Why You Should Hire a Professional for Your Drain Cleaning

Throughout homeownership, you’ll inevitably experience a clogged drain or two. Try as we might, even the most diligent cleaners can still allow clog-causing particles to escape down their drains. Over time, this debris accumulates, leaving you to deal with slow-moving drains — or worse.

When it comes to drain clog removal, the best solution is to hire a professional. While DIY drain cleaning methods might provide temporary relief, there is no substitute for professional drain cleaning techniques.

Learn why you should hire a professional to handle your drain cleaning needs the next time a stubborn drain creates a nuisance in your home!

Why Hire a Professional Plumber for Drain Cleaning?

It might be tempting to trust your instincts and attempt a DIY fix for your drains, but we have five good reasons why you should resist the urge and choose professional drain cleaning:

1. DIY Remedies Aren’t Effective

Some may argue that home remedies work great for their drain cleaning needs, but these methods only offer temporary relief. Below are some of the most common drain cleaning techniques we’ve seen homeowners use on their plumbing systems and why they aren’t the best for getting the job done:

• Hot water & dish soap: One of the most common remedies involves pouring boiling water and dish soap down the drain to clear away clogs. However, PVC piping is not built to handle boiling water, and using this method with these types of pipes can damage your sink trap. Even if you ensure your water remains under 140º F, as recommended for PVC pipes, the likelihood that the water would stay hot enough to re-liquefy any trapped grease is low (if grease is even the problem).
• Coat hangers: Some people have used wire coat hangers in a misguided effort to clear the way for their drains. This method is problematic for two reasons: First, coat hanger wires often aren’t long enough to reach the blockage. Secondly, while some hair might get cleared, you likely won’t remove all the trapped debris to achieve a long-lasting solution.
• Baking soda & vinegar: Once again, boiling water is used here, which we already know is not recommended for PVC piping. Even if you don’t have PVC pipes, the combination of baking soda and vinegar won’t clear away clogs that are particularly deep in your system.

2. Plumbers Have Advanced Equipment

Unlike home remedy methods, professional plumbers have state-of-the-art tools and equipment specially designed to address the root cause of your blockage. From sink augers and snake tools to video camera pipe inspection technology and hydro jetting, an expert plumber not only has the tools to locate the culprit behind your clog but to effectively remove the blockage as well.

By getting to the heart of the issue, you ensure a longer-lasting solution rather than having to repeat the process a week later like you would with DIY methods.

3. Chemicals Can Cause Harm

Walk into any hardware store — and even some grocery stores — and you’re likely to find a variety of chemical cleaners, all touting their ability to blast away blockages. Lots of homeowners fall for these companies’ claims, but there are several drawbacks to these drain cleaners that aren’t mentioned on the bottle, including:

• Chemical cleaners aren’t strong enough to eliminate the most stubborn blockages
• The chemicals used in these formulas can damage your pipes
• Storing such chemicals around your home can place your pets and children at risk
• Properly handling drain cleaning chemicals requires protective eyewear and plastic gloves to avoid skin and eye irritation

For this reason, plumbers often only rely on drain cleaning chemicals as a last resort. In most instances, the best bet for clearing away blockages is a good old-fashioned plunger or snake tool.

4. Hidden Problems Require Training

The main reason for your blockage can often remain hidden deep within your system. Without the proper tools, technology, and training, you won’t be able to pinpoint the problem — and your slow-moving drains will persist.

By trusting a professional with the job, you can identify the precise location of your blockage. From there, your plumber can make an expert, personalized repair recommendation that will remove the clog entirely so you can enjoy improved plumbing performance.

5. Bigger Issues Could Exist

In severe cases, a clogged or slow-moving drain can point to a larger problem in your plumbing system. When this happens, the most likely culprit is a blocked sewer line, whether due to deterioration, tree root infiltration, or a deeply hidden clog.

Especially if you notice that all your drains have clogged simultaneously, it’s imperative that you contact a 24/7 emergency plumbing professional for immediate service. A sewer line blockage can easily lead to sewage backup, which can pose a serious health risk to you and your family.

Schedule Professional Drain Cleaning With The Pipe Doctor!

If you have slow-moving or completely clogged drains in your home, look no further than The Pipe Doctor for the fast, effective service you need. Our team has helped countless families throughout the Northern Virginia region keep their pipes as clean and clear as possible for more than 30 years.

Relying on our decades of industry expertise and state-of-the-art equipment, we’re confident in our team’s ability to quickly and efficiently clear your drains for improved plumbing performance.

Schedule emergency plumbing services seven days a week by calling The Pipe Doctor at 703-388-6529 in Alexandria or 540-424-9497 in Fredericksburg!