DIY vs. Professional Drain Cleaning

Have you noticed slow drainage, odd smells, gurgling, or bubbling from your drains? You need drain cleaning.

Clogged drains are common in many homes, but calling a plumber for every clog is simply not practical. Many clogs are relatively easy to clear with DIY methods, and it usually doesn’t hurt to try a few before calling in a professional.

If a few minutes of work with a plunger or a pipe snake doesn’t solve the problem, then it is time to call a local plumbing company. They will have the tools and equipment to remove the clog quickly without damaging your drain and sewer lines.

Common DIY Drain Cleaning Methods

Do-it-yourself drain cleaning methods are often effective for minor blockages or clogs that have just formed. They’re less likely to clear stubborn clogs that have been building for a long time.

Here are some of the most popular DIY drain cleaning methods:

Plastic Drain Snakes

A drain snake is a flexible cable that you insert into the drain until the blockage is reached. Using a combination of twisting and back-and-forth motions, it can often dislodge clogs and even pull them out.

Drain snakes don’t fit in every drain, and they’re not ideal for toilets, as they can cause the porcelain to crack. They’re an effective tool for many homeowners.

Chemical Drain Cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners use substances like lye to break down organic materials and flush them down the drain. These chemicals can be effective at removing clogs, but they can also be corrosive to the pipes, potentially causing damage.

Plus, the dangerous chemicals remain in the pipe if the clog isn’t cleared, causing further deterioration over time. For this reason, professional plumbers don’t recommend using chemical drain cleaners.

Baking Soda Solutions

Mixing baking soda and vinegar with hot water can create a pressurized foam that can successfully remove minor drain clogs, but its effectiveness is minimal for major clogs.

This natural cleaning solution is safe for your pipes and is often recommended as a first step before scheduling professional drain cleaning.

Plungers

A plunger can effectively eliminate clogs in your toilet, sink, and shower drains. A plunger is a rubber cup that fits over the drain with a handle attached.

As you push down on the plunger, the cup is depressed, forcing air and water through the clog. You can often dislodge clogs after a few pumps.

Plungers are effective tools that professionals and homeowners use.

Professional Drain Cleaning Tools & Methods

When you have a more stubborn clog, it is best to call an experienced plumber. Major clogs are often found hidden deep within drain and sewer pipes. They’re dense and tough to remove.

A professional will have the best drain cleaning tools and techniques to evaluate and remove the clog, such as:

Camera Inspections

A camera inspection involves inserting a camera attached to a long cable down the drain. By inspecting the pipe’s interior, your plumber can determine what caused the clog and the best solution to repair it.

Identifying the cause of the clog helps determine the best solution. A camera inspection can also help identify damaged pipes, which will require more extensive drain and sewer repairs.

Drain Augers

A strong electrical motor powers a drain auger, and it has a long cable with a variety of cutting heads. It can cut through some of the most stubborn clogs, including:

• Tree roots
• Grease buildup
• Wipes
• Food
• And more

Hydro Jetting

Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water jets of up to 35,000 psi to cut through dense clogs. Your plumber will insert a hose into the drain, and specialized heads direct the water to where it’s needed for the best results.

This tool can cut through the toughest clogs, plus they clear buildup from the walls of the pipe, so they look like new and are less likely to have recurring clogs.

When Do I Need Professional Drain Cleaning Instead of DIYing?

Here are some instances where it is best to call in a professional rather than rely on DIY drain cleaning techniques:

• You need to clear major recurring clogs: Clearing stubborn clogs can be difficult and may cause damage to the pipes if done improperly.
• You need to clear tree root infiltration: Tree roots are almost always too strong to be removed by DIY methods and should be addressed by a professional for long-term solutions.
• You smell sewage in your home: Foul odors may be caused by bacteria or stagnant water, and a professional has the best solutions to fix the problem permanently.
• You want to prevent future clogs: Professional drain cleaning can thoroughly clean your drain and sewer pipes to prevent future clogs.
• You want to prevent drain and sewer pipe damage: Professional cleaning can avoid pipe damage from forceful DIY methods or harsh chemicals, saving you money on future drain pipe repairs.

Schedule Drain Cleaning Services with Blue Bear Today

When you need professional drain cleaning in the MetroWest or South Shore areas, talk to our team at Blue Bear Plumbing, Heating & Air.

We’re a locally owned and operated plumbing company that features a friendly, experienced team with same-day and 24/7 emergency service availability so that you can always get the help you need when you need it.

Our expert plumbers are here to help with all your plumbing, drain, and sewer needs, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee backs all of our services.

Call us today at 781-706-4682 to schedule professional drain cleaning for your home.