DIY or Professional Drain Cleaning: Which Option is Best for Your Home

Clogged drains are frustrating and can be disruptive to a home. From the very slow sink to the shower that clogs up and won’t drain to the backed-up toilet – the temptation to fix the problem yourself is always there. After all, it is just one easy stop at the hardware store for a drain cleaner or plumbing snake – a supposedly effective solution that also saves money. But is this the best solution for your drains and plumbing system? If you have some stubborn or recurring drain issues, you could always question whether to tackle the job yourself or call in the professionals. To answer this, let’s dive deep into DIY drain cleaning pros and cons versus hiring a professional plumber so that you can choose the right one for your home.

The Appeal of DIY Drain Cleaning

1. Cost-Effective Solutions

Cost is often the main driver that makes people choose the DIY way of drain cleaning. A bottle of drain cleaner or a basic plumbing snake would have less upfront cost than hiring a professional plumber. These tools often do the trick if the clog is not stubborn and that too without breaking the bank.

2. Immediate Access

Sometimes, an out-of-the-blue drain backup can be a real inconvenience. In those moments, do-it-yourself solutions provide immediate access to fix the problem. You will not have to wait until the plumber comes to attend the problem and you can fix the issue when it suits you. This can work for minor clogs that may not need professional intervention.

3. Sense of Accomplishment

For those who enjoy tackling household projects, a successful DIY clogged drain project can be very satisfying, knowing that you have been able to solve a problem with your own hands.

The Risks of DIY Drain Cleaning

1. Temporary Fixes

While these methods may save time with DIY, they usually do not fix the root of the problem. For example, sometimes, a chemical drain cleaner can clear out a blockage but may not actually remove the underlying build-up or damage in your pipes. The clog will likely return, bringing with it repeated frustration and possibly bigger issues along the way.

2. Potential for Damage

The incorrect application of cleaning tools and chemicals can cause serious damage to your plumbing system. Chemical cleaners can burn or damage the pipes, especially if used too frequently or on older plumbing systems. Mechanical tools, such as snakes, may scratch or puncture the pipe if mishandled. What started out as a simple ‘do-it-yourself’ fix can quickly become an expensive repair job when things go wrong.

3. Health and Safety Concerns

Chemical drain cleaners contain caustic substances that are hazardous if not handled properly. Skin contact or inhalation could lead to burns, respiratory complications, and other health implications. Besides the chemical drain cleaners, working with clogged drains exposes you to bacteria and other contaminants that might lead to health hazards.

The Benefits of Professional Drain Cleaning

1. Thorough and Long-Lasting Solutions

Professional plumbers can find out the root of your problem with the capability and equipment to deal with it. Rather than just clearing the blockage, they diagnose the whole plumbing system to make sure everything is in order. This means a more thorough and long-lasting solution with minimum chances of clogs in the future.

2. Advanced Tools and Techniques

Professional plumbers use professional equipment that is just not available to the average homeowner. From high-powered drain snakes to hydro-jetting equipment, the list goes on and on. Such tools remove even the most stubborn blockages without harming your pipes. Plumbers can also use video inspection equipment such as CCTV camera for inspection, seeing inside your pipes and finding problems that cannot be seen from the outside.

3. Safety and Peace of Mind

The job will be done correctly and safely by hiring a professional plumber. Without these frequent chemical handling issues and damage in your plumbing system, you will have advice from a professional plumber on how to avoid these potential clogs in the future, which allows you peace of mind about the clarity and functionality of your drains.

Call Horncastle Plumbing Professionals for Adelaide Drain Cleaning

Do not get tempted to reach for that bottle of chemical drain cleaner or attempt a DIY project next time you experience a slow drain. For fast and reliable drain cleaning services here in Adelaide, call our locally trusted plumbing team at Horncastle Plumbing. Available any time of the day or night, we are your drain cleaning specialists and can be at your doorstep swiftly to restore your plumbing and peace of mind. Contact now for 24/7 emergency drain cleaning and get the best solution to your blocked drains.