Working on blocked drains can be a daunting task for homeowners. Trying to unclog drains using DIY methods may seem like a convenient solution, but it can be a risky endeavor that can end up causing more problems. Here are a few reasons why there are better options than DIY drain cleaning.
1. Exposure to Ineffective & Toxic Chemicals
Attempting to unclog a blocked drain without the help of a professional can appear like a straightforward and cost-efficient option, but it can be quite dangerous. One of the main dangers of DIY drain cleaning is the utilization of hazardous and ineffective chemicals.
Store-bought drain cleaners often contain strong chemicals like sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid, which can be damaging to your skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Over time, these corrosive elements can cause significant damage to your pipes and plumbing fixtures, potentially leading to costly repairs.
Furthermore, using these chemicals may prove futile in eliminating stubborn clogs, resulting in dissatisfaction and the waste of funds. Sometimes, it may even worsen the clog by creating a barrier further down the drain.
Hiring a professional plumber to unclog your drains is recommended to protect your home and plumbing system against potential damages and hazards. Expert plumbers are skilled in detecting the cause of the blockage and providing the most effective solution. By opting for professional drain cleaning services, you can avoid the risks associated with using hazardous chemicals and take advantage of the expertise and experience of the plumber.
2. Making an Issue Worse
Attempting to remove a clog in your drain by yourself can be counterproductive. Incorrect tools and techniques can cause harm to your plumbing system, resulting in costly repairs. For instance, if you use a coat hanger or another makeshift tool to try and remove the clog, you could damage your pipes, causing them to leak or even worse.
Using a plunger or other tools to unclog a drain could inadvertently push the obstruction further down the pipe, making it even harder to remove. This may lead to more extensive and costly repairs, including pipe replacement.
Hiring a professional plumber can save you time, money and help you protect your plumbing system from potential damage. Plumbers are experienced in diagnosing clogged drains and can provide the best solution.
3. Finding the Real Problem
A clogged drain may indicate deeper issues that require attention to avoid greater damage to the plumbing system. For example, the obstruction may be caused by an accumulation of sediment. However, it could signify a more serious predicament, such as tree roots intruding into the pipes or a broken sewer line. If these issues are not addressed properly, it could result in more critical issues in the future.
Attempting to resolve the issue yourself can lead to overlooking the underlying causes. This can create a false assurance that the problem is fixed, making you susceptible to more major plumbing issues.
A professional plumber with experience can accurately identify the source of your plumbing issues and offer solutions to prevent further damage.
They use cutting-edge technology and methods to determine the true problem and ensure your plumbing system works as it should. By entrusting a qualified plumber, you can avoid the potential of overlooking essential issues and guarantee your plumbing system continues to work properly for years to come.
4. Pipe Damage
Attempting to unclog drains without the assistance of a professional can be risky. Many rely on chemical substances like drain cleaners, acids, or tools like plumbing snakes. Unfortunately, these methods can be hazardous and may cause irreparable damage to your pipes.
Using chemical drain cleaners can harm your plumbing system in the long run, as they can corrode and weaken your pipes, leading to cracks and leaks. The chemicals used in these cleaners can be damaging to the environment. Even using plumbing snakes can cause costly repairs and unwanted leaks if used incorrectly.
It is essential to be aware that the cleaning process for various pipes varies depending on the material. For example, PVC pipes cannot tolerate high temperatures and may deform or melt when exposed to hot water or steam. On the other hand, older pipes made of clay or cast iron may be fragile and can easily be broken using strong chemicals or tools.
Hiring a professional plumber to clean your drains is the best option for clearing clogs. Professional plumbers have the experience and skills to safely and efficiently clean your pipes, so you won’t have to worry about any potential damage. Furthermore, they will be able to diagnose and identify any potential problems causing the clog, helping you save time, money, and hassle in the long run.
5. Use the Wrong Drain Cleaner
It is important to recognize that using the wrong drain cleaner could have damaging effects that can be more costly than the benefit of using it. There are numerous possible risks related to using the wrong drain cleaner, the most serious being damage to your plumbing system. Depending on the chemicals used, some cleaners can corrode pipes, while others may even cause them to rupture. For instance, using a caustic or acidic drain cleaner on a PVC pipe can melt the pipe, resulting in costly leaks and repairs.
Awareness of the potential dangers of some types of drain cleaners is essential. These cleaners typically contain hazardous chemicals that can lead to respiratory issues, skin irritation, and chemical burns. In addition, when these chemicals are poured down the drain, they can harm our water supply, causing harm to both aquatic life and human health.
Using the wrong drain cleaner for a clog caused by a solid object, such as a toy or jewelry, can be ineffective. It can even worsen the problem by pushing the thing further down the pipe and increasing the chances of a blockage.
If you experience a blocked drain, contact a qualified plumber to assess the issue and find the most suitable solution without endangering your plumbing system, health, or the environment. Utilizing the wrong drain cleaner can be more detrimental than beneficial.
6. Risk of injury
Attempting to clean a blocked drain without the necessary knowledge and equipment can lead to serious injury. Here are some of the potential risks associated with DIY drain cleaning:
- Chemical Burns
- Eye Damage
- Inhalation of Fumes
- Physical Injuries, such as cuts or bruises
- Electrical Shock
Unclogging a drain without proper knowledge and tools is not recommended, as it may pose a safety hazard. It is best to seek help from a professional to ensure the blockage is handled correctly and safely.
At Twin Peaks Plumbing, Heating & Gas, we understand the importance of reliable plumbing services. Our licensed and insured plumbers are equipped with the latest tools and technology to unclog your drains quickly, safely, and efficiently. We are proud of our commitment to providing top-notch plumbing services at an affordable price for homeowners in the Nanaimo, BC, area. We offer various HVAC services, including drain cleaning, backflow protection, heating and cooling, gas furnace, indoor air quality, and tankless water heater installation and repair. Contact us today to schedule professional drain cleaning and other plumbing services.
