporarily, but the root cause is more stubborn, leading to repeat problems and more headaches.
- Accidentally causing further damage: Haphazardly using plungers and drain augers can have the opposite effect and lead to issues by scraping the plumbing’s interior walls. An inexperienced hand can quickly create bigger problems, leading to additional repair costs and headaches.
- Little benefit: Going the DIY route might remove minor blockages, but they don’t fix more severe examples like root intrusion or a collapsed sewer line. Lacking proper tools, it’s more difficult to fully diagnose the exact source of the problem, let alone resolve it.
- Damaging the plumbing: Store-bought chemical drain cleaners can damage your home’s plumbing. These products often contain strong acids that wear away at the plumbing, more so if they’re in an older home or composed of old, cast iron piping or zinc-coated pipes. Besides, drain cleaning chemicals can be dangerous, causing burns or toxic fumes, not to mention the negative environmental impact from having to dump them down the sink.
Common DIY Drain Cleaning Techniques
It’s understandable to attempt DIY once or twice to unclog blocked pipes before calling in the pros. Here are some conventional techniques, providing different levels of success:
- Plunger: A conventional plunger is effective for minor blockages in sink drains and bathtubs. Filling the fixture with a small amount of water gives a tight seal over the drainage. Then, applying force should loosen the obstruction, as long as it’s near enough to the drain.
- Hot Water: Pouring heated (but not scalding) water down the drain can dissolve oil-based clogs or wash away dried soap. However, this option is more useful at stopping blockages than resolving a clog that’s already formed.
- Drain Cleaning Chemicals: Most homeowners actually try this method first, but it’s the least reliable and most known to create more issues than they resolve.
- Baking Soda and Vinegar: This popular do-it-yourself unclogging technique consists of adding half a cup of baking soda then adding one-half cup of vinegar through the line. After the baking soda stops bubbling, the last step is to flush the pipe with hot but not too hot water.
- Hand-Crank Plumbing Snake or Auger: This option physically breaks up or removes blockages. It’s the do-it-yourself approach most likely to clear out the clogged drain. However, if it is too deep for the snake to be able to to get to, it won’t work.
Reasons Homeowners Choose Professional Drain Cleaning
If your do-it-yourself adventure to fix a clogged drain doesn’t work, opt for professional drain cleaning services. Here’s why it’s worth it when you make the call:
- Routine maintenance: Routine drain cleaning is the best way to ensure free-flowing drains. Look into this routine upkĶeep schedule to lower the risk of problems and big repair bills later on.
- Solutions that last: Expert drain cleaning service provides a more complete solution, rising to meet the underlying problem of the blockage so you can get rid of clogs once and for all.
- Safe, Expert work: Licensed Experts have the knowledge and experience to tackle tough blockages safely and efficiently. They use the right tools and tools to minimize the risk of further harm to the pipes.
Professional Drain Cleaning Techniques
Plumbing pros utilize various high-tech equipment to provide comprehensive and long-term solutions to your drain problems:
- Professional-grade plumbing auger: When standard tools don’t work, professionals break out the heavy-duty tools. Motorized augers have extended reach and longer cables designed to extend into your sewer line, cutting apart the clog.
- Using a video camera: Experts often start plumbing inspections with a drain camera. This means placing a small camera into the drainage lines to accurately find the precise source of the blockage, making sure they can provide focused and lasting repairs.
- Hydro jetting: The most high-tech unclogging approach employs pressurized jets of water to force out clogs and clear the inside of your pipes, removing all buildup and gunk. Even roots invading pipes are easily cut up by this high-power technique.
Request Professional Drain Cleaning
Although self-cleaning approaches are a fast remedy for lesser obstructions, more serious or more significant issues demand licensed assistance. For safe, effective and long-lasting results, turn to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We offer trustworthy drain cleaning services backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. In case you’re not completely happy with our job, we’ll get back to work. Contact us today to make sure your pipes are in capable hands.