Why DIY Drain Cleaning is Not a Good Idea

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woman near clogged sink with plunger

DIY drain cleaning kits are quite easy to procure, with multiple sources such as online or local hardware stores within easy reach. However, you need to ask yourself if you are truly saving money when you use them and not the other way around.

As the leading name for drain cleaning in Calhoun, GA, Locklear Plumbing advises against DIY measures. Allow us to convince you with the key points below.

You May Aggravate a Previous Issue

If you have a clogged drain, your first instinct may be to grab the nearest bottle of drain cleaner and begin pouring it down your sink. However, this does not necessarily solve the problem. Think of it as pushing a clump of hair down the shower drain with a washcloth instead of taking the time to get rid of it. Sure, you’ll be able to use that same drain again, but you may still have hair in there somewhere further down the drain. If you don’t remove it, over time, it will just collect more hair until eventually there’s enough to clog up the entire drain and cause other problems. That’s why DIY drain cleaning is not recommended for slow drains.

DIY Cleaning Products May Cause Damage to Pipes

A DIY drain cleaner is likely to be highly corrosive. This means that it’s possible to damage your pipes even further and cause many new issues down the line. When your pipes corrode, they become less effective at carrying water and may eventually succumb to the accumulated damage. To avoid a costly error, work only with reliable providers of drain cleaning services.

Exposure to Ineffective & Toxic Chemicals

As mentioned, the chemicals in drain cleaners are often ineffective to begin with, but they can also be incredibly dangerous. When you use drain cleaners, you expose yourself to these potentially harmful chemicals. Drain cleaners often contain lye, a highly corrosive chemical that can cause burns when it comes in contact with skin. With a dependable drain cleaning company, you won’t have to worry about such risks.

While it may be tempting to go the DIY route with drain cleaning, remember that it is not ideal to do so. Chances are it will not solve your drain issues. If you misuse the drain cleaner, it can cause more damage than good. Call us today at Locklear Plumbing. We’ve got the methods from drain snaking to hydro jetting to make sure your drains are free-flowing all year long!

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