Reasons Why Do-It-Yourself Drain Cleaning May Not Take Care of the Problem

Clogged drains are a common home headache, prompting many to make an attempt at do-it-yourself solutions for a quick fix. Although cleaning out the drains on your own seems like an affordable and straightforward way to go, it often fails to solve the underlying issue of the clog and can even lead to additional problems down the line. Discover the techniques, downsides and benefits of other drain clearing techniques to understand why calling a licensed plumber is a better option.

Common DIY Drain Cleaning Techniques

It’s understandable to test out do-it-yourself methods to clear clogged drains before seeking professional service. You may remember some conventional options, giving varied results:

• Chemical Drain Cleaners: Most homeowners start with this approach, but it’s the least reliable and most known to create more issues than they resolve.
• Hot Water: Dumping hot (but not boiling) water into the clogged pipes can dissolve fatty buildups or clear out soap residue. However, this option is better at avoiding stoppages than resolving a clog that’s already formed.
• Vinegar and Baking Soda: This popular DIY unclogging technique consists of placing half a cup of baking soda and then adding half a cup of common vinegar solution down the drain. When the mix finishes fizzing, the last step is to wash out the entire line with hot but not scalding hot water.
• Plunger: A conventional plunger is effective for minor blockages in sink drains and bathtubs. Adding to the fixture a bit of water creates a secure fit over the pipe opening. Then, plunging with strong, consistent force should loosen the clog, as long as it’s not too far from the incoming pressure.
• Hand-Crank Plumbing Snake or Auger: This option manually clears or pulls out clogs. It’s the DIY method most able to clear out the clogged drain. Even so, if the clog is too far for the flexible cable to reach, it won’t be effective.

Drawbacks of DIY Drain Cleaning

Despite the ease and cost-effectiveness of DIY methods, they aren’t always the most effective solution for several reasons:

• Damaging the plumbing: Store-bought chemical drain cleaners can damage your pipes. These products often include strong acids that can weaken your plumbing lines over time, more so if they’re old or made of materials like cast iron or galvanized iron. Moreover, drain cleaning chemicals can be hazardous to your health, causing burns or toxic fumes, not to mention the negative environmental impact from pouring them down the drain.
• Little benefit: Do-it-yourself methods may unblock small clogs, but they don’t resolve more severe examples like root intrusion or a collapsed sewer line. If you don’t have the proper gear, it’s challenging to properly identify the exact source of the problem, let alone resolve it.
• Possibility of additional damage: Haphazardly using plungers or drain augers can have the opposite effect and lead to issues by damaging the pipe’s interior. An uninsured novice can easily create bigger problems, leading to additional repair costs and trouble.
• Patchy Fixes: DIY methods often provide a temporary solution. They may clear part of the clog to restore flow briefly, but the main problem is still there, leading to recurring issues and frustration.

Professional Drain Cleaning Best Practices

Licensed Experts utilize various high-tech techniques to ensure thorough and long-term resolutions to your plumbing concerns:

• Digital camera inspections: Experts often start inspections with a sewer camera inspection. This involves feeding a tiny camera into the pipes to correctly identify the location and cause of the blockage, ensuring targeted and lasting repairs.
• Professional-grade plumbing auger: When basic plumbing snakes don’t work, plumbers bring in the more serious equipment. Power augers have longer cables that go deep into your pipes, breaking up anything in their path.
• Hydro jetting: The most advanced unclogging approach utilizes high-pressure water to force out clogs and clean the interior of your plumbing, removing all buildup and gunk. Even roots blocking the line are easily cut up by this professional specialty.

The Perks of Professional Drain Cleaning

If a DIY attempt to unclog a clogged drain doesn’t work, choose professional drain cleaning services. Here’s what you’ll gain when you make the call:

• Expertise and safety: Licensed Experts have the knowledge and training to address stubborn clogs in your home plumbing safely and effectively. They employ the right tools and tools to avoid causing further harm to the pipes.
• Long-lasting solutions: Licensed service from local plumbers provides a more thorough solution, addressing the underlying problem of the obstruction so you can get rid of clogs for good.
• Preventive maintenance: Regular maintenance is the key to smooth, efficient plumbing. Think about this preventive service to reduce the possibility of unexpected clogs and high repair costs down the line.

Arrange for Professional Drain Cleaning

While self-cleaning approaches are a fast remedy for small clogs, vast or larger problems demand licensed assistance. For secure, thorough and permanent solutions, rely on Mark Allen. We deliver dependable drain cleaning services supported by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Should you not be entirely satisfied with our job, we’ll fix it. Contact us today to make sure your drains are in Expert hands.