Why DIY Drain Unclogging May Not Take Care of Your Problem

Clogged drains are a typical residential plumbing nuisance, prompting many to take a stab at DIY work for a quick fix. Although DIY drain cleaning may seem like a budget-friendly and convenient option, it usually does not solve the underlying issue of the clog and can even lead to additional problems later on. Discover the methods, downsides and benefits of other drain clearing techniques to see why professional service is the superior choice.

Conventional DIY Drain Cleaning Techniques

It makes sense to test out DIY methods to unclog stopped-up drains before seeking professional service. Here are some common approaches, giving varying degrees of effectiveness:

• Chemical Drain Cleaners: Many people start with this approach, but it’s the least successful and most known to cause damage.
• Hot Water: Pouring hot (but not TOO hot) water into the clogged pipes can dissolve oil-based clogs or rinse off soap scum. At the same time, this option is more useful at avoiding stoppages than unclogging a clog that’s already formed.
• Vinegar and Baking Soda: This well-known DIY drain cleaner involves placing half a cup of bicarbonate of soda and then adding one-half cup of vinegar through the line. After the baking soda stops bubbling, the last step is to wash out the entire line with hot but not boiling hot water.
• Plunger: A standard plunger is effective for a few simple clogs in sinks and toilets. Filling the fixture with a small amount of water ensures a tight seal over the pipe opening. Then, plunging with strong, consistent force should break up the obstruction, as long as it’s not too far from the incoming pressure.
• Hand-Crank Plumbing Snake or Auger: This option manually clears or pushes them out through the pipe. It’s the DIY method most able to clear out the clogged drain. However, if the clog is too far for the snake to be able to to reach, it won’t work.

Downsides of DIY Drain Cleaning

Regardless of the convenience and affordability of DIY methods, they aren’t always the best approach for different reasons:

• Damaged pipes: Store-bought drain cleaning chemicals can damage your home’s plumbing. These cleaners often include corrosive ingredients that damage pipes over time, especially if they’re old or made of materials like old cast iron piping or zinc-coated pipes. Moreover, chemical cleaners can be dangerous, leading to skin irritation or toxic fumes, not to mention environmental pollution from flushing them into the sewer.
• Little benefit: Do-it-yourself methods may clear small clogs, but they won’t resolve more severe examples like root intrusion or a collapsed sewer line. Without proper tools, it’s harder to pinpoint the root cause, let alone fix it.
• Potential for further damage: Improperly using plungers or plumbing snakes can have the opposite effect and lead to issues by gouging the plumbing’s interior walls. An uninsured novice can easily make matters worse, leading to extra expenses and trouble.
• Short-Term Fixes: Do-it-yourself techniques typically give only a short-term fix. They can clear just enough of the clog to restore flow briefly, but the root cause persists, leading to repeat problems and annoyance.

Local Expert Drain Cleaning Best Practices

Licensed Experts employ various modern techniques to ensure complete and lasting solutions to your plumbing concerns:

• Video camera inspections: Plumbers typically begin inspections with a video pipe inspection. This means feeding a tiny camera into the pipes to correctly locate the precise source of the clog, guaranteeing focused and effective repairs.
• Professional-grade plumbing auger: When small manual augers prove ineffective, professionals bring in the big guns. Motorized augers have longer cables able to reach far into your pipes, smashing through the clog.
• Hydro jetting: The most high-tech unclogging approach employs pressurized jets of water to force out the deepest clogs and clear the interior of your plumbing, eliminating all debris and residue. Even intrusive tree roots are no match for this commercial-grade solution.

Reasons Homeowners Choose Professional Drain Cleaning

If an attempt at DIY to clear a clogged drain fails, go with professional drain cleaning services. Here’s how you’ll benefit when you do:

• Expertise and safety: Professional plumbers have the know-how and training to handle tough blockages safely and thoroughly. They utilize the best techniques and tools to avoid causing further issues with your plumbing.
• Longer-lasting solutions: Expert drain cleaning service offers a more thorough resolution, fixing the main issue of the blockage so you can move past drain issues once and for all.
• Preventive maintenance: Scheduled maintenance like pipe cleaning is the key to clog-free pipes for as long as possible. Look into this preventive measure to lower the possibility of unexpected clogs and costly repairs down the line.

Ask About Professional Drain Cleaning

Although self-cleaning approaches are a quick fix for minor blockages, more serious or major blockages require licensed assistance. For secure, efficient and long-lasting results, count on Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, Inc.. We offer trustworthy drain cleaning services with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not entirely satisfied with our work, we’ll make it right. Contact us today to guarantee your pipes are in capable hands.