Replacing a leaky faucet and installing a new showerhead are probably the types of plumbing jobs that you think you can safely complete on your own.
As for your drains, it might seem that cleaning them up is just as simple since you can easily buy some liquid drain cleaner or create a homemade drain snake device.
These are quick-fix solutions or DIY options that have become quite popular in recent years as a means of fixing just about anything. Unfortunately, they are often ineffective and carry certain risks. This is especially true when dealing with plumbing issues.
Risks Involved in DIY Drain Cleaning
At first glance, it might look like it’s more convenient and even cost-effective to clean your drains yourself. Having this mindset can be dangerous at times and it’s best not to take your chances. Consider the following when thinking of going the DIY route to clean your drains:
1. You Don’t Have the Proper Tools
To effectively clear a blocked drain, you need to have the right equipment at your disposal. This can include a hydro jetting hose and a drain snake. Even if you have these at home, you’re not exactly sure how to use them to proceed with your drain cleaning project.
2. It’s a Dangerous Job for Homeowners
Homeowners are inclined to use commercial drain cleaners to deal with clogged or blocked drainage. Most drain cleaners, however, contain harmful chemicals. If you’re not
careful in using them, you could end up getting chemical burns.
3. You Could Damage Your Drains
Since commercial drain cleaners are formulated chemically, repeatedly using them to clean your drains could eventually damage the interior parts. They can also lead to the corrosion of your water pipes.
On the other hand, a drain snake controlled by inexperienced hands could leave drain scratches which can turn into holes where leaks will eventually develop.
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4. DIYs are Just Temporary Solutions
In the case of clogged or blocked drains, you can only remove a portion of the blockage but not the entire thing. In time, the obstruction will build up again and you’ll have a recurring drain problem in your hands.
5. It’s a Waste of Time and Money
Do-it-yourself jobs often do not come out the way you want them to. While you can spend lots of money and perhaps an entire day trying to repair a problematic drain, there’s no guarantee that your plan will work.
6. You’re Not Sure what the Problem Is
If you have a clogged drain, your immediate assumption is that there’s an obstruction somewhere. This is not always a correct assessment because it’s possible that the root cause of the problem is a corroded pipeline. Proceeding with a DIY job without a thorough investigation will only make things worse.
7. You’re Not Saving the Environment
For many homeowners, the best solution to a blocked drain is to pour a liquid cleaner down the drainage system. Often, this option does work, but it is also known that chemically-based liquid cleaners can cause damage to your pipes and to the environment.
They can produce toxic fumes which can harm you, your family, your pets, and Mother Earth.
Common DIY Solutions for Cleaning Drains
Mixing vinegar and baking soda have been found to be effective in cleaning your drains. When combined, they produce sodium acetate and carbon dioxide which then turn into carbonic acid, a reaction that can clean drains and remove any obstructions.
The cleaning power of this compound, however, isn’t as strong as you might think.
Another DIY method for drain cleaning is drain jetting. It’s highly effective, but only if you know how to do it correctly. Drain jetting is a technique that only skilled plumbers can execute to perfection since it involves the use of specialized equipment.
Advantages of Hiring Professional Drain Cleaners
Drain cleaning is one job that only professional plumbers can complete with efficiency.
Below are the advantages of getting the services of professional drain cleaners:
1. They Can Identify and Locate the Cause of Your Drain Problem
In the case of clogged drains, plumbers use a small fiber optic cable to inspect your drains before they clean them. With this cable, they can identify what material is causing the obstruction and the severity of the clog. This information will enable them to determine the best method to use in fixing the problem.
2. They Can Use the Hydro Jet
Only professional plumbers have access to specialized equipment like the Hydro Jet, which is the most efficient tool for drain cleaning. The tool uses water pressure to clear your drains of any debris or clogs but involves a delicate process since it could damage your pipes.
3. You Get Excellent Drain Cleaning Service
Nobody wants to do a DIY job that produces sub-par results, but this is what you will likely get if you clean your drains on your own.
A DIY cleaning project can’t remove the entire buildup of hair, grease, and other debris from your drains. Only professional plumbers can provide satisfactory results when it comes to drain cleaning.
Key Takeaway
DIY plumbing has become a popular option for many homeowners mainly because it
saves them time and money. However, it often brings in various problems that can worsen whatever plumbing issue you may have now.
Choosing professional Colorado Springs plumbing services for your home remains your best option, especially when dealing with drain cleaning problems. They can provide you with several benefts that you can never get from even the best DIY cleaning methods.
