Why DIY Drain Unclogging May Not Take Care of the Problem

Blocked pipes are a common residential plumbing issue, causing many to make an attempt at do-it-yourself work for a quick fix. Although DIY drain cleaning may seem like an affordable and straightforward choice, it often fails to solve the root cause of the clog and can even lead to more damage in the future. Learn about the techniques, drawbacks and advantages of other drain clearing techniques to see why professional service is the superior choice.

Reasons Some Homeowners Avoid DIY Drain Cleaning

Even with the accessibility and cost-effectiveness of attempts to clear the clog on your own, they aren’t always the ideal choice for several reasons:

• Short-Lived Results: DIY methods typically only offer a short-term fix. They might unblock just enough of the clog to restore flow briefly, but the root cause remains, leading to repeat problems and an ongoing battle.
• Possibility of further damage: Improperly using plungers or drain augers might ironically harm the pipes by scratching the inside of your pipes. An untrained user can easily make matters worse, leading to additional repair costs and headaches.
• Low impact: DIY solutions may unblock smaller clogs, but they don’t address more serious issues like root intrusion or a collapsed sewer line. Without proper tools, it’s harder to pinpoint the root cause, let alone take care of it.
• Damage to the pipes: Over-the-counter chemical drain cleaners can ironically damage your plumbing system. These cleaners often use harsh chemicals that damage pipes over time, more so if they’re old or composed of iron piping or galvanized iron. Moreover, chemical cleaners can be hazardous to your health, leading to skin irritation or toxic fumes, not to mention harm to the planet from pouring them down the drain.

Common DIY Drain Cleaning Techniques

It’s understandable to try DIY once or twice to clear blocked pipes before getting a plumber. You’re probably familiar with some typical approaches, giving varied results:

• Plunger: A standard plunger is useful for minor blockages in sink drains and toilets. Adding to the fixture an inch of water gives a good seal over the pipe opening. Then, using strong pressure should break up the clog, as long as it’s located close enough to the drain.
• Hot Water: Dumping warm (but not boiling) water into the clogged pipes can melt a little of the oil-based clogs or rinse off soap residue. However, this approach is more effective at stopping blockages than unclogging existing ones.
• Chemical Drain Cleaners: Many people actually start with this approach, but it’s the least reliable and most prone to create more issues than they resolve.
• Baking Soda and Vinegar: This common DIY unclogging technique involves pouring half a cup of bicarbonate of soda and then adding one-half cup of vinegar down the drain. When the mix stops bubbling and hissing, the last step is to flush the pipe with hot but not too hot water.
• Hand-Crank Plumbing Snake or Auger: This tool physically breaks up or removes blockages. It’s the do-it-yourself approach most likely to resolve the clog entirely. Even so, if it is too far for the snake to get to, it won’t work.

Benefits of Professional Drain Cleaning

If your do-it-yourself adventure to clear a blocked pipe fails, choose professional drain cleaning services. Here’s how you’ll benefit when you make the call:

• Preventive maintenance: Scheduled maintenance like pipe cleaning is the key to smooth, efficient plumbing. Think about this routine upkeep schedule to cut down on the risk of plumbing emergencies and costly repairs later on.
• Long-lasting solutions: Expert drain cleaning service provides a more comprehensive resolution, addressing the underlying problem of the obstruction so you can move past drain issues for good.
• Safe, Expert work: Professional plumbers have the skills and tools to tackle complex clogs securely and thoroughly. They utilize the best techniques and tools to prevent further damage to your plumbing system.

Expert Drain Cleaning Best Practices

Plumbing pros utilize various high-tech tools to ensure thorough and long-term solutions to your clogged plumbing:

• Heavy-duty plumbing auger: When basic plumbing snakes prove ineffective, plumbers turn to the big guns. Electric-powered snakes have extended reach and longer cables designed to extend into your drainage system, smashing through anything in their path.
• Digital camera inspections: Professionals usually start their plumbing inspections with a video pipe inspection. This includes inserting a tiny camera into the pipes to accurately locate the exact spot and reason of the clog, ensuring precise and lasting repairs.
• Hydro jetting: The most cutting-edge unclogging approach employs strong streams of pressurized water to force out the deepest clogs and scrub the inner walls of your piping, wiping out all debris and residue. Even roots invading pipes are vulnerable to this high-power technique.

Request Expert Drain Cleaning

Even though do-it-yourself drain cleaning techniques are a temporary solution for minor blockages, deeper or more significant issues require professional services. For secure, thorough and permanent solutions, turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We offer dependable drain cleaning services with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not completely happy with our service, we’ll make it right. Contact us today to ensure your plumbing is in Expert hands.