Reasons Why Do-It-Yourself Clog Removal Might Not Take Care of the Issue
Blocked pipes are a common residential plumbing nuisance, leading many to make an attempt at do-it-yourself fixes for a quick patch. While DIY drain cleaning may seem like a budget-friendly and convenient option, it often fails to solve the main source of the clog and can even cause the clog expanding down the line. Discover the techniques, drawbacks and perks of various tips for unclogging to understand why Expert plumbing service is the superior choice.
Downsides of DIY Drain Cleaning
Despite the accessibility and fewer costs of DIY methods, they might not be the ideal choice for different reasons:
- Patchy Fixes: Do-it-yourself techniques often give only a quick, but not quality fix. They can remove part of the clog to get things moving temporarily, but the main problem remains, leading to ongoing clogs and an ongoing battle.
- Potential for more damage: Haphazardly using plungers or drain augers may actually cause damage by scraping the inside of your pipes. An inexperienced hand can unintentionally make matters worse, leading to extra expenses and frustration.
- Lack of effectiveness: Do-it-yourself methods may clear smaller clogs, but they can’t resolve more severe examples like root intrusion or a collapsed sewer line. If you don’t have the proper tools, it’s harder to pinpoint the exact source of the problem, let alone fix it.
- Damage to the pipes: Store-bought chemical drain cleaners can ironically damage your pipes. These cleaners often have strong acids that wear away at the plumbing, particularly if they’re old or constructed from iron piping or galvanized iron. Moreover, chemical cleaners can be toxic, causing burns or toxic fumes, not to mention environmental pollution from flushing them into the sewer.
Common Do-It-Yourself Drain Cleaning Techniques
It’s understandable to test out do-it-yourself methods to remove clogs from clogged drains before getting a plumber. You may remember some typical approaches, offering varying degrees of effectiveness:
- Plunger: A standard plunger is helpful for minor blockages in sink drains and bath drains. Filling the fixture with an inch of water ensures a good seal over the drain. Then, using strong pressure should break up the clog, as long as it’s near enough to the opening.
- Hot Water: Dumping hot (but not TOO hot) water into the clogged pipes can dissolve greasy blockages or rinse off soap residue. That said, this approach is more useful at avoiding stoppages than resolving existing ones.
- Drain Cleaning Chemicals: Many people actually start with this approach, but it’s the least effective and most prone to actually cause harm to the pipes.
- Baking Soda and Vinegar: This well-known DIY pipe-clearing method involves adding half a cup of baking soda followed by a ½ cup of vinegar down the drain. Once the mixture finishes fizzing, the last step is to rinse the entire line with hot but not scalding hot water.
- Hand-Crank Plumbing Snake or Auger: This tool manually clears or pushes them out through the pipe. It’s the potential option most likely to resolve the clog entirely. Even so, if it is too far for the snake to be able to to reach, it won’t be effective.
Benefits of Professional Drain Cleaning
If your do-it-yourself adventure to unclog a blocked pipe falls short, go with professional drain cleaning services. Here’s how you’ll benefit when you decide this is the best option:
- Routine maintenance: Routine drain cleaning is the key to clog-free pipes for as long as possible. Look into this routine upkeep schedule to lower the possibility of plumbing emergencies and big repair bills down the line.
- Long-lasting solutions: Licensed service from local plumbers offers a more thorough fix, rising to meet the root cause of the clog so you can put drainage problems behind you permanently.
- Safe, Expert work: Qualified plumbers have the skills and experience to address complex clogs securely and effectively. They utilize the right tools and tools to stop further issues with your plumbing.
Local Expert Drain Cleaning Techniques
Plumbing pros employ various high-tech techniques to ensure comprehensive and long-term results to your plumbing concerns:
- Heavy-duty plumbing auger: When small manual augers don’t work, Experts break out the big guns. Electric-powered snakes have longer cables designed to extend into your sewer line, smashing through the clog.
- Video camera inspections: Experts typically begin service calls with a video pipe inspection. This involves inserting a miniature camera into the plumbing system to accurately identify the precise source of the blockage, making sure they can provide targeted and effective repairs.
- Hydro jetting: The most cutting-edge unclogging approach uses pressurized jets of water to wash out the deepest clogs and scrub the interior of your plumbing, removing all debris and residue. Even roots blocking the line are no match for this high-power technique.
Ask About Professional Drain Cleaning
Even though self-cleaning approaches are a temporary solution for minor blockages, deeper or major blockages call for Expert help. For secure, thorough and permanent solutions, turn to A1 Chesney Service Experts. We offer dependable drain cleaning services supported by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not fully satisfied with our service, we’ll make it right. Contact us today to make sure your plumbing is in Expert hands.