With all of the instructional content that’s available on the internet, it can be tempting to undergo a DIY repair project for your home plumbing system. The truth is that certain repairs do not require professional assistance – such as unclogging the drain that connects to your faucet or toilet. These are projects that are relatively basic and easy to undertake.
However, although plumbing unclogging solutions seem simple enough, you should also know that they can also require extensive work. Some clogs are fairly minor and take no time to remove, and then you have some of the severe clogs which will require professional assistance and major repair work. There are many unknowns whenever you are faced with a clog in your drainage system, and we want to help you determine the course of action that will benefit you the most.
DIY Projects vs. Professional Clog Removal
The first step in the process is figuring out the type of clog that is plaguing your system. In many situations, the clog is fairly minor and will require minimal effort to remove. However, you also have some of the more severe clogs, which include a main sewer line clog and main drain clog. You can usually remove clogs that originate in your sewer line or other areas in your drainage with various tools and DIY methods that anyone can utilize. Some jobs are fairly easy to perform on your own, and others are not fit for beginners.
The basis to determine if you should undergo a DIY repair project is the cost of the job. There certainly are other factors you should consider, such as experience and availability of supplies. However, the cost is always the primary reason why we undergo these kinds of projects by ourselves in the first place. The bulk of the cost of any repair service will usually come down to labor.
Unclogging the main sewer line connected to your home is not a job that anyone can carry out. Depending on the severity of the blog, you will need to hire a professional to undergo a specialized method. Also, a plumber is going to guarantee their work through certifications and warranties. If you do decide to remove the mainline clog by your clog and fail to do so, then what? Determining the next step in the process can be a little tricky if we lack the proper experience.
The main benefit of hiring a professional plumber is that they are going to locate the clog and remove it in a timely manner. Also, if you have certain budgetary restrictions, they will do what they can to provide you with affordable and cost-effective solutions. Hiring a plumber also gives you the chance to get to know them on a professional level. If you are satisfied with the service you are receiving, then you can hire them again for future plumbing repairs and maintenance.
Primary Methods for Drain Unclogging
Drain Snaking: A drain snake is a tool that anyone can obtain and although it requires a degree of precision to use, it can be effective in removing clogs. You can use a drain snake on many different drains throughout your home, including your shower, washing machine, kitchen faucet, toilet and bathroom sink. The drain snake itself is comprised of an auger and manually-operated crank that extends a flexible rod through your plumbing system. Most drain snaking mechanisms can reach pretty deep into plumbing and they remove any debris that collects inside the drain pipes. Drain snaking your main sewer line becomes necessary when a plunger fails to remove the clog.
Hydro Jetting: This involves the use of highly pressurized water jets that effectively remove clogs and buildup inside your drainage system. Hydro jetting is a non-invasive plumbing solution that allows you to bypass some of the more inconvenient methods of clog removal. Hydro jetting in the past ten years has become extremely prevalent among service providers and it’s an easy solution to complex plumbing issues.
To undergo hydro jetting, you will need to hire a plumbing repair specialist. The process is simply not viable for a DIY project. Why? First, hydro jetting is not always effective depending on the condition of your pipes. This means that your system will need to undergo an inspection, which requires special equipment and technology that is not accessible to most homeowners. Hyrdo jetting can easily solve a lot of the issues you are experiencing with your drain, but there is also a degree of risk involved in the process. Hydro jetting isn’t something you should be experimenting with when the issue is relatively minor in the first place.
Drain Cleaner: Commercial cleaners are certainly helpful in certain situations, but there is a caveat. Most cleaners contain harsh chemicals, and you will want to avoid pouring them down your drain if you can. They can cause a lot of damage to your system and they are not always effective in removing very clog. They are just not worth the risk. On the other hand, there are indeed other cleaners and homemade remedies that are a lot safer to pour down your drain. For example, we recommend that you try using baking soda and vinegar.
Pros of Hiring a Professional
- They have the skill, knowledge and experience to remove any clog no matter how severe it is.
- They can identify other plumbing issues, such as tree root intrusion or low water pressure.
- They possess all the licensing and insurance to provide you with service.
- They offer different guarantees for their work.
- They will offer you budget-friendly solutions.
- They can identify issues early on before they develop into something more severe.
- They will follow safety protocols and minimize mistakes.
Pros of DIY Repair Projects:
- You get the chance to develop your plumbing skills, although sometimes it can be a bit of a crash course in learning some of the basics.
- You save plenty of money on labor.
- You get the chance to establish your own sense of self-reliance.
We should also inform you about some drawbacks with undergoing a DIY repair project. If you lack experience, you can and likely will cause damage to your plumbing system, despite the insignificance of the clog. Also, some of the more complicated clogs are very difficult to remove, and there are several safety risks involved with some of the more serious issues, such as a main line clog.
If you have any questions, then feel free to give us a call! One of our qualified technicians can supply you with answers and discuss your options moving forward with reliable plumbing unclogging solutions.