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

Stopped-up drains are a common residential plumbing issue, leading many to try do-it-yourself work for a quick fix. While cleaning out the drains on your own may seem like a budget-friendly and convenient option, it typically does not solve the main source of the clog and can even lead to the clog expanding later on. Learn about the approaches, downsides and perks of different drain cleaning options to understand why Expert plumbing service is the superior choice.

Standard DIY Drain Cleaning Techniques

It’s understandable to attempt DIY projects to clear clogged drains before getting a plumber. Here are some typical options, giving varied results:

• Drain Cleaning Chemicals: Most homeowners use a chemical cleaner first, but it’s the least reliable and most likely to create more issues than they resolve.
• Hot Water: Running heated (but not boiling) water down the drain can break down some of the greasy blockages or clear out soap residue. However, this option is better at preventing clogs than fixing a clog that’s already formed.
• Vinegar and Baking Soda: This common DIY drain cleaner entails placing half a cup of sodium bicarbonate followed by a ½ cup of common vinegar solution into the clogged pipe. Once the mixture stops bubbling, the last step is to rinse the pipe with hot but not too hot water.
• Plunger: A sink plunger is useful for small clogs in sinks and bathtubs. Making sure the sink or tub has a small amount of water creates a good seal over the drainage. Then, applying force should break up the clog, as long as it’s not too far from the incoming pressure.
• Hand-Crank Plumbing Snake or Auger: This tool physically breaks up or pushes them out through the pipe. It’s the DIY method most likely to help clear the clog out. Even so, if the clog is too far into the plumbing for the snake to reach, it won’t do any good.

Reasons Some Homeowners Avoid DIY Drain Cleaning

Regardless of the ease and fewer costs of do-it-yourself methods, they aren’t always the most effective solution for a few reasons:

• Damaged pipes: Commercially available chemical drain cleaners can harm your home’s plumbing. These cleaners often use harsh chemicals that wear away at the plumbing, particularly if they’re old or composed of cast iron or galvanized iron. Moreover, drain cleaning chemicals can be dangerous, causing burns or toxic fumes, not to mention environmental pollution from flushing them into the sewer.
• Little benefit: Do-it-yourself methods may clear minor blockages, but they can’t fix more serious issues like root intrusion or a collapsed sewer line. Lacking proper equipment, it’s harder to fully diagnose the underlying problem, let alone take care of it.
• Accidentally causing additional damage: Haphazardly using plungers and plumbing snakes may actually cause damage by damaging the inside of your pipes. An uninsured novice can unintentionally cause more harm than good, leading to additional repair costs and hassle.
• Inconsistent Results: DIY methods typically give only a short-term fix. They may remove enough of the blockage to allow water to drain for a while, but the root cause persists, leading to repeat problems and annoyance.

Local Expert Drain Cleaning Techniques

Licensed Experts employ various high-tech techniques to ensure comprehensive and lasting resolutions to your drain problems:

• Using a video camera: Plumbers often start inspections with a sewer camera inspection. This means feeding a miniature camera into the drainage lines to accurately identify the precise source of the clog, ensuring targeted and effective repairs.
• Professional-grade plumbing auger: When basic plumbing snakes prove ineffective, plumbers turn to the more serious equipment. Motorized augers have extra-long cables able to reach far into your drainage system, cutting apart the clog.
• Hydro jetter: The most high-tech unclogging approach utilizes pressurized jets of water to wash out clogs and scrub the inside of your pipes, removing all debris and residue. Even intrusive tree roots are no match for this professional specialty.

Benefits of Professional Drain Cleaning

If a DIY attempt to unclog a blocked pipe doesn’t work, choose professional drain cleaning services. Here’s how you’ll benefit when you make the call:

• Safe work from local Experts: Professional plumbers have the know-how and training to handle complex clogs quickly and effectively. They utilize the best techniques and tools to avoid causing further damage to your plumbing system.
• The longest-lasting solutions: Professional drain cleaning provides a more complete fix, addressing the underlying problem of the blockage so you can put drainage problems behind you for good.
• Routine maintenance: Scheduled maintenance like pipe cleaning is the best way to ensure clog-free pipes for as long as possible. Think about this preventive measure to reduce the risk of plumbing emergencies and costly repairs in the future.

Request Expert Drain Cleaning

While do-it-yourself drain cleaning techniques are a quick fix for small clogs, deeper or major blockages call for Expert help. For risk-free, thorough and long-lasting results, turn to United Plumbing Company. We provide dependable drain cleaning services supported by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. In case you’re not entirely satisfied with our service, we’ll fix it. Contact us today to ensure your plumbing is in Expert hands.