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

Blocked pipes are a typical home problem, leading many to take a stab at DIY fixes for a quick patch. Although DIY drain cleaning may seem like an affordable and straightforward way to go, it typically does not address the root cause of the clog and can even result in the clog expanding down the line. Learn about the approaches, drawbacks and advantages of other drain clearing techniques to see why calling a licensed plumber is the best way to go.

Conventional DIY Drain Cleaning Techniques

It’s understandable to try do-it-yourself projects to clear clogged drains before calling in the pros. Here are some conventional options, giving varied results:

• Chemical Drain Cleaners: Most homeowners start with this approach, but it’s the least reliable and most known to cause damage.
• Hot Water: Pouring heated (but not boiling) water down the drain can dissolve oil-based clogs or wash away dried soap. That said, this approach is more useful at preventing clogs than resolving existing ones.
• Baking Soda and Vinegar: This popular do-it-yourself pipe-clearing method consists of adding half a cup of baking soda and then adding a ½ cup of common vinegar solution through the line. When the mix stops bubbling and hissing, the last step is to wash out the pipe with warm but not boiling hot water.
• Plunger: A conventional plunger is useful for small clogs in sink drains and toilets. Filling the fixture with a small amount of water ensures a good seal over the pipe opening. Then, using strong pressure should break up the blockage, as long as it’s not too far from the drain.
• Hand-Crank Plumbing Snake or Auger: This tool mechanically disrupts or pulls out clogs. It’s the DIY method most likely to help clear the clog out. However, if it is too far into the plumbing for the snake to get to, it won’t work.

Reasons Some Homeowners Avoid DIY Drain Cleaning

Regardless of the convenience and fewer costs of do-it-yourself methods, they may not be the best approach for several reasons:

• Damaging the plumbing: Over-the-counter drain cleaning chemicals can harm your home’s plumbing. These cleaners often contain corrosive ingredients that can weaken your plumbing lines over time, more so if they’re older or composed of cast iron or galvanized iron. Additionally, chemical cleaners can be toxic, resulting in chemical irritation or toxic fumes, not to mention environmental pollution from pouring them down the drain.
• Little benefit: DIY solutions might clear minor blockages, but they don’t address more significant problems 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 take care of it.
• Potential for additional damage: Haphazardly using plungers and manual augers might ironically harm the pipes by gouging the pipe’s interior. An untrained user can easily cause more harm than good, leading to higher bills and trouble.
• Patchy Results: Do-it-yourself techniques often only offer a temporary solution. They might clear just enough of the clog to allow water to drain for a while, but the underlying issue remains, leading to recurring issues and an ongoing battle.

Expert Drain Cleaning Services

Plumbing pros use various high-tech tools to offer thorough and lasting resolutions to your drain problems:

• Using a video camera: Professionals often start inspections with a video pipe inspection. This means feeding a small camera into the plumbing system to correctly find the precise source of the blockage, ensuring precise and efficient repairs.
• Professional-grade plumbing auger: When standard tools prove ineffective, plumbers bring in the heavy-duty tools. Motorized augers have longer cables that go deep into your pipes, smashing through the clog.
• Hydro jetter: The most high-tech unclogging approach utilizes pressurized jets of water to wash out blockages and clean the inner walls of your piping, eliminating all debris and residue. Even roots blocking the line are no match for this high-power technique.

Reasons Homeowners Choose Professional Drain Cleaning

If your do-it-yourself adventure to fix a blocked pipe doesn’t work, choose professional drain cleaning services. Here’s how you’ll benefit when you do:

• Safe, Expert work: Professional plumbers have the know-how and experience to handle complex clogs securely and effectively. They employ the proper equipment and tools to avoid causing further damage to your plumbing system.
• Longer-lasting solutions: Professional drain cleaning delivers a more comprehensive solution, fixing the root cause of the clog so you can move past drain issues for good.
• Preventative maintenance: Routine drain cleaning is the key to smooth, efficient plumbing. Look into this preventive measure to lower the chance of problems and costly repairs later on.

Arrange for Licensed Drain Cleaning Service

Even though DIY drain cleaning methods are a fast remedy for lesser obstructions, vast or more significant issues require professional services. For risk-free, thorough and long-lasting results, count on Ken Griffin Plumbing Services. We provide dependable drain cleaning services with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Should you not be entirely satisfied with our service, we’ll fix it. Contact us today to make sure your drains are in capable hands.