Reasons Why Do-It-Yourself Drain Unclogging Might Not Take Care of the Issue
Clogged drains are a frequent household issue, causing many to attempt do-it-yourself fixes for a quick patch. While cleaning out the drains on your own may seem like a cost-effective and straightforward choice, it typically does not solve the main source of the clog and can even lead to more damage later on. Discover the methods, downsides and advantages of various tips for unclogging to see why Expert plumbing service is the superior choice.
Downsides of DIY Drain Cleaning
Regardless of the accessibility and affordability of attempts to clear the clog on your own, they aren’t always the ideal choice for several reasons:
- Inconsistent Solutions: DIY methods often provide a quick, but not quality fix. They might clear just enough of the clog to allow water to drain for a while, but the main problem remains, leading to recurring issues and annoyance.
- Potential for more damage: Haphazardly using plungers or plumbing snakes might ironically harm the pipes by damaging the pipe’s interior. An inexperienced hand can easily make matters worse, leading to extra expenses and frustration.
- Lack of effectiveness: Do-it-yourself methods might unblock smaller clogs, but they can’t resolve more serious issues 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 resolve it.
- Damaging the plumbing: Over-the-counter chemical drain cleaners can harm your pipes. These products often use strong acids that damage pipes over time, more so if they’re in an older home or composed of old, cast iron piping or zinc-coated pipes. Besides, chemical cleaners can be dangerous, resulting in chemical irritation or toxic fumes, not to mention environmental pollution from pouring them down the drain.
Standard DIY Drain Cleaning Techniques
It’s understandable to attempt do-it-yourself methods to clear blocked pipes before calling in the pros. Here are some conventional approaches, providing varying degrees of effectiveness:
- Plunger: A standard plunger is helpful for a few simple clogs in sink drains and toilets. Making sure the sink or tub has an inch of water gives a good seal over the pipe opening. Then, applying force should dislodge the blockage, as long as it’s located close enough to the drain.
- Hot Water: Pouring hot (but not scalding) water into the clogged pipes can dissolve oil-based clogs or wash away soap scum. However, this method is better at stopping blockages than resolving existing ones.
- Drain Cleaning Chemicals: A lot of folks actually use a chemical cleaner first, but it’s the least successful and most known to create more issues than they resolve.
- Vinegar and Baking Soda: This well-known DIY unclogging technique entails placing one-half cup of sodium bicarbonate followed by half a cup of common vinegar solution through the line. After the baking soda finishes fizzing, the last step is to rinse the drain with warm but not scalding hot water.
- Hand-Crank Plumbing Snake or Auger: This option physically breaks up or removes blockages. It’s the potential option most likely to help clear the clog out. Even so, if the clog is too far into the plumbing for the snake to be able to to get to, it won’t do any good.
The Perks of Professional Drain Cleaning
If a DIY attempt to clear a clogged drain fails, choose professional drain cleaning services. Here’s what you’ll gain when you do:
- Routine maintenance: Routine drain cleaning is the ideal approach for ensuring smooth, efficient plumbing. Think about this preventive measure to lower the chance of plumbing emergencies and costly repairs later on.
- Solutions that last: Expert drain cleaning service delivers a more thorough solution, fixing the root cause of the clog so you can move past drain issues once and for all.
- Safe work from local Experts: Licensed Experts have the know-how and experience to tackle complex clogs safely and effectively. They use the proper equipment and tools to prevent further issues with your plumbing.
Local Expert Drain Cleaning Services
Plumbing pros use various advanced techniques to offer thorough and long-term solutions to your clogged plumbing:
- Heavy-duty plumbing auger: When basic plumbing snakes prove ineffective, plumbers bring in the big guns. Electric-powered snakes have longer cables designed to extend into your pipes, smashing through the clog.
- Video camera inspections: Plumbers typically begin service calls with a video pipe inspection. This means placing a tiny camera into the drainage lines to correctly locate the precise source of the blockage, ensuring targeted and efficient repairs.
- Hydro jetting: The most high-tech unclogging approach employs strong streams of pressurized water to blast away the deepest clogs and clear the inner walls of your piping, removing all buildup and gunk. Even roots blocking the line are vulnerable to this commercial-grade solution.
Request Professional Drain Cleaning
While DIY drain cleaning methods are a fast remedy for lesser obstructions, more serious or more significant issues require licensed assistance. For risk-free, thorough and longer-lasting solutions, turn to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We deliver reliable drain cleaning services supported by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not fully satisfied with our service, we’ll make it right. Contact us today to ensure your plumbing is in capable hands.