Reasons Why Do-It-Yourself Clog Removal Might Not Take Care of the Issue

Stopped-up drains are a typical household problem, prompting many to take a stab at do-it-yourself fixes for a quick fix. Although cleaning out the drains on your own seems like a cost-effective and straightforward option, it usually does not address the main source of the clog and can even cause the clog expanding down the line. Learn about the approaches, drawbacks and benefits of various tips for unclogging to understand why professional service is the superior choice.

Drawbacks of DIY Drain Cleaning

Despite the ease and affordability of DIY methods, they aren’t always the ideal choice for a few reasons:

• Patchy Results: Do-it-yourself techniques often only offer a short-term fix. They may clear enough of the blockage to get things moving temporarily, but the root cause persists, leading to repeat problems and an ongoing battle.
• Possibility of more damage: Improperly using plungers or plumbing snakes can have the opposite effect and lead to issues by scratching the pipe’s interior. An inexperienced hand can unintentionally cause more harm than good, leading to extra expenses and frustration.
• Low impact: Do-it-yourself methods might clear small clogs, but they can’t address more serious issues like root intrusion or a collapsed sewer line. If you don’t have the proper gear, it’s more difficult to properly identify the underlying problem, let alone take care of it.
• Damaged pipes: Over-the-counter chemical drain cleaners can harm your plumbing system. These products often use harsh chemicals that damage pipes over time, more so if they’re older or made of materials like iron piping or galvanized iron. Additionally, drain cleaning chemicals can be dangerous, causing burns or toxic fumes, not to mention harm to the planet from having to dump them down the sink.

Popular Do-It-Yourself Drain Cleaning Techniques

It’s perfectly reasonable to test out do-it-yourself methods to clear clogged drains before calling in the pros. You’re probably familiar with some typical techniques, providing varying degrees of effectiveness:

• Plunger: A standard plunger is useful for a few simple clogs in sink drains and toilets. Making sure the sink or tub has an inch of water ensures a secure fit over the drainage. Then, applying force should break up the obstruction, as long as it’s located close enough to the drain.
• Hot Water: Running hot (but not scalding) water into the clogged pipes can dissolve greasy blockages or wash away soap residue. At the same time, this approach is better at avoiding stoppages than resolving a clog that’s already formed.
• Chemical Drain Cleaners: Most homeowners actually try this method first, but it’s the least effective and most prone to actually cause harm to the pipes.
• Vinegar and Baking Soda: This common do-it-yourself pipe-clearing method entails adding a ½ cup of baking soda and then adding a ½ cup of common vinegar solution into the clogged pipe. After the baking soda stops bubbling, the last step is to wash out the drain with hot but not too hot water.
• Hand-Crank Plumbing Snake or Auger: This tool manually clears or removes blockages. It’s the potential option most able to help clear the clog out. Still, if the clog is too deep for the snake to be able to to get to, it won’t be effective.

Benefits of Professional Drain Cleaning

If an attempt at DIY to unclog a blocked pipe doesn’t work, choose professional drain cleaning services. Here’s what you’ll gain when you make the call:

• Routine maintenance: Scheduled maintenance like pipe cleaning is the ideal approach for ensuring smooth, efficient plumbing. Consider this preventive service to reduce the risk of plumbing emergencies and big repair bills down the line.
• Solutions that last: Expert drain cleaning service delivers a more thorough fix, addressing the underlying problem of the obstruction so you can get rid of clogs once and for all.
• Safe, Expert work: Qualified plumbers have the know-how and tools to handle tough blockages securely and effectively. They use the best techniques and tools to prevent further harm to the pipes.

Expert Drain Cleaning Services

Plumbing pros use various advanced techniques to provide complete and long-term resolutions to your plumbing concerns:

• Heavy-duty plumbing auger: When small manual augers fail to clear the clog out, Experts bring in the heavy-duty tools. Motorized augers have longer cables designed to extend into your sewer line, breaking up the clog.
• Using a video camera: Experts typically begin service calls with a video pipe inspection. This includes inserting a miniature camera into the drainage lines to correctly find the precise source of the blockage, guaranteeing focused and efficient repairs.
• Hydro jetting: The most advanced drain cleaning technique employs high-pressure water to force out blockages and scrub the interior of your plumbing, removing all debris and residue. Even roots invading pipes are vulnerable to this high-power technique.

Schedule Professional Drain Cleaning

Even though DIY drain cleaning methods are a temporary solution for minor blockages, vast or major blockages call for Expert help. For safe, efficient and permanent solutions, turn to Rob's Albertan Service Experts. We deliver trustworthy drain cleaning services with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. In case you’re not entirely satisfied with our work, we’ll fix it. Contact us today to make sure your drains are in Expert hands.