DIY vs. Professional: When to Put Down the Plunger and Call a Plumber

Clogged drains are a common enough experience in a home; sinks, tubs, and toilets are all prone to clogs. The first step most homeowners take is do-it-yourself solutions, since clogs can be a tad embarrassing. What are the most common DIY solutions?

• A plumber’s helper, more commonly known as a plunger
• A drain snake
• Occasionally, homeowners will attempt to use a chemical drain cleaner, not a good idea

The first choice is usually not to call a professional plumber, but it is important to know when to give up on DIY options and call for professional plumbing repair help.

How a Plunger Works

The bulb of a plumber’s helper is filled with air, even when submerged in a backup. Pushing the plunger down forces the air into the drain. Pulling up on the plunger creates a suction. This push/pull motion is effective in forcing an opening in soft clogs that are close to the opening. It is ineffective for more solid clogs or clogs that are further from the drain.

How Drain Snakes Work

An auger or drain snake is a flexible, solid cable that can be inserted into the drain. Since the drain has several turns, the snake must be twisted and pushed to advance it through the drain. This movement will reach further than the effects of a plunger. It can also push through a more solid clog than a plunger. However, it is limited by its reach. If the clog is very hard, a snake might not be able to push through it. Overzealous turning can also damage the structure of the pipe and joints.

Avoid Chemicals

Chemical drain cleaners use heat and oxidation to break through clogs. Pouring them into a clogged drain dilutes the chemicals and limits the effectiveness. However, the harsh chemicals remain, creating a hazardous soup that can harm skin and eyes, and can damage pipe connections, creating leaks.

Professional  Plumber Solutions

A professional plumber takes 6 months to 2 years of training before beginning an on-the-job training program (apprenticeship) of 4 to 5 years. Beyond the training and experience, plumbers have tools unavailable to most homeowners.

• Plumbers have tools for working on pipes of various materials, motorized augers that can reach much further, cameras that can search for both clogs and leaks, and hydro jets (cutting tools that use water under pressure).
• These tools can reach problem areas beyond the pipes of the home and into the yard.
• With advanced tools and training, plumbers can diagnose the causes and prepare the proper solution for the problem at hand.

Beyond clearing clogs, plumbers can offer solutions that annoy and threaten the health of a home’s space.

• The tools and training of a plumber can solve persistent slow-drain problems that, at present, are more annoying than a problem. If left unattended, the annoyance will become a problem.
• Plumbers can solve clog problems in multiple drains, say both the kitchen and bathroom sinks, since the root cause is usually in the main sewer line.
• Find a solution for foul odors that rise from the drains. This is usually the result of bacteria growing in trapped organic material, such as grease or oils.
• A sewer backup is a serious threat to the health and safety of family members. A backup will not only cause water damage but also introduce hazardous material into the home, requiring serious cleanup. A plumber can help solve a clog before a backup happens.
• If draining water results in a gurgling sound, it results from air that is trapped in the pipes.

It is very advantageous to have an existing relationship with a professional plumber, since emergency calls will receive priority for existing customers.

Call a Professional Plumber for Permanent Drain Relief

While DIY methods are a great first step, persistent clogs and foul odors often require the specialized tools and expertise that only a professional can provide. Ignoring these early warning signs can lead to costly sewer backups, so it is always better to address the root cause before a minor annoyance becomes a major emergency. By choosing to call an expert plumber today, you can ensure your home’s drainage system is restored to peak performance safely and efficiently.

Call Doctor Cool & Professor Heat at 281-516-5966 today to schedule a consultation and receive a professional plumbing repair quote.