Partial drain cleaning is a temporary fix. It doesn’t solve your problems. When a drain is only partially cleaned, residue is left behind, which leads to further issues. This includes frequent and worsening clogs, which will cause significant damage to your plumbing system over time.
The Dangers of Incomplete Drain Cleaning
When your drain isn’t fully cleaned, leftover debris, such as soap scum, hair, and grease, creates a sticky base for new material to stick to. As time goes by, this turns into a compacted mass that’s harder to remove. Standard tools and chemical cleaners won’t work.
When you have a partial blockage, backed-up water will create pressure. That pressure can force the debris deeper into your plumbing. This pushes the problem to hard-to-reach areas like the P-trap or even the main sewer line. What was originally a minor issue becomes a costly and intrusive repair.
Chemical drain cleaners often leave residue behind. As a result, those corrosive chemicals continue to react and generate heat. This weakens plastic pipes and corrodes metal ones. The pipes can crack, leak, or collapse, leading to extensive water damage.
Furthermore, when residue is left behind, it creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and mold. This causes unpleasant odors, unsanitary conditions, and health risks from exposure to pathogens.
Standing water and organic waste caught in leftover residue attract pests, too. This includes cockroaches, rodents, and drain flies. These infestations pose additional sanitary concerns and can be difficult to eliminate.
How Does Partial Cleaning Happen?
Partial drain cleaning is usually the result of using the wrong tools or methods. Over-the-counter drain cleaners are a major culprit. They often create a narrow opening through the center of a blockage but leave the bulk of the residue stuck to the pipe walls.
For long or complex clogs, a snake may not be long enough to reach the entire clog. Using an inappropriately sized type of auger can also fail to clean the entire drain.
Sometimes, drain issues are caused by a more significant problem, such as root invasion or a collapsed pipe. Using simple drain cleaning methods will only offer a temporary reprieve.
As you can see, DIY solutions may not cut it when it comes to effective drain cleaning. Fortunately, a professional plumbing company can help. We’ll inspect your system and locate the exact cause of your drain issues. This helps us determine the proper drain cleaning method to use and ensures a more thorough cleaning. For example, hydro-jetting is often used to thoroughly remove all residue and prevent further problems. Call Dilling in Charlotte, NC today to schedule a professional drain cleaning.
