Slow drains and unpleasant smells from clogged drains are such a common problem in homes that every homeowner has tried to fix this problem by themselves at least once. If you are dealing with drain issues all the time, it makes sense to know the basic steps to take to solve them, says Yourway Management.
This is perfectly fine.
Every good plumber should be willing to show customers a few effective strategies to prevent drain clogs and blockages before they become serious issues in the home. These could include steps like; how to use a plunger and home remedies that help you unclog blocked drains safely.
However, it is important to know that these DIY solutions have their limits. Most are only effective if the material blocking your drain is inside the pipe directly connected to the plumbing fixture. Drain clogs and blockages deep inside the sewer line usually don’t respond to DIY methods.
For those types of drain problems, you need a professional solution. These can go deep into the sewer system to remove the blockages inside the line. One of the most effective professional methods for doing this is known as sewer rodding.
Sewer rodding uses a system of interconnected rods to get rid of the blockages inside a sewer line. The rods come in different lengths with varying levels of flexibility. They are usually made of plastic but have metal screws at both ends. This allows them to be screwed together end-to-end.
Like most tools and equipment, homeowners can go to their local rental center and rent sewer rodding equipment. But is this a good idea; should you do sewer rodding yourself? Here are four reasons why DIY sewer rodding is a bad idea for your home’s sewer line.
Why DIY sewer rodding is risky
You may use the wrong equipment
Sewer rods come in different sizes, with several configurations for specific drain problems. Choosing the correct rod for your sewer line requires you to have some level of professional expertise. If you use the wrong tool for the job, you will not only waste your time and money, but you could damage your sewer line.
You may not do an effective job
Although professional plumbers make it look easy, sewer rodding is a complicated process. Rodding a blocked sewer line is not a simple matter of inserting the rods into the line and poking the debris inside it. To effectively clear a clogged drain with this method, you should know the location of the blockage, the kind of material blocking the line and how to navigate the rod to that location.
You could damage your sewer line
When rodding a sewer line, professional plumbers don’t just keep their eyes on the blockage inside the line, they also watch the sewer pipes. They recognize that there is an ever-present risk of pipe damage. This is why they avoid mistakes that can damage the pipes. Homeowners who attempt a DIY sewer rodding usually don’t have this knowledge. They end up causing costly and avoidable damage to their sewer line.
You may injure yourself
When working with drain-cleaning equipment like the setup used in sewer rodding, there is always a risk of injuries. Cuts and bruises are a common occurrence. There is a high chance of recoil with the possibility of severe injury. The risk is multiplied for those using a power rodder with a steel cutting head. Professional plumbers understand the risks and know how to protect themselves and everyone else.
Reasons to hire a professional drain cleaning service
Hiring a professional plumber to clean your blocked drain will cost you less in the long run. Here is how:
Preliminary inspections
Before deciding if sewer rodding is the right drain-cleaning solution for your drains, a professional plumber will do a sewer camera inspection. Doing this preliminary step ensures that the recommended solution will be effective and you will not waste your time and money.
Professionals protect your sewer line
A professional sewer-cleaning service will alter their approach to suit the age and physical condition of your sewer line. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, they will go out of their way to ensure the safety of your sewer system.
Access to professional advice
Apart from clearing the blockage inside your sewer line, expert plumbers will explain the root causes of the problem. They will give you useful information that can help you avoid future clogs and prolong the life of your drains.
Avoid costly repairs
The extensive inspection process used by a professional sewer-cleaning service helps plumbers detect budding issues in your sewer line that can become major problems tomorrow. They can flag these issues so you can solve them cheaply at their early stages.
To conclude, the reason many homeowners think they can rod their sewer line themselves is because they believe it saves them money. However, hiring a professional drain-cleaning service is what helps homeowners save money.