Why Do-It-Yourself Drain Unclogging May Not Take Care of Your Problem

Clogged drains are a frequent residential plumbing issue, leading many to attempt do-it-yourself solutions for a quick fix. While do-it-yourself unclogging appears to be a cost-effective and convenient choice, it often fails to address the root cause of the clog and can even lead to additional problems down the line. Discover the approaches, disadvantages and benefits of various tips for unclogging to understand why professional service is a better option.

Conventional DIY Drain Cleaning Techniques

It makes sense to test out do-it-yourself projects to clear stopped-up drains before getting a plumber. Here are some conventional methods, giving different levels of success:

• Chemical Drain Cleaners: Most homeowners try this method first, but it’s the least effective and most prone to cause damage.
• Using Hot Water: Running warm (but not boiling) water into the clogged pipes can dissolve greasy blockages or wash away soap scum. That said, this method is more useful at stopping blockages than resolving current clogs.
• Vinegar and Baking Soda: This well-known DIY pipe-clearing method consists of adding one-half cup of sodium bicarbonate then adding half a cup of common vinegar solution through the line. After the baking soda stops bubbling and hissing, the last step is to flush the drain with hot but not too hot water.
• Plunger: A sink plunger is helpful for minor blockages in sink drains and bath drains. Making sure the sink or tub has an inch of water ensures a tight seal over the drainage. Then, using strong pressure should dislodge the obstruction, as long as it’s located close enough to the incoming pressure.
• Hand-Crank Plumbing Snake or Auger: This option physically breaks up or pulls out clogs. It’s the do-it-yourself approach most likely to clear out the clogged drain. Still, if it is too deep for the snake to get to, it won’t work.

Downsides of DIY Drain Cleaning

Regardless of the accessibility and cost-effectiveness of attempts to clear the clog on your own, they may not be the best approach for different reasons:

• Damaged pipes: Commercially available drain cleaning chemicals can ironically damage your plumbing system. These cleaners often include corrosive ingredients that wear away at the plumbing, more so if they’re older or constructed from iron piping or zinc-coated pipes. Additionally, chemical cleaners can be hazardous to your health, leading to skin irritation or toxic fumes, not to mention the negative environmental impact from pouring them down the drain.
• Lack of effectiveness: Do-it-yourself methods might remove small clogs, but they don’t address more significant problems like root intrusion or a collapsed sewer line. Without proper equipment, it’s more difficult to pinpoint the root cause, let alone take care of it.
• Accidentally causing more damage: Improperly using plungers or manual augers may actually cause damage by scraping the inside of your pipes. An inexperienced hand can easily cause more harm than good, leading to additional repair costs and headaches.
• Short-Term Solutions: Do-it-yourself techniques typically provide a quick, but not quality fix. They can remove just enough of the clog to get things moving temporarily, but the main problem persists, leading to ongoing clogs and an ongoing battle.

Professional Drain Cleaning Services

Plumbing pros utilize various high-tech tools to ensure thorough and long-term resolutions to your drain problems:

• Video camera inspections: Plumbers typically begin service calls with a drain camera. This means feeding a miniature camera into the pipes to accurately find the precise source of the blockage, guaranteeing targeted and lasting repairs.
• Heavy-duty plumbing auger: When small manual augers fail to clear the clog out, Experts turn to the more serious equipment. Electric-powered snakes have extended reach and longer cables designed to extend into your drainage system, smashing through anything in their path.
• Hydro jetter: The most cutting-edge drain cleaning technique utilizes strong streams of pressurized water to blast away blockages and scrub the inside of your pipes, eliminating all debris and residue. Even roots blocking the line are no match for this high-power technique.

The Perks of Professional Drain Cleaning

If your do-it-yourself adventure to clear a clogged drain doesn’t work, choose professional drain cleaning services. Here’s why it’s worth it when you decide this is the best option:

• Safe work from local Experts: Licensed Experts have the skills and tools to address stubborn clogs in your home plumbing securely and efficiently. They utilize the proper equipment and tools to prevent further harm to the pipes.
• The longest-lasting solutions: Licensed service from local plumbers delivers a more thorough solution, fixing the underlying problem of the blockage so you can move past drain issues permanently.
• Preventative maintenance: Regular maintenance is the ideal approach for ensuring clog-free pipes for as long as possible. Think about this preventive measure to lower the possibility of plumbing emergencies and big repair bills in the future.

Ask About Expert Drain Cleaning

Even though do-it-yourself drain cleaning techniques are a quick fix for small clogs, vast or more significant issues demand professional services. For safe, efficient and durable fixes, count on Freedom Heating & Cooling. We provide dependable drain cleaning services backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not fully satisfied with our work, we’ll fix it. Contact us today to make sure your plumbing is in capable hands.