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DIY vs. Professional Drain Cleaning: What You Need to Know

As a homeowner, it’s likely that you’ll end up with a clogged drain at one point or another. With the growing popularity of DIY, you may consider trying to clear the line on your own. Below, we’ll discuss the things you need to know about DIY vs professional drain cleaning.

Compare DIY vs. professional drain cleaning methods. Learn the pros, cons, and when to call a pro to safely clear stubborn clogs.

Top Signs You Need Drain Cleaning

You should always be mindful of the signs of a clogged drain or sewer line. The sooner you respond to the problem, the less likely you’ll be stuck dealing with an unfortunate sewer line backup.

One of the most obvious signs you need professional drain cleaning is that your sink is draining very slowly. This happens when there’s a partial clog in your line that isn’t allowing all the wastewater to exit like normal. Other signs include a foul sewage odor, gurgling toilets, soggy lawn spots, and even standing water.

It’s absolutely imperative that you avoid putting any more wastewater down your drain or sewer line until you’re able to repair the current issue. Doing so could cause a backup that could potentially put you and your family in danger.

DIY Drain Cleaning

There are various methods that homeowners may use to help clear clogged drains in their homes. Plungers are common for sink and toilet clogs. It’s crucial to note that there are two different types of plungers available.

One is specifically designed for sinks while the other is designed for curved toilet bowls. Plungers can be an effective method for removing clogs in your toilet and your sink drains.

Another popular DIY tool is drain cleaners. These are comprised of a chemical that you simply pour down your drain. They’re meant to break down the components of the clog to clear your line. It’s important to note that chemical drain cleaners can actually be very damaging to your plumbing. You should avoid using these to mitigate a clog.

Professional Drain Cleaning

While plungers can be effective when you have a clog in your toilet or right at the sink drain, they’re not effective for clogs deeper down your sewer line. When you have multiple fixtures that are draining slowly or have standing water, it’s a clear indication that you have a sewer clog.

Sewer clogs need professional intervention to remove. We utilize hydro jetting service that allows us to spray high-pressure water down the sewer line to scour its interior. This removes all the stuck-on debris inside your piping and busts up the clog.

Hydro jetting service is highly effective on all types of clogs. It can easily bust through tough tree roots to open your sewer line. Furthermore, it can break up any ice chunks that could be restricting the flow of wastewater.

When to Get Help With a Drain Clog

If you have a clog in your sewer line, it’s best to simply call our professionals. You don’t want to mess around with chemical drain cleaners or trying all sorts of DIY techniques, as they’ll just lead to costly damage. Our technicians can use ultra-safe methods, like hydro jetting, that remove the clog safely and effectively.

Tips to Avoid Future Clogs

There’s no doubt that dealing with a plumbing clog can be annoying. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to prevent experiencing a clog anytime in the near future. The first and most effective is to invest in annual hydro jetting service. This will remove the buildup of debris inside your sewer line so that there’s less risk of a problem.

When cooking, avoid draining any fats, oils, or grease into the sink. Instead, have a spare can you can pour them into and throw out once they solidify. Aim to avoid flushing flushable wipes and feminine hygiene products, as they don’t break down very quickly and can lead to clogs.

Additionally, use drain strainers to catch food particles in your kitchen sink, like rice, eggshells, and even coffee grounds. Drain strainers are also an effective option for shower drains where they can collect loose hair and soap scum to save them from going down your piping and causing a problem.

Reliable Drain Cleaning Service

Cranney Home Services offers reliable drain cleaning service for the Beverly, MA area. We can also help with all your drain repair, garbage disposal, sewer repair, plumbing repair, sewer backups, sewer video inspection, ejector pump, tree root removal, and backflow prevention needs. Simply call us today to book a service appointment to get the professional assistance you need.

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