Why Unblocking Drains Yourself Could Lead to Costly Repairs

We’ve all been there – the frustration of a blocked drain. Whether it’s the kitchen sink, bathroom shower, or toilet, a clogged drain is an inconvenience no one wants to deal with. So, what do most people do? They grab the nearest plunger or bottle of drain cleaner and try to fix it themselves. But here’s the thing: DIY drain unblocking can sometimes do more harm than good. While it may seem like a quick fix, it often leads to costly repairs that could have been avoided by calling in a professional from the start. Let’s break down the potential risks of DIY drain unblocking and explain why it’s better to leave it to the experts.

The Risks of Using Harsh Chemicals

It’s easy to pick up a bottle of chemical drain cleaner, pour it down the drain, and hope for the best. But here’s why that might not be the best idea. Most commercial drain cleaners contain highly corrosive chemicals that can weaken your pipes over time. They work by breaking down the blockage, but they also eat away at the pipe material, especially if used repeatedly. This can lead to cracks, leaks, and even complete pipe failure in some cases.

What’s more, when these chemicals aren’t used properly or disposed of correctly, they can have a damaging impact on the environment. So, while your drain might be clear for a while, the long-term damage could be much worse than the initial clog. It’s always best to avoid harsh chemicals and consider safer, more sustainable alternatives—or better yet, call in a professional who can take care of the problem without the risks. Read about this service at FSgroup.co.uk.

Improper Use of Tools

Another common DIY mistake is trying to unblock drains with the wrong tools—or using them incorrectly. For example, drain snakes, plungers, or augers might seem like the go-to options, but if you don’t know how to use them properly, you could end up damaging your pipes. Pushing too hard with a drain snake, for instance, can crack or misalign your pipes. And using too much force when plunging can do the same, especially if your pipes are older or more fragile.

Without the proper training or experience, it’s easy to make things worse. You could end up pushing the blockage further down the pipe, making it even harder to remove later. So, although DIY tools might seem like a quick fix, they often lead to more significant issues that require expensive professional repairs.

Increased Pressure on the Plumbing System

When you attempt DIY drain unblocking, you’re often unknowingly adding pressure to your plumbing system. Pushing on blocked pipes or using chemicals to break down the obstruction can stress the system and cause cracks, leaks, or even full-scale ruptures in some cases. These issues often go unnoticed until they cause severe damage, such as water leaking into your walls, ceilings, or floors.

The result? You might find yourself dealing with not just a blocked drain but water damage that could cost thousands to fix. A small plumbing issue can quickly turn into a massive headache, which could have been avoided by simply calling in a professional who knows how to handle the problem correctly from the start.

Ways You Are Increasing the Likelihood of a Blockage

Blocked drains are such an inconvenience, and most homeowners learn afterward that the whole experience could have been avoided. Bad habits will likely lead to a clog that requires professional unblocking. So, the key to saving money and time and avoiding hassle is knowing what could increase the chances of a blockage in the first place. Let’s take a look at some things you could be doing that are damaging.

Rinsing Away Grease

Once you’re finished cooking, where do you put the grease? Some homeowners are guilty of rinsing it down the sink. However, you want to avoid doing this at all costs. That grease will solidify when it gets cooler. So, it might be a liquid to start with, but once it’s in the drainage system, it’s going to become a substance that causes blockages. Indeed, it can stick to the pipes and hold onto other debris, stopping water from draining away. Instead, you are better off pouring grease into a bottle or waiting for it to solidify and scraping it into the bin.

Flushing Items Down the Toilet

Some people don’t realize that toilets aren’t designed for flushing anything else other than waste and paper. Even small things like dental floss can get stuck and cause problems.

Even if you have wipes that say they’re flushable, this can cause blockages. Instead, it’s advised to have a bin in the bathroom for rubbish so you’re not tempted to flush.

Ignoring the Signs

Generally, you’re going to encounter some signs that you’re going to get a blockage before it arrives. For example, when the issue is small, there can be slow drainage, unpleasant odors, and strange noises. If you ignore these, this is when it can turn into a blockage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while unblocking drains yourself may seem like a quick and easy solution, the potential for costly repairs down the line is much higher. Whether it’s the damage caused by harsh chemicals, improper use of tools, or the added stress on your plumbing system, DIY efforts often result in bigger problems that require expensive professional repairs.

Instead of risking further damage to your plumbing, it’s always best to call in a professional when faced with a blocked drain. Not only will it save you money in the long run, but it will also ensure that the job is done right the first time.