We’ve all been there—your sink starts draining slower, your shower gets flooded, or you spot a strange smell wafting from your drains. Your first instinct might be to grab a plunger or buy a bottle of chemical cleaner from your local store, thinking you can fix the problem yourself. While DIY drain cleaning may seem like a quick and cost-effective solution, it can lead to more harm than good in the long run. In this blog, we’ll explore why DIY drain cleaning is often a bad idea and highlight the risks involved.
1. You Could Cause More Damage
One of the biggest dangers of DIY drain cleaning is the potential to cause damage to your plumbing. When you use over-the-counter drain cleaners or plumbing tools incorrectly, you can end up doing more harm than good.
- Chemical Drain Cleaners: These products are loaded with harsh chemicals like lye and sulphuric acid that can dissolve blockages in your pipes. However, they can also erode or damage the pipes themselves, especially if used frequently or on older plumbing. Over time, this can lead to leaks, cracks, or even complete pipe failure. Worse still, these chemicals can release dangerous fumes, which can be harmful to your health, especially if used in a poorly ventilated area.
- Plungers and Snake Tools: While a plunger might seem like an easy fix, using it improperly can cause a seal break or put too much pressure on the pipes, causing damage. If you’re using a drain snake, you might find that you push the clog further down the pipe or accidentally damage the pipe lining, leading to expensive repairs.
If you’re not familiar with how your plumbing system works, attempting to DIY your drain cleaning could result in costly repairs that could have been avoided by calling a professional plumber in the first place.
2. The Problem Could Be Deeper Than You Think
Clogs aren’t always just caused by hair, food, or soap scum; the real problem might be something deeper down in your plumbing system. It’s easy to assume that a blocked drain is a simple build-up of debris that can be cleared with a plunger or a quick dose of cleaner, but more often than not, the issue could be a sign of something more serious.
Here are some potential underlying issues that could cause a drain to clog:
- Tree Root Infiltration: Tree roots can penetrate and block your pipes, particularly in older homes. When this happens, the roots can cause significant damage to your plumbing system, making it a lot harder (and more expensive) to fix.
- Pipe Damage: Cracked, collapsed, or corroded pipes can cause slow drainage and frequent blockages. These issues require professional intervention to fix and may require pipe replacement or relining.
- Sewer Line Issues: If multiple drains in your house are blocked at once, it could indicate a problem with your main sewer line. This is a major issue that requires the expertise of a professional plumber with the right equipment to diagnose and repair.
Ignoring these deeper issues and relying on DIY methods to clear a clog will only provide temporary relief. Without addressing the root cause of the problem, the clog is likely to return, often in a worse state.
3. You Might Put Your Health at Risk
When you attempt DIY drain cleaning, you’re not only risking the health of your plumbing system, but also your own health. Many store-bought drain cleaners contain harmful chemicals that can be dangerous to handle. These cleaners can cause burns, skin irritation, or even damage to your eyes if mishandled.
Furthermore, if you’re attempting to unblock a drain yourself, you might be exposed to harmful bacteria, mould, and mildew that thrive in wet, dark environments like drains. These can cause respiratory issues and allergies, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
A professional plumber has the proper protective gear and equipment to handle these issues safely, ensuring you avoid exposure to hazardous substances.
4. You Could Be Wasting Time and Money
Although DIY drain cleaning might seem like an inexpensive option, it can actually cost you more in the long run. As mentioned earlier, if you accidentally damage your pipes, you’ll be looking at expensive repairs. Additionally, DIY methods are rarely permanent solutions. While a drain cleaner might clear the immediate blockage, it won’t fix the underlying cause. This means you’ll be dealing with clogs again and again.
If you’re spending money on products that don’t work, your time spent trying to fix the problem could be better spent elsewhere—like calling in a professional who can resolve the issue properly.
5. Professional Plumbers Have the Right Tools and Expertise
A licensed plumber will have the right tools, training, and experience to get the job done efficiently. At Drain Divers, for example, we use high-tech solutions like CCTV drain cameras to inspect the condition of your pipes and identify any hidden issues. We also use hydro-jetting technology to clear blockages with high-pressure water, which is far more effective (and safer for your pipes) than traditional methods.
With professional plumbers, you’re not just paying for the solution to the immediate problem but also for an expert diagnosis of the cause and preventative advice. You can rest easy knowing that the job has been done right the first time.
Call Drain Divers for Expert Drain Cleaning in Perth
DIY drain cleaning is often more trouble than it’s worth. If you’re dealing with a blocked drain, don’t risk damaging your pipes or putting your health at risk—call the experts at Drain Divers. We have the experience, equipment, and skills to clear your drains safely and efficiently, ensuring that the problem is fixed for good.
By relying on the experts, you can ensure that your drains are cleared properly, and your plumbing system remains in top condition. Don’t let a small clog turn into a big problem—contact Drain Divers today!
