Blog - Al & Robin Torres Home Services

Professional Drain Cleaning vs. DIY: What You Need to Know

Thu, 07 May 2026 19:48:00 GMT

Dealing with a slow or clogged drain can be frustrating for any homeowner. If you’re searching for answers about drain cleaning in Glendale, CA , you might wonder if you should try fixing the issue yourself or call in the pros. Today, Al & Robin Torres Home Services explores both choices so you can make an informed decision.

Understanding Common DIY Drain Cleaning Techniques

Many homeowners prefer to tackle minor clogs with simple DIY tools and solutions. These techniques often use common household items and are easily accessible. The most popular DIY methods include:

Plungers

Most people keep a plunger under their sink. The plunger works well for kitchen or bathroom drains that are slowly draining or completely blocked.

Drain Snakes

Also known as drain augers, these tools can help break up or pull out blockages like hair or food. They are easy to use and affordable.

Natural Cleaners

Pouring baking soda and vinegar down the drain is a gentle method. Follow with hot water to help clear minor buildups without using harsh chemicals.

These options are good for simple clogs. They are also safer for your pipes than heavy-duty options. However, they may not fully solve tougher blockages.

Benefits and Risks of Chemical Drain Cleaners

Many people reach for chemical drain cleaners because they are quick and easy to use. These products use strong chemicals to dissolve hair, grease, and other debris that cause clogs. While they might deliver fast results, it’s important to understand both benefits and risks:

Benefits of chemical drain cleaners:

Convenient to buy and use.
Often work on minor buildup.

Risks to consider:

Chemicals can damage pipes, especially older ones made of metal or PVC.
Fumes pose health hazards if not used in a well-ventilated space.
Overuse can lead to bigger problems, costing more in repairs.

If you have tried using chemical cleaners multiple times and the problem keeps coming back, it’s a sign of a deeper issue.

When Should You Call a Drain Cleaning Professional?

Some drain clogs are just too tough for home methods. This is when drain cleaning contractors can help. Professionals offer deep cleaning using advanced tools and techniques that go beyond what you can buy at the store.

Two standout services they offer include the following:

Hydro-Jetting

This is a powerful cleaning method using a high-pressure stream of water. It blasts away gunk, grease, and roots sticking to the insides of pipes.

Camera Inspections

Pros use small cameras to look inside your pipes. That helps them spot exactly where the problem is and check for damage before starting repairs.

Professional drain cleaning not only clears the problem but also helps prevent future clogs and pipe damage. Contacting experts is a smart option for repeated issues, slow drains in multiple rooms, or foul smells that won’t go away.

Comparing DIY Efforts to Professional Services

Choosing between DIY and professional drain cleaning depends on your specific problem, your comfort level, and the tools you have. Here’s an easy comparison:

DIY is best for:

Slow water flow or occasional small clogs.
Clogs close to the drain opening.
Those who enjoy home projects.

Professional help is best for:

Recurring or very stubborn clogs.
Multiple clogged drains in your home.
Older pipes or unknown pipe material.
Unpleasant smells or signs of leaks.

DIY can save money in the short term, but it might not fully solve the issue. Professionals ensure the whole drain system is healthy, lowering the risk of costly repairs later.

How to Choose the Right Drain Cleaning Service

When you decide to hire help, it’s important to pick drain cleaning contractors with a solid reputation. Here’s what to look for:

Proper licensing and insurance.
Good reviews from local clients.
Upfront pricing and clear answers to your questions.
Use of safe, modern cleaning techniques.

A trustworthy contractor helps your plumbing work better and lasts longer.

Tips for Keeping Your Drains Clean and Clog-Free

No one wants to deal with clogs again and again. You can take simple steps to avoid most problems:

Avoid pouring grease down the drain.
Use strainers in kitchen and shower drains.
Run hot water for a few seconds after each use.
Address slow drains right away before they get worse.

Regular attention can extend the life of your pipes and save you time and money.

When in Doubt, Call a Drain Cleaning Company

Some clogs can’t be fixed with a plunger or baking soda. Knowing when to call a professional is key to keeping your home safe and comfortable. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to get expert advice before small problems turn into big ones.

Al & Robin Torres Home Services are Your Trusted Drain Cleaning Contractors

Do you have a stubborn clog or want to prevent future drain problems? Trust the local experts at Al & Robin Torres Home Services. Our friendly team is here to help with safe, effective solutions for Glendale, CA, homeowners. Contact us today and get your drains flowing again!

Welcome CRB Plumbing Customers

Sat, 10 Mar 2018 00:34:00 GMT

Dear CRB Plumbing customers,

Welcome to Al & Robin Torres Home Services!

We are very excited to announce the union of our companies and want to let you know that we are here for any and all of your Plumbing , Drain Cleaning , Heating , Air Conditioning or Electrical needs, and we also offer 24/7 Emergency Service .

We are a local, family owned business that’s been serving our wonderful community and S pecializing in Older Homes for over 65 years. If you’d like to learn more about us visit our About Us page, and if you have any questions, please give us a call. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

818-242-6636 | 626-441-4409

Sincerely,

Al & Robin Torres and the whole Torres Home Services Family.

Check us out on Facebook to stay up to date on all of our specials, including our web-only specials we’ll be offering throughout the year.

Winter Energy Saving Tips

Sun, 21 Jan 2018 01:06:00 GMT

The following tips can not only help keep you more comfortable during the winter, they can also help you save energy and money. How’s that for a win-win-win? Some of these tips may cost a little more money upfront but will save you money in the long run. Some of these tips also apply to air conditioning.

Some weather stripping may need to be replaced every few years or so due to wear and tear, so make sure to check it regularly.

Keeping windows and doors locked can help tighten the seal.

Keep it as low as comfortable. Lowering the temperature while you’re out of the house or asleep can save you up to 10% or more on heating costs alone. Consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat if you don’t already have one. These allow you to set a schedule so you’re not wasting money and energy by heating or cooling your home while you’re not there or while you’re sleeping. There’s quite a few options these days including wi-fi programmable thermostats which give you total control from anywhere with an app as long as you can connect to the internet and some that even work with smart home devices such as those from Google, Amazon and Apple. Some thermostats are also eligible for energy rebates. Check with your power company to see if they have a rebate program.

Replacing old and worn curtains and blinds with energy saving and insulating ones helps to keep your home warmer by blocking/trapping cold air drafts that can come in from windows and keeps warm air in which cuts down on energy costs because your heater won’t have to work as hard.

Lucky for us in southern California we get a lot of sunshine. Even when it’s chilly outside opening the curtains/blinds during the day can let heat from the sun in and help warm your home. Just make sure to close them when the sun starts going down to help keep that warm air in and the cold air out.

Utility cut-throughs can be from pipes and wires that come in the house from outside.

What’s included in an inspection? Well that will vary depending on the system/unit you have, but can include the following and more:

– Testing the thermostat calibration

– Checking all of the electrical connections to make sure they are tight and the wires are not showing signs of corrosion

– Testing the system/unit’s safety controls which prevents overheating and reduces the risk of a fire

– Checking the duct system for leaks

– Checking the burner for proper ignition

– Examining the heat exchanger for any signs of cracks or corrosion

– Checking belts for signs of wear

– Checking the air filter

– Checking fuel lines for leaks that could be a fire hazard or allow harmful fumes into your home

– Checking the pilot or electronic ignition to make sure it’s functioning properly

– Testing the burner to make sure it’s operating correctly

If you have an older system consider upgrading to an energy efficient system that can also help save money, and there may be rebates available.

– Keep the damper closed while no fire is burning

– Check the seal around the chimney flue damper

– If you never use your fireplace, consider plugging the chimney flue

A dirty and clogged air filter restricts air flow and makes your system work harder which costs more money in energy and repairs. It can also cause your system to wear out much faster.

These allow you to control the temperature in individual rooms instead of the whole house at once.

If you have any questions or are interested in repairing or upgrading your current heating system, please give us a call at 818-242-6636 or 626-441-4409 . Also, be sure to visit our Heating Services page at www.TorresHomeServices.com/heating where you can request a service appointment or consultation and see a more detailed list of our heating services. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Al & Robin Torres Home Services

Check us out on Facebook to stay up to date on all of our specials, including our web-only specials we’ll be running throughout the year.

Blog - Al & Robin Torres Home Services

Professional Drain Cleaning vs. DIY: What You Need to Know

Understanding Common DIY Drain Cleaning Techniques

Plungers

Drain Snakes

Natural Cleaners

Benefits and Risks of Chemical Drain Cleaners

When Should You Call a Drain Cleaning Professional?

Hydro-Jetting

Camera Inspections

Comparing DIY Efforts to Professional Services

How to Choose the Right Drain Cleaning Service

Tips for Keeping Your Drains Clean and Clog-Free

When in Doubt, Call a Drain Cleaning Company

Al & Robin Torres Home Services are Your Trusted Drain Cleaning Contractors

Welcome CRB Plumbing Customers

Winter Energy Saving Tips

Make sure the weather stripping around all of your windows and doors is intact

Keep doors and windows closed and locked if possible while your heater is on

Adjust your thermostat

Replace old/worn curtains and blinds

Soak up those sun rays

Seal any gaps around windows, doors, chimneys or utility cut-throughs where air can leak in or out

Schedule a heater inspection and tune-up yearly to keep your system running safely and efficiently

Reduce the amount of heat that escapes through your fireplace

Replace your air filter regularly

Consider a zoning or mini-split system