Every home owner experiences a clogged drain at some point or another. Many choose to try to clear it on their own to save the cost of professional plumbing services. Once all of the at-home techniques and drain products have failed, some DIY enthusiasts turn to the powerful jaws of a drain snake to finish the job once and for all. These can be manually operated, or electrically powered, and can be rented from most large home improvement stores. Seems like the perfect fix, right? Think again.
Here’s why DIY drain snaking is a bad idea:
- Bigger isn’t always better. It’s important to have the right tool for every job. Using a large drain snake to clear a bathtub will almost certainly cause significant damage, while using a snake that is designed for kitchen and bathroom drains (referred to as a top-snake) won’t do a whole lot to help clear your basement sewer pipes.
- Damaged pipes and traps can result in serious repair costs. If too much force is used in clearing your drains, you could end up with cracks or breaks that could lead to full or partial replacement of your pipes. This often involves costly excavation and significant man hours.
- Professional equipment just works better. Drain experts have all of the right tools and know how to use them. One significant advantage is a camera system that allows plumbers to scope out the problem and develop a strategy to repair it effectively, while eliminating the risk for damage to your home’s plumbing system.
It’s clear to see that DIY drain clearing can end up costing home owners way more than hiring a plumber. Knowing when to call in professional help can be the most cost-effective option in the long run. If you have a stubborn drain that you just can’t seem to clear, don’t take on the snake. Give the drain experts at Rite Tech a call instead.
