Homes are fitted with plumbing systems which are an integral part of the building. Not only do they supply the much needed water for various uses but they also ensure proper drainage of waste water. When everything is in working order, no one gives attention to plumbing system. Even the annual sewer pipe inspection is not necessary as long as there are no leaks, clogs or back flows.
Then one day, a pipe bursts or the drain is unable to redirect waste water well. This is when home owners start rushing for the phones to scroll through looking for the plumber’s number. What many don’t know is that this kind of practice not only results in present problems but future ones too.
It can be very costly if you live like this. Drainage systems are man made which means they are susceptible to clogs due to our own fault. What home owners allow down the drain results in future clogs. Yes, plungers do come in handy but they don’t resolve the major issue.
Here are 3 common misconceptions about professional sewer cleaning in West Chester, PA.
1. A Plumber is a Plumber
As a home owner, the task of hiring a plumber is inevitable and before you make any mistake, it is important to know that a plumber is not just a plumber. This is a common misconception and could result in the wrong hiring.
The one thing you need to know is that every plumber is trained differently. There are people who are professionally trained in internationally recognized institutions. Due to this, they get to be licensed and certified later allowing them to provide the much needed service to home owners.
In the field, you will find people who say they are plumbers just because they have the equipment. They don’t have the proper training and license. They do offer very cheap services which hook you to their lies.
There only objective is to make a quick buck and they do so at your expense. The one thing you need to remember is that professional sewer inspection services can only be done by someone who is well trained, skilled and experienced.
Hiring just any other guy because they call themselves a plumber is not right. Even you as the home owner, just because you own a few wrenches and plungers does not warrant you to conduct sewer line cleaning.
2. Any Liquid is Safe to Pour Down the Drain
This is another common misconception when it comes to sewer and drain cleaning. Majority of home owners believe that pouring just any liquid down the drain is the norm. What home owners need to know is that this is not true.
Yes, drainage systems are designed to direct waste but it should be waste water only. It is important to avoid pouring grease, fat or oils. These solidify down the drain especially on the walls of the sewer line. Overtime, the mass will trap food particles, soap, hair and other foreign objects. Within no time, you will get to experience back flows in the bathroom, toilet and kitchen sink. This is not what you want especially when entertaining guests. It can be an embarrassing situation you will never forget.
It is also important to avoid pouring harsh chemicals down the drain too. They not only cause damage to the environment but they can corrode the sewer pipes. This can happen if your home has older sewer lines made of cast iron. This will lead to damage resulting in expensive repairs which can take a substantial chunk of your savings.
This is why it is important to ensure that what goes down the drain should only be waste water and flushable materials like toilet paper.
3. Sewer Cleaning is a DIY Project
Over the past few years, home owners have had to look for ways of saving money for other uses. This has resulted in many conducting DIY repair and cleaning exercises. Many visit the internet where several websites offer step by step instructions regarding how to clean a sewer line. The instructions will include tools and equipment found in the home or that can be bought at the local store.
Home owners will read how pouring hot water down the drain will help to melt the oil and fat collecting in the drain. What many don’t know is that the people who right the instructions are just writers who don’t have formal plumbing training.
While it may look like sound advice to do so, it is highly inadvisable. Following the instructions blindly without consulting a professionally trained and experienced plumber will result in more damage to your plumbing system.
The one thing you need to know is that DIY cleaning projects only have a band-aid effect. They are temporary. Seek the help of a professional plumber if you are looking for a permanent solution.
