Reasons to Hire a Professional to Unblock a Drain

Dealing with a clogged drain can be a real headache for any homeowner. It’s a situation that often leaves you feeling frustrated and eager to find a quick solution.

Numerous individuals opt for do-it-yourself techniques such as using drain cleaning chemicals, combining baking soda and vinegar or attempting to fix the problem themselves using a toilet plunger or drain snake. Some people pour boiling water down the drain and hope that it fixes the drain clog (which occasionally works).

Although these methods may appear budget-friendly, they often present complications and drawbacks.

Find out why hiring expert plumbers to unblock a drain is a smarter choice and a more efficient and cost-effective one.

When facing blocked drains, one common approach is to rush to the local hardware store and purchase chemical drain cleaners. These products are readily available, easy to use, and seem like a quick fix.

However, they come with several downsides:

• Damage to pipes: Chemical cleaners can be incredibly corrosive. They contain harsh chemicals such as hydrochloric acid or caustic soda, which can erode and damage your drainage system over time. This could result in costly repairs down the line.
• Environmental impact: The chemicals in drain cleaners are harmful to the environment. When you pour them down the drain, they enter the water supply and can harm aquatic life. Properly disposing of these chemicals is crucial, and many homeowners may not do it correctly.
• Health risks: Handling these chemicals without proper protection can harm your health. Inhaling fumes or accidentally splashing them on your skin can lead to various health problems.
• Ineffectiveness: In some cases, chemical drain cleaners may not even work, especially if solid materials like tree roots or food scraps cause the blockage.

Regular drain cleaning is not a bad thing but it’s clear to see the dangers of using the wrong types of chemical drain cleaner.

Another common approach to cleaning drain blockages due to various list of foreign objects is attempting to do it yourself with tools like a plunger or a plumber’s snake.

While these tools can be effective for minor clogs, they have limitations:

• Lack of expertise: DIY methods may not work for more complex blockages or issues deep within the plumbing system. A professional plumber has the knowledge and experience to identify and resolve these problems.
• Temporary solutions: DIY methods often provide temporary relief rather than addressing the root cause of the problem. This can lead to recurring blockages and ongoing plumbing issues.
• Risk of damage: Using tools like a plumber’s snake without the right skills can inadvertently damage your pipes, leading to even more significant problems. Using a wire coat hanger can be even worse.

Stubborn drain blockages can be a real headache and unclogging drains can be a real hassle. Understanding what causes them can help you prevent future clogs.

There are several common culprits behind those stubborn blockages in your drains. It pays to know about them before they become major problems.

• Grease and fat: One major offender is the grease and fat that can accumulate in your kitchen drains. When you pour hot grease down the sink, it may flow easily at first, but as it cools, it solidifies and sticks to the pipe walls. Over time, this build up can create a stubborn blockage that’s tough to remove.
• Soap: Soap scum and other debris can cause a build up of residue in your bathroom sink drain over time. This is one of the most common plumbing issues.
• Hair: In bathroom drains, hair is a common culprit. It doesn’t dissolve and can easily mix with soap scum and other debris, forming a tight clog deep within the pipes.
• Foreign objects: Sometimes, small objects like toys, jewellery, or even excessive toilet paper can find their way into your plumbing system, leading to blockages.
• Mineral build up: Hard water can leave mineral deposits in your pipes, gradually narrowing the passageway and reducing water flow.
• Tree roots: If you have trees or shrubs near your sewer lines, their roots can infiltrate the pipes seeking moisture and nutrients, causing serious blockages.

To tackle stubborn drain blockages, it’s often best to hire a professional plumber. Sure, you can try the wee-worn DIY methods such as drain snakes, liquid drain cleaner, a sink plunger, a wire coat hanger or pouring hot water down the affected drain, but it won’t provide a long-term fix.

Qualified plumbers have the expertise and tools to identify the root cause and effectively remove the blockage without causing further damage to your plumbing.

Plus, they can offer advice on how to prevent future clogs, saving you time and money in the long run.

Now that we’re aware of the drawbacks of DIY approaches let’s explore why hiring a professional for clogged drains is the better option:

1. Expertise and experience – Professional plumbers have years of experience dealing with various plumbing issues. They can quickly diagnose the problem, whether a blocked drain, damaged pipes, or tree root intrusion, and provide a tailored solution.
2. Right tools and equipment – Professional drain cleaners can access specialised tools and equipment, such as high-pressure water jets and drain augers, which are often necessary for effective drain cleaning. These tools are not readily available to homeowners.
3. Preventative measures – A professional doesn’t just unclog your drain; they also identify and address the underlying causes. This proactive approach helps prevent future blockages and damage to your plumbing system.
4. Safety – Hiring a professional eliminates the risks of handling hazardous chemicals or using tools you may not be familiar with. It ensures your safety and the safety of your plumbing system.
5. Cost-effective – While it may seem counterintuitive, hiring a professional can save you money in the long run. DIY attempts that lead to further damage can result in costly repairs. Professionals get the job done right the first time, preventing future expenses.
6. Time saving – Professionals can unblock drains efficiently, saving you valuable time and preventing the inconvenience of a prolonged plumbing issue.

Unblocking a drain is not just about immediate relief; it’s about long-term peace of mind, knowing that your plumbing system is in good hands. Don’t hesitate to contact a professional drain cleaner and get it flowing smoothly again.

When it comes to your plumbing, you can’t go past the experts at Mr Emergency, your trusted clogged kitchen sink and drain plumbers! DIY solutions like using a coat hanger and pouring boiling water or store-bought chemicals might seem tempting, but they can damage pipes and often lead to a bubbling reaction.

Save your hard-earned dollars and avoid those late-night hardware store runs. Instead, opt for professional help that ensures your blocked sink and drain are clear and in top shape. Our specialists can also install a shower drain cover or a bathtub drain strainer to protect any pipes in the area.

We can also offer assistance with other plumbing issues, from dripping taps to water heater repairs. With our help, you won’t have to worry about prolonged flooding or inefficient fixtures.

Don’t wait for other signs of trouble to build up; reach out to us today. We’ll keep your plumbing flowing smoothly with natural remedies like bicarb soda and our expert drain auger techniques. Contact Mr Emergency for reliable service and say goodbye to plumbing headaches for good.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.