Clogged drains are a typical household problem, causing many to make an attempt at DIY work for a quick patch. Even though do-it-yourself unclogging appears to be an affordable and easy option, it typically does not fix the underlying issue of the clog and can even lead to additional problems later on. Discover the methods, drawbacks and perks of various tips for unclogging to understand why Expert plumbing service is the superior choice.
Reasons Some Homeowners Avoid DIY Drain Cleaning
Despite the accessibility and cost-effectiveness of DIY methods, they aren't always the best approach for different reasons:
- Short-Term Solutions: Do-it-yourself techniques often give only a temporary solution. They can remove just enough of the clog to allow water to drain for a while, but the underlying issue persists, leading to recurring issues and annoyance.
- Potential for more damage: Haphazardly using plungers or drain augers might ironically harm the pipes by scraping the plumbing's interior walls. An uninsured novice can quickly cause more harm than good, leading to additional repair costs and headaches.
- Lack of effectiveness: Going the DIY route may clear smaller clogs, but they don't fix more serious issues like root intrusion or a collapsed sewer line. Without proper gear, it’s challenging to properly identify the exact source of the problem, let alone fix it.
- Damage to the pipes: Store-bought chemical drain cleaners can damage your home's plumbing. These cleaners often use strong acids that wear away at the plumbing, especially if they’re old or composed of iron piping or galvanized iron. Besides, chemical cleaners can be dangerous, leading to skin irritation or toxic fumes, not to mention environmental pollution from pouring them down the drain.
Conventional DIY Drain Cleaning Techniques
It makes sense to test out Do-It-Yourself projects to clear Clogged drains before getting a plumber. You may remember some conventional techniques, giving varied results:
- Plunger: A standard plunger is helpful for a few simple clogs in sink drains and bath drains. Adding to the fixture a small amount of water gives a good seal over the pipe opening. Then, applying force should dislodge the blockage, as long as it’s located close enough to the drain.
- Using Hot Water: Dumping heated (but not scalding) water through the line can break down some of the oil-based clogs or rinse off soap residue. At the same time, this option is more effective at stopping blockages than resolving a clog that's already formed.
- Chemical Drain Cleaners: A lot of folks actually start with this approach, but it’s the least reliable and most likely to create more issues than they resolve.
- Baking Soda and Vinegar: This common DIY drain cleaner entails placing half a cup of sodium bicarbonate followed by half a cup of common vinegar solution into the clogged pipe. When the mix stops bubbling, the last step is to flush the entire line with hot but not boiling hot water.
- Hand-Crank Plumbing Snake or Auger: This device mechanically disrupts or pushes them out through the pipe. It’s the DIY method most able to help clear the clog out. Even so, if the clog is too deep for the snake to reach, it won’t do any good.
The Perks of Professional Drain Cleaning
If a DIY attempt to unclog a blocked pipe doesn't work, go with professional drain cleaning services. Here’s why it's worth it when you do:
- Routine maintenance: Scheduled maintenance like pipe cleaning is the ideal approach for ensuring clog-free pipes for as long as possible. Think about this preventive measure to cut down on the possibility of problems and costly repairs later on.
- Longer-lasting solutions: Professional drain cleaning offers a more complete resolution, addressing the underlying problem of the blockage so you can get rid of clogs for good.
- Safe work from local Experts: Qualified plumbers have the skills and training to tackle tough blockages safely and thoroughly. They employ the right tools and tools to stop further issues with your plumbing.
Expert Drain Cleaning Services
Plumbing pros utilize various high-tech tools to offer complete and lasting solutions to your plumbing concerns:
- Professional-grade plumbing auger: When small manual augers fail to clear the clog out, plumbers turn to the heavy-duty tools. Power augers have extra-long cables that go deep into your pipes, cutting apart the clog.
- Using a video camera: Plumbers usually start their service calls with a drain camera. This means feeding a tiny camera into the pipes to precisely find the precise source of the blockage, guaranteeing focused and effective repairs.
- Hydro jetter: The most advanced drain cleaning technique employs pressurized jets of water to blast away blockages and scrub the inner walls of your piping, wiping out all buildup and gunk. Even roots invading pipes are easily cut up by this high-power technique.
Schedule Expert Drain Cleaning
Even though self-cleaning approaches are a quick fix for lesser obstructions, vast or more significant issues require professional services. For safe, effective and permanent solutions, count on Service Experts. We offer dependable drain cleaning services backed by a Service Experts Guarantee. Should you not be completely happy with our service, we’ll get back to work. Contact us today to make sure your pipes are in good hands.