Reasons Why DIY Drain Cleaning May Not Take Care of the Problem

Blocked pipes are a frequent home nuisance, causing many to try do-it-yourself work for a quick patch. Although DIY drain cleaning seems like a cost-effective and easy choice, it typically does not address the root cause of the clog and can even result in more damage later on. Discover the techniques, drawbacks and perks of different drain cleaning options to see why Expert plumbing service is the best way to go.

Conventional DIY Drain Cleaning Techniques

It’s perfectly reasonable to try DIY methods to clear stopped-up drains before calling in the pros. You may remember some typical approaches, giving varied results:

• Drain Cleaning Chemicals: Most homeowners use a chemical cleaner first, but it’s the least effective and most known to create more issues than they resolve.
• Hot Water: Running heated (but not scalding) water down the drain can dissolve oil-based clogs or clear out soap scum. However, this method is better at avoiding stoppages than unclogging current clogs.
• Baking Soda and Vinegar: This common do-it-yourself pipe-clearing method involves placing half a cup of baking soda followed by one-half cup of common vinegar solution down the drain. Once the mixture finishes fizzing, the last step is to flush the pipe with warm but not scalding hot water.
• Plunger: A sink plunger is useful for minor blockages in sinks and bath drains. Making sure the sink or tub has an inch of water creates a tight seal over the drain. Then, plunging with strong, consistent force should break up the obstruction, as long as it’s located close enough to the drain.
• Hand-Crank Plumbing Snake or Auger: This option physically breaks up or pulls out clogs. It’s the potential option most able to help clear the clog out. Even so, if it is too deep for the snake to get to, it won’t do any good.

Drawbacks of DIY Drain Cleaning

Even with the ease and affordability of do-it-yourself methods, they may not be the best approach for a few reasons:

• 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, more so if they’re older or made of materials like cast iron or zinc-coated pipes. Additionally, drain cleaning chemicals can be toxic, leading to skin irritation or toxic fumes, not to mention environmental pollution from flushing them into the sewer.
• Low impact: Do-it-yourself methods may unblock smaller clogs, but they don’t fix 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 take care of it.
• Potential for additional damage: Improperly using plungers and drain augers may actually cause damage by scratching the pipe’s interior. An uninsured novice can unintentionally create bigger problems, leading to higher bills and trouble.
• Short-Term Fixes: Do-it-yourself techniques typically only offer a temporary solution. They might clear just enough of the clog to get things moving temporarily, but the root cause is more stubborn, leading to recurring issues and an ongoing battle.

Local Expert Drain Cleaning Techniques

Professional plumbers use various high-tech techniques to offer comprehensive and long-term results to your drain problems:

• Video camera inspections: Experts usually start their plumbing inspections with a sewer camera inspection. This includes placing a tiny camera into the plumbing system to accurately find the precise source of the blockage, making sure they can provide precise and effective repairs.
• Professional-grade plumbing auger: When basic plumbing snakes fail to clear the clog out, professionals break out the more serious equipment. Electric-powered snakes have longer cables that go deep into your pipes, smashing through the clog.
• Hydro jetting: The most advanced drain cleaning technique utilizes pressurized jets of water to force out the deepest clogs and clear the inner walls of your piping, eliminating all buildup and residue. Even roots invading pipes are vulnerable to this commercial-grade solution.

Reasons Homeowners Choose Professional Drain Cleaning

If your do-it-yourself adventure to clear a blocked pipe fails, choose professional drain cleaning services. Here’s what you’ll gain when you do:

• Safe, Expert work: Qualified plumbers have the know-how and tools to handle stubborn clogs in your home plumbing securely and effectively. They use the proper equipment and tools to prevent further harm to the pipes.
• Longer-lasting solutions: Professional drain cleaning provides a more comprehensive fix, rising to meet the root cause of the blockage so you can move past drain issues for good.
• Preventive maintenance: Scheduled maintenance like pipe cleaning is the best way to ensure clog-free pipes for as long as possible. Consider this preventive service to reduce the risk of unexpected clogs and costly repairs down the line.

Ask About Professional Drain Cleaning

Although self-cleaning approaches are a fast remedy for minor blockages, more serious or major blockages require licensed assistance. For safe, thorough and long-lasting results, turn to Canyon State Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing. We deliver reliable drain cleaning services with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. In case you’re not completely happy with our work, we’ll get back to work. Contact us today to ensure your pipes are in capable hands.