Why DIY Drain Unclogging May Not Take Care of the Issue

Clogged drains are a common home nuisance, leading many to make an attempt at do-it-yourself fixes for a quick fix. Even though DIY drain cleaning appears to be a budget-friendly and straightforward option, it typically does not fix the main source of the clog and can even cause additional problems down the line. Learn about the approaches, disadvantages and benefits of other drain clearing techniques to see why professional service is the best way to go.

Downsides of DIY Drain Cleaning

Regardless of the accessibility and affordability of attempts to clear the clog on your own, they aren’t always the best approach for different reasons:

• Short-Term Fixes: DIY methods usually give only a quick, but not quality fix. They might clear part of the clog to get things moving temporarily, but the root cause is more stubborn, leading to recurring issues and an ongoing battle.
• Possibility of further damage: Incorrectly using plungers or plumbing snakes can have the opposite effect and lead to issues by scraping the pipe’s interior. An inexperienced hand can unintentionally cause more harm than good, leading to extra expenses and trouble.
• Ineffectiveness: DIY solutions may unblock small clogs, but they can’t fix more severe examples like root intrusion or a collapsed sewer line. Without proper equipment, it’s challenging to fully diagnose the underlying problem, let alone resolve it.
• Damaged pipes: Over-the-counter chemical drain cleaners can harm your home’s plumbing. These cleaners often contain strong acids that wear away at the plumbing, more so if they’re in an older home or made of materials like iron piping or galvanized iron. Besides, drain cleaning chemicals can be hazardous to your health, causing burns or toxic fumes, not to mention harm to the planet from flushing them into the sewer.

Conventional DIY Drain Cleaning Techniques

It’s perfectly reasonable to attempt DIY projects to clear blocked pipes before calling in the pros. You’re probably familiar with some typical options, providing varying degrees of effectiveness:

• Plunger: A conventional plunger is useful for small clogs in sinks and bathtubs. Filling the fixture with an inch of water gives a tight seal over the pipe opening. Then, plunging with strong, consistent force should dislodge the obstruction, as long as it’s located close enough to the drain.
• Using Hot Water: Running warm (but not boiling) water down the drain can break down some of the greasy blockages or clear out soap scum. But, this approach is more useful at stopping blockages than fixing existing ones.
• Drain Cleaning Chemicals: Most homeowners actually try this method first, but it’s the least reliable and most known to cause damage.
• Baking Soda and Vinegar: This well-known do-it-yourself pipe-clearing method entails pouring half a cup of baking soda followed by half a cup of common vinegar solution into the clogged pipe. Once the mixture finishes fizzing, the last step is to wash out the drain with hot but not boiling 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 help clear the clog out. However, if the clog is too deep for the snake to reach, it won’t work.

Reasons Homeowners Choose Professional Drain Cleaning

If an attempt at DIY to unclog a clogged drain proves fruitless, choose professional drain cleaning services. Here’s why it’s worth it when you decide this is the best option:

• Routine maintenance: Regular maintenance is the key to smooth, efficient plumbing. Think about this preventive measure to cut down on the chance of plumbing emergencies and costly repairs later on.
• Longer-lasting solutions: Licensed service from local plumbers provides a more complete fix, fixing the main issue of the blockage so you can put drainage problems behind you permanently.
• Expertise and safety: Licensed Experts have the know-how and experience to address complex clogs safely and effectively. They utilize the best techniques and tools to prevent further damage to your plumbing system.

Local Expert Drain Cleaning Techniques

Professional plumbers employ various advanced tools to ensure complete and lasting solutions to your clogged plumbing:

• Heavy-duty plumbing auger: When standard tools prove ineffective, plumbers break out the big guns. Electric-powered snakes have longer cables designed to extend into your drainage system, cutting apart the clog.
• Video camera inspections: Professionals usually start their service calls with a video pipe inspection. This involves placing a small camera into the plumbing system to accurately locate the location and cause of the blockage, ensuring precise and efficient repairs.
• Hydro jetting: The most cutting-edge drain cleaning technique employs pressurized jets of water to force out clogs and scrub the inside of your pipes, removing all debris and gunk. Even roots invading pipes are vulnerable to this commercial-grade solution.

Request Professional Drain Cleaning

While DIY drain cleaning methods are a temporary solution for lesser obstructions, more serious or major blockages call for Expert help. For risk-free, efficient and permanent solutions, count on Winnipeg Supply Service Experts. We provide dependable drain cleaning services supported by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not completely happy with our service, we’ll make it right. Contact us today to make sure your plumbing is in good hands.