When you notice your drain is slow or completely clogged, your first reaction might be to reach for a chemical drain cleaning product or a long wire to remove the clog. However, cleaning your own drains can result in inadequate clog removal or damage to your plumbing.
Here are three reasons to hire a professional to clear your drains.
One of the main reasons to hire a professional plumber to clean your drains is to get an accurate diagnosis of the problem. Even if you are able to remove the clog successfully yourself, the problem is likely to keep happening if you're not sure what caused it.
A professional plumber has the experience to identify where and why the problem occurs, so when you hire a plumber to clean your drains, the plumbing will stay clear longer than if you attempt a DIY fix.
To clean a drain, you need the proper tools. The right equipment ensures that the drains are fully cleared and that no lasting damage occurs.
DIY Problems
Most homeowners don't own professional plumbing tools. Instead, they use basic household tools and store bought drain cleaning chemicals or improvise and use things like wire hangers bent straight to act as a makeshift plumbing snake.
These items can sometimes help for minor clogs, but they're usually not powerful enough to dislodge deeper or bigger clogs. Some DIY fixes can actually cause more damage than the clog. Liquid drain cleaner is extremely toxic, and even if you use it safely, it can corrode and damage many kinds of pipes.
Other common fixes for clogged or slow drains, such as boiling water and baking soda, also aren't powerful enough for stubborn clogs, and water over 140 degrees can cause damage to PVC pipes and the glue that holds them together at the joints
Professional Solutions
Professional plumbers use tools designed for the job at hand, so they're able to get rid of clogs and clean your drains thoroughly without the risk of pipe damage. Plumbers use plungers and snakes in a variety of sizes and shapes to clear many types of clogs.
If you have a clogged drain, your plumber might also use a sink auger to clear it. This tool has a steel cord that your plumber will insert into the drain and slowly extend so it can bend around in the pipes and clear any clogs in its path.
If your plumber isn't sure what's causing the problem in your drain or if you've lost a valuable down the drain, your plumber will most likely use an endoscopic camera. This device is similar to a plumbing snake, but it contains a light and a tiny camera on the end so your plumber can see what's in the drain as they push the camera through the pipes.
For clogs that can't be removed manually, plumbers often use a device that sprays highly pressurized water into the drain. Unlike chemical cleaners, the water doesn't damage the plumbing, but it will push through very large and stubborn clogs.
3. Diagnosis of Other Problems
Another reason to hire a professional to clean your drains instead of doing it yourself is to get one step ahead of clogs and other problems. When a plumber comes out to clean your drains, they'll check for any other issues with your plumbing that could lead to problems in the future, such as other blockages or damaged pipes.
A professional drain cleaning doesn't just remove clogs - it keeps your drains fresh so you won't have unpleasant odors that come from your drains when they start to back up.
If your sewer line has a blockage, you won't be able to clear it yourself. Running more water down the drain or using drain cleaner can make the problem worse, so it's especially important to call a plumber if your drains clog regularly and DYI attempts haven't solved the problem.
Peter Piper's Plumbing & Drain Cleaning Service in Santa Rose, California, serves customers in the North Bay area, including Marin, Sonoma, and Napa counties. Contact us
today to put in a service request if you need your drains unclogged or cleaned.
