DIY Drain Cleaning vs. Professional Sewer Cleaning: What Works & What Doesn’t

DIY Drain Cleaning vs. Professional Sewer Cleaning: What Works & What Doesn’t

When your sink starts draining slowly or your shower water pools around your feet, it’s tempting to reach for the plunger, the baking soda, or the nearest bottle of drain cleaner. DIY drain cleaning can seem like the quickest (and cheapest) fix. But not all clogs are created equal, and not all cleaning methods actually work!

At The Mink Plumbing, we talk to homeowners in Tyler, TX all the time who tried to fix the problem themselves before calling us. Some methods can help for surface-level blockages, but others cause more harm than good.

Let’s break down what works, what doesn’t, and when to hand it over to a Tyler drain and sewer professional.

DIY Methods: What Can Work

Plungers

Good for small toilet and sink clogs. If water is draining slowly but still moving, a plunger can create the pressure needed to dislodge buildup near the surface. It’s worth trying this first—just make sure you’re using the right type of plunger for the fixture (flange plunger for toilets, cup plunger for sinks).

Baking Soda & Vinegar

A mix of baking soda and vinegar can help clear out light grime and deodorize your drains. It’s not a miracle fix, but for early-stage kitchen sink buildup or slow drains that aren’t fully blocked, it may offer a temporary improvement.

Drain Snakes (Hand Augers)

These DIY tools can work on hair clogs in bathroom sinks and tubs, especially when used carefully. If you can feel the blockage and hook or break it up, you might be able to restore normal drainage.

Bottom line? DIY methods can help with small, shallow clogs near the drain opening. But if you’ve tried these and the problem keeps coming back, it may be time for a deeper look.

DIY Methods: What Doesn’t Work

Chemical Drain Cleaners

These might seem like a simple fix, but they can corrode your pipes, damage older plumbing systems, and pose a hazard to you and your plumber. We’ve seen cases where repeated use of chemical cleaners ate through the pipe wall, turning a small clog into a major repair.

Hot Water & Dish Soap

This trick is commonly recommended for grease clogs, and it might help loosen minor grease buildup. But it rarely removes the clog completely. Once grease solidifies deeper in your line, it takes professional equipment to break it up.

Coat Hangers and Improvised Tools

We’ve heard of people using coat hangers, zip ties, and even skewers to try and fish clogs out of their drains. Not only are these methods ineffective for anything beyond superficial hair, but they can also scratch or damage your pipes if you’re not careful.

If it’s taking more than one round of DIY to fix the problem, it probably isn’t a DIY job. You could be dealing with a deeper blockage, damaged pipe, or root intrusion—none of which you can fix with baking soda.

Professional Drain Cleaning: When to Call a Plumber

Some problems are simply out of reach for store-bought tools. When that happens, a licensed plumber can bring in equipment that clears blockages fully without damaging your pipes.

Hydro Jetting

Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to completely flush out your pipes. It’s one of the best ways to remove built-up grease, mineral deposits, hair, and even invasive tree roots. Unlike DIY drain snakes, hydro jetting doesn’t just poke a hole through the clog—it clears the whole pipe.

If your drains clog frequently, you may need a deeper clean than a DIY solution can provide. Our sewer cleaning services in Tyler, TX are designed to restore full flow to your system and help prevent future backups.

Sewer Camera Inspections

If you’ve got a mystery blockage or recurring clogs in multiple drains, a camera inspection can help us get to the root of the problem without digging up your yard. This is one of the most effective ways to determine whether the issue is grease buildup, a break in the line, or tree root intrusion.

We offer these inspections as part of our drains and sewers services to ensure you’re not throwing money at the wrong solution.

Professional Snaking

We use commercial-grade augers that reach deeper and clear more stubborn clogs than the handheld versions you’ll find at hardware stores. If you’ve tried snaking and the clog still won’t budge, you might just need a more powerful tool.

Sometimes, a clog is actually a symptom of a larger issue with your main sewer line. In that case, our team can help with sewer repair or full replacement in Tyler or beyond if needed.

Conclusion: Know When to DIY—and When to Call Us

Trying to clear a clog on your own isn’t a bad thing. In fact, it’s often the first step most homeowners take. But when plungers, vinegar, and drain snakes stop working, it’s time to bring in the pros.

If you’re still dealing with recurring clogs, foul odors, or gurgling drains, don’t wait for a total backup. Let us help you get to the bottom of it. Whether you need a professional drain cleaning in Tyler, a full sewer inspection, or hydro jetting, The Mink Plumbing has the tools and experience to get the job done right.

Contact us today to book your appointment and take the guesswork out of drain cleaning!