When the drains in your home get clogged, it can be a huge hassle. From a backed-up drain in your shower to an overflowing kitchen sink, severely clogged drains are something we all deal with from time to time. Sometimes, a clogged drain home remedy can seem like a quick fix and an easy answer, but when it comes to most clogged drains, you should skip the DIY project and hire professional drain services providers.
Working with professional plumbers, like your team at Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, is the best way to unclog a drain and receive satisfactory sewer and drain cleaning performed safely and effectively.
Below, we'll go over the top reasons you should avoid trying to repair a backed-up sink yourself next time and instead bring in the professionals.
Why DIY Sewer and Drain Cleaning is a Bad Choice
With the abundance of drain cleaners available at your local hardware store and clogged drain home remedy lists all over the internet, many homeowners think that it's not only simple and easy to fix the problem themselves but that there's no harm in doing so. However, this couldn't be further from the truth. Here are four reasons you should hire a professional:
1) You'll Have Unnecessary Exposure to Ineffective Chemicals
Most drain cleaners that you can purchase yourself are actually pretty toxic and dangerous, not only for you and your family but also for your pipes and the environment. The most common chemicals found in drain cleaners are hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid. When handled incorrectly, these chemicals can burn your skin and leave toxic fumes in the air. Drain cleaners don't effectively clean your pipes, either; they can remove part of the blockage but not the entire thing, which leaves your pipes vulnerable to becoming clogged again quickly.
2) A Clogged Drain Home Remedy Can Damage Pipes
The most common clogged drain home remedy involves pouring baking soda, vinegar, and boiling water down your sink. While we love using natural chemicals whenever we can, this is a solution that not only doesn't work; it can pose a risk to your pipes. When you add baking soda and vinegar together, you create an explosive chemical reaction. While this can remove the clog in your drain, it can also remove the protective coating on your pipes.
3) You Can Miss a Bigger Problem
While a clogged drain seems like a simple problem, there might be a larger issue at hand that you can't diagnose without a professional. When you hire professional drain services, they perform thorough and extensive drain cleaning and can diagnose the problem using sophisticated tools and cameras. Some of the most common problems that lead to drain clogs are cotton products, small objects, tree roots, and FOG (fat, oil, grease). These problems can't be remedied without a professional drain services provider.
4) You Might Make the Problem Worse
If you try to fix the clog on your own, you might unintentionally worsen the situation. Digging around in your pipes and employing harsh chemicals or at-home solutions can all exasperate an existing problem that you may not even realize is there. You could potentially rupture a pipe, cause a leak, or loosen a connection. Any of these outcomes will make your clog go from bad to worse quickly, and it will end up costing you more time and money in the long run.
Why Getting a Professional Sewer and Drain Cleaning is a Great Choice
The best drain cleaning is going to come from a professional drain services provider, hands down. When you hire professionals, you can expect
Fast and accurate troubleshooting
Professionals have the tools and training to diagnose and troubleshoot your problem quickly and accurately, and they know how to fix it.
Preventative maintenance
When you have a professional sewer and drain cleaning, it helps prevent problems from occurring in the future, and it helps to maintain the quality and integrity of your drains and sewage system.
Cost savings
Hiring a professional to regularly clean and maintain your pipes or to come in for a clog saves you money in the long run. DIY solutions can create more problems or allow old problems to go unnoticed until they become big ones.
If any of the sinks in your home are exhibiting signs of a clog — backed up water, slowed drainage, or foul odors — skip the clogged drain home remedy. Get the best drain cleaning and call our team today.