DIY vs. Pro Drain Clearing: What’s Actually Safe for Your Pipes?

A clogged drain is the last thing you want to face after spending a nice day at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. When you encounter a clog, you could be tempted to try and remove it yourself. However, the experts at Armor Air have some helpful insight into the differences between DIY drain unclogging and professional drain clearing services, and which option is safest for your pipes.

Why Do Drains Get Clogged in the First Place?

Before comparing DIY and professional drain clearing, it’s important to understand why drains get clogged in the first place. Here are some of the most common reasons why you might encounter blocked drains.

• Hair or soap scum: Loose strands of hair and soap scum are common causes of blocked bathroom drains, particularly in the tub and shower.

• Food and grease: Your kitchen drains may clog after food scraps and grease accumulate over time and solidify to form a blockage.

• Minerals: Homes with hard water, which contains high levels of minerals like magnesium or calcium, may eventually have mineral buildup inside the pipes, creating a clog.

• Tree roots: Intrusive tree roots can cause cracks in underground pipes, which may create a major sewer or plumbing blockage as they start infiltrating the pipes.

• Foreign objects: Anything that should not be flushed or placed down the drain, including wet wipes, coins, sanitary napkins, or paper towels, may create a major clog.

• Pipe issues: Your pipes can corrode, crack, and become damaged over time, which could lead to a clog.

What Is “Snaking a Drain” and When Is It Needed?

When you encounter a clog, opting to snake a drain is a good choice in certain cases. Snaking a drain is a specific plumbing technique using a special tool called an auger or “drain snake”. This tool navigates deep into your pipes to dislodge and remove debris.

If you notice slow drainage, gurgling noises, or water pooling around the drain, contact Armor Air for snake draining Indianapolis plumbing services. Here’s when snaking a drain is recommended.

• If you’ve attempted to clear the clog yourself using a plunger or home auger and can’t remove it, professional drain snaking is the best course of action.
• When you experience a recurring clog in the same drain or there’s a clog in your main sewer line, professional augering services are an effective solution.
• Clogs in commercial or industrial drains should be removed using professional methods.

Benefits of Professional Drain Clearing Services in Indianapolis

There are many benefits of choosing the professional drain clearing services in Indianapolis available from the experts at Armor Air.

Protects Your Plumbing

Our professional drain clearing helps to prevent hair, grease, food, and other debris from building up, preventing more clogs from forming over time. Plus, when you hire a professional to clear your drain, you’ll protect your plumbing and prevent further damage that could occur if you attempt to clear it yourself.

Saves on Costly Repairs

Finding and addressing clogged drains early helps you avoid major plumbing and sewer issues later. Having your drains cleared by professionals is the best way to avoid dealing with much more costly problems if the clog goes ignored.

Improves Plumbing Performance

Professional drain clearing is part of good plumbing maintenance in Indianapolis. Not only do clear drains help to promote good water flow through your pipes, but this service also eliminates unpleasant odors and keeps your plumbing working optimally for longer.

Effective Clog Removal

You can attempt to remove clogs yourself, but it’s not always as effective as when you have it done professionally. Experienced plumbers have the skills, experience, and access to specialized tools that make sure your drains are cleared effectively.

Risks of DIY Methods Compared to Pro Tools

While it might be tempting to try and remove clogs yourself, there are many risks associated with doing things DIY when compared to hiring the pros. The experts know how to use the right tools, how to locate and identify clogs, and how to remove them safely without causing damage to your plumbing.

Here are some of the risks you face when choosing to clear your drains yourself.

• Damage: Using chemicals or wires to clear your drains can severely damage your pipes, leading to cracks, scratches, or punctures that may require much more costly repairs.

• Safety hazards: Certain chemical drain cleaners use harsh, toxic, and corrosive chemicals that not only damage your plumbing but may also be harmful to your health if you breathe them in or come into contact with them.

• Frustration: Most DIY drain-clearing methods only remove surface clogs, but they don’t tackle deeper blockages and could lead to worse or recurring problems later.

• More expensive: Clearing your drains DIY may not fix the problem completely, and you’ll need to make several re-attempts that could cost you more in the long run than it would to hire the pros at Armor Air.

How Often Should You Schedule Drain Clearing in Indianapolis?

While professional drain clearing is recommended when you face a clog, drain clearing should be part of routine plumbing maintenance. Ideally, you should schedule professional drain clearing at least once per year for best results. Sewer lines should be professionally cleared every 18 to 22 months.

If you have a large family or tend to cook with grease a lot, you may need to schedule professional drain clearing twice per year or more. It’s best to schedule this service as soon as you notice the signs of a possible clog to prevent the problem from getting worse. Homes with older plumbing and commercial businesses should have their drains professionally cleared more than once per year.

Contact Armor Air Today!

Don’t let a clogged drain ruin your day. If you suspect a clog, seek professional help to avoid frustration and costly damage. When it comes to clogged drains, Armor Air is the go-to expert in plumbing and drain clearing in Indianapolis. If you’d like to schedule a drain clearing service with our company, contact us today!