Got a slow drain that just won’t quit?
At some point every homeowner battles with a stopped-up drain. Most reach for a plunger, dump chemicals down the drain, and pray. Sometimes that does the trick…
But a lot of the time? It doesn’t.
Here’s the problem:
Choose the wrong solution and a minor clog can escalate into a major (and costly) plumbing disaster. Choose correctly and you save yourself time, money and enormous stress.
Learn precisely when to tackle drain cleaning yourself and when to schedule a drain cleaning service.
Ready? Here’s how to tell the difference…
What’s inside:
- DIY Drain Cleaning: What Actually Works?
- The Hidden Risks Of Chemical Drain Cleaners
- 5 Signs You Need A Drain Cleaning Service
- What Does A Drain Cleaning Service Cost?
DIY Drain Cleaning: What Actually Works?
Start with the good news. Plenty of everyday clogs can be fixed at home.
Most clogs in a bathtub, sink or shower stall are near the drain opening. They’re usually caused by hair, soap buildup or a small piece of food. That’s the kind of clog you can fix yourself with a few basic tools.
The best DIY tools are:
- A cup plunger for sinks and tubs
- A flange plunger for toilets
- A hand snake (also called a drain auger)
- A hair catcher to stop clogs before they start
Here is a simple rule to follow…
If you have only one slow drain and it takes less than 30 minutes to clear with a plunger or hand snake, congratulations. You’re finished.
However, if the clog persists, or multiple drains have problems at the same time, you probably have issues further down the line. That is where professional drain cleaning services can help you. A professional plumber can snake a camera down your sewer line, diagnose the true issue causing the clog and eliminate it with devices like motorized augers and hydro jetting. In southern Arizona, a local team that specializes in Sahuarita, AZ drain cleaning can access the clog deep within your pipes without harming them and ensure it doesn’t return.
It really is that simple. Small clog? DIY. Deep clog? Pro.
The Hidden Risks Of Chemical Drain Cleaners
This is where most DIY fixes go wrong…
Commercial chemical drain openers seem convenient. You pour them down and wait, flushing away. Easy-peasy.
Not quite.
Most of these products contain extremely corrosive chemicals such as lye or acid. They generate heat to dissolve the clog. Over time, that heat can deteriorate older pipes, rubber gaskets and the glue used in PVC connections.
And it’s not only your pipes at risk.
Think about it:
If the chemical doesn’t dissolve the clog, it just remains in the pipe. Now you have a sink full of caustic water. When you plunge that, the water can splash out onto your skin or into your eyes.
It’s not just speculation either. Sweden’s governmental chemicals agency says that one in five injured by corrosive drain cleaners is a child aged under 10. The agency also notes that professional plumbers don’t use chemical drain cleaners. They use mechanical tools as they are more effective.
Safety Tip: If you have young children or animals in your home, don’t keep chemical drain cleaners in your home at all. A plunger and hand snake are much safer, and usually work better anyway.
5 Signs You Need A Drain Cleaning Service
So how do you know when DIY is no longer enough?
Here are some red flags. See any of them? Make the call.
1. More Than One Drain Is Clogged
One clogged drain is annoying. Two or three backed-up drains at the same time is serious. That means you have a clog in your main sewer line. And no retail store snake is long enough to fix that.
2. Gurgling Sounds
Does your toilet burble when you do laundry? Weird noises like that are caused by air getting trapped in your pipes. Something is restricting water flow causing air to be pushed back up the drain.
3. Bad Smells That Won’t Go Away
Smelling rotten eggs coming from your drains is never pleasant. It could indicate a buildup farther down the line or even sewage issues. Scrubbing your sink won’t help… Because the problem is deeper down.
4. Water Backing Up
This is the big one.
If water backs up into your shower drain when you flush your toilet, stop using your drains immediately. Sewage backups can damage your floors and walls and harm your health. Contact a professional immediately.
5. The Same Clog Keeps Coming Back
Did you just clear your kitchen sink last week and it’s stopped up again? Recurring clogs mean that you only created a hole through the clog. Part of the material is still lodged in the pipe. Professionals can clear the entire width of the pipe, eliminating the issue.
See also: Regular House Cleaning for Homes With Pets: What You Need to Know
What Does A Drain Cleaning Service Cost?
Here’s the question everyone asks…
Is it worth the money?
HomeAdvisor says the national average drain cleaning cost is $242. Homeowners typically spend between $147 and $346.
Now compare that to DIY.
Renting a powered auger will set you back about $100/day. Throw in a plunger, hand snake and maybe a couple of bottles of drain cleaner… Easily half of what you’d pay a pro… And you STILL may not fix the problem.
Here’s the kicker:
Poor DIY work can actually complicate things (and cost you more) for the plumber. Broken snake heads lodged in the pipe and leftover chemicals in the line are two of the biggest problems professionals run into.
So the smart move is simple:
- Try DIY first for small, single-drain clogs
- Call a professional as soon as you notice any of the 5 big warning signs above
- Schedule routine cleaning if you have older plumbing or large trees near your sewer line
Do the shallow end stuff yourself. Let the pros handle the deep end stuff.
Time To Make The Call
DIY drain cleaning works well for minor, everyday clogs. A plunger, handheld snake, and drain hair catcher can solve many common issues. Chemical drain cleaners are damaging to your pipes and family, so avoid them.
When you first experience several clogs, gurgling, odors, backups or recurring issues… it’s time to call a drain cleaning specialist.
To quickly recap:
- Start with a plunger or hand snake
- Avoid harsh chemical cleaners
- Watch for the 5 warning signs
- Call a pro before a small clog turns into a big repair
Your pipes (and your wallet) will thank you for it!
