Reasons Why DIY Drain Unclogging May Not Take Care of Your Problem

Stopped-up drains are a common household headache, prompting many to attempt do-it-yourself solutions for a quick fix. Although do-it-yourself unclogging may seem like a cost-effective and convenient option, it usually does not solve the root cause of the clog and can even cause the clog expanding down the line. Discover the methods, disadvantages and perks of different drain cleaning options to understand why professional service is a better option.

Conventional DIY Drain Cleaning Techniques

It makes sense to attempt DIY methods to unclog clogged drains before getting a plumber. You may remember some typical options, offering different levels of success:

• Drain Cleaning Chemicals: Most homeowners use a chemical cleaner first, but it’s the least effective and most likely to cause damage.
• Hot Water: Running warm (but not scalding) water down the drain can melt a little of the fatty buildups or rinse off soap residue. But, this approach is more useful at preventing clogs than fixing existing ones.
• Baking Soda and Vinegar: This common do-it-yourself drain cleaner involves pouring one-half cup of baking soda followed by one-half cup of common vinegar solution into the clogged pipe. Once the mixture finishes fizzing, the last step is to rinse the drain with warm but not scalding hot water.
• Plunger: A conventional plunger is effective for small clogs in sink drains and toilets. Filling the fixture with a small amount of water gives a tight seal over the drainage. Then, applying force should loosen the obstruction, as long as it’s located close enough to the incoming pressure.
• Hand-Crank Plumbing Snake or Auger: This tool physically breaks up or removes blockages. It’s the do-it-yourself approach most able to help clear the clog out. Even so, if the clog is too deep for the flexible cable to reach, it won’t do any good.

Downsides of DIY Drain Cleaning

Regardless of the accessibility and affordability of do-it-yourself methods, they might not be the best approach for different reasons:

• Damaging the plumbing: Store-bought drain cleaning chemicals can damage your plumbing system. These cleaners often include corrosive ingredients that damage pipes over time, especially if they’re old or composed of old cast iron piping or zinc-coated pipes. Additionally, chemical cleaners can be dangerous, causing burns or toxic fumes, not to mention the negative environmental impact from flushing them into the sewer.
• Low impact: DIY solutions might remove smaller clogs, but they can’t address more significant problems like root intrusion or a collapsed sewer line. If you don’t have the proper tools, it’s more difficult to properly identify the underlying problem, let alone take care of it.
• Potential for more damage: Improperly using plungers or manual augers may actually cause damage by gouging the plumbing’s interior walls. An uninsured novice can easily cause more harm than good, leading to additional repair costs and frustration.
• Inconsistent Results: DIY methods usually provide a quick, but not quality fix. They might clear part of the clog to restore flow briefly, but the underlying issue persists, leading to recurring issues and an ongoing battle.

Local Expert Drain Cleaning Best Practices

Plumbing pros utilize various modern equipment to provide complete and lasting resolutions to your drain problems:

• Using a video camera: Plumbers typically begin inspections with a sewer camera inspection. This includes feeding a small camera into the plumbing system to correctly locate the precise source of the blockage, guaranteeing targeted and efficient repairs.
• Professional-grade plumbing auger: When small manual augers fail to clear the clog out, professionals break out the heavy-duty tools. Electric-powered snakes have extended reach and longer cables designed to extend into your pipes, cutting apart the clog.
• Hydro jetter: The most high-tech option uses strong streams of pressurized water to force out the deepest clogs and scrub the inner walls of your piping, eliminating all debris and gunk. Even intrusive tree roots are easily cut up by this high-power technique.

The Perks of Professional Drain Cleaning

If a DIY attempt to fix a blocked pipe doesn’t work, go with professional drain cleaning services. Here’s why it’s worth it when you do:

• Expertise and safety: Qualified plumbers have the skills and training to address stubborn clogs in your home plumbing securely and thoroughly. They utilize the right tools and tools to minimize the risk of further issues with your plumbing.
• Long-lasting solutions: Professional drain cleaning offers a more thorough resolution, rising to meet the underlying problem of the obstruction so you can get rid of clogs once and for all.
• Routine maintenance: Scheduled maintenance like pipe cleaning is the best way to ensure free-flowing drains. Look into this preventive measure to lower the possibility of problems and big repair bills later on.

Request Licensed Drain Cleaning Service

Even though do-it-yourself drain cleaning techniques are a fast remedy for minor blockages, vast or larger problems demand professional services. For safe, efficient and durable fixes, rely on Crawford Services. We offer dependable drain cleaning services supported by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Should you not be fully satisfied with our service, we’ll fix it. Contact us today to ensure your drains are in capable hands.