Reasons why you should not try to snake your drains yourself
Why you should have your drain de-sludged by a professional
You should not attempt to snake a drain on your own. This is a task best left to licensed plumbers. If used improperly, a snake can cause significant damage to your pipes. It could cause a major clog, damage your pipes, or even cause a water back-up. You could even injure yourself in the process. The inside of your drain should only ever be cleaned by professionals. Here's why:
Damage to the inner pipe
Many homes have been around for decades, and so have the pipes. Using a drain snake on such pipes can lead to more serious problems. The age of your piping can make it more susceptible to corrosion. Pipes built in the past were not up to the same standards as they are today. Inexperienced people can more easily damage corroded pipes when using a coil. The head of the snake can easily scratch the inside of the pipe. If your pipe is already rusted, this damage can quickly become severe. Improper snake removal can lead to water leaks as the pipe can break.
Dirty water
If you clean a drain on your own, you may come into contact with contaminated water. If you struggle to get the drain unclogged, this potentially contaminated water can splash out. You can get it on your arms, hands, and face. Also, you may touch it when you guide the snake down the drain. It can be a health hazard, especially if it is sewage. When water and debris build up in a pipe, bacteria usually multiply. Professional plumbers are equipped to handle such situations.
Injuries
Although it's hard to imagine how someone could injure themselves while using a drain snake, it does happen. The tip is sharp enough to cut yourself if you accidentally touch it. It can be even worse if you injure yourself after inserting the drain snake into the drain. If you cut yourself and unclean water gets on the wound, you can get an infection.
Even without such an accident, using a drain snake is time consuming. If you spend a lot of time in a bent or kneeling position, it can cause pain and exhaustion. You may endure all this and still not be able to clear the drain. It's safer to delegate the task to experts and maintain safety.
Make it worse
Unfortunately, even the best intentions don't always lead to the desired results. Using a drain snake to clear a clog can sometimes make the situation worse. While clogs are often the result of things not flushed through the pipe, they can also be the result of mineral buildup from hard water.
Call the Emergency Plumber in Newcastle. We are available around the clock. Call us whenever you want, 02843798533.
