Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a common problem that can cause disruption to our daily lives. While most of us try to fix the issue by ourselves however, there are some blockages that require professional help. In this post we will look at the advantages and disadvantages of clearing the drains that are blocked by yourself instead of seeking professional assistance.
Key Takeaways
- A few minor blockages are easily cleared by simple home remedies
- Before beginning any work ensure you have the appropriate tools at fingertips: plunger, gloves or plunger, baking soda (baking soda), vinegar/citric Acid
- DIY techniques for clearing drains that are blocked include Boiling Water, Baking Soda
How do you clear a blocked drain?
Some minor blockages can be cleared using simple techniques at home. If you notice any of the signs below You can try these methods prior to calling professionals:
Sinks that drain slowly or bathtubs
If water is not going down the drain in the same speed the way it is supposed to there could be a small blockage. Try using a plunger to push out any debris blocking the pipe.
The smells are unpleasant
A strong smell emanating from your sink or bathtub could be a sign of food particles or hair that is causing the blockage. Try pouring boiling water with vinegar into your bathtub or sink to remove any buildup of residue.
Sounds of Gurgling
When air is trapped inside your pipes due to a clog, it causes bubbling sounds as water goes through to the drain. Using baking soda and hot water solution and vinegar, you can clear any buildup around food particles and hair.
What are the most common DIY techniques for clearing blocked drains?
Before trying any method be sure to have the proper tools at your disposal: gloves plunger, baking soda vinegar or citric acid.
Here are a few effective methods that can help clear obstructions:
Boiling Water
Injecting hot water directly into your sink can aid in melting away solids such as soap or grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction that occurs when mixing Baking Soda as well as Vinegar will loosen all sorts of gunk stuck in your pipes.
The Drain Snake or Auger
Make use of Snakes or Augers for more severe blockages when plungers and boiling water do not work.
Dry and Wet Vacuum
Use dry and wet vacuums to eliminate the blockage by suctioning this material from the drain directly.
When is it the best time to get professional help?
If you’ve tried every DIY strategies, and the problem persists It’s time to engage professionals. Here are a few instances that need expert advice:
Blockages that recur
The cause of the blockages might not have been addressed correctly. Engaging a team of experts makes sure that they find and resolve any issues that are underlying.
Age of Plumbing System
The older plumbing systems are more susceptible to damage caused by wear and environmental factors. Professionals can assess whether your plumbing system requires replacement, or if more simple solutions such as the hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting service) can suffice.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Some clogs contain hazardous materials such as broken glass or chemicals that require specific care. If you do not want to put yourself at risk of damage or injury to your pipes giving this task to certified experts.
Prevention is more effective than Cure
It is always more beneficial to keep drains clean rather than fix them. Regular maintenance helps prevent severe clogs from forming. Making changes to your lifestyle, such as eliminating the flushing of hygiene products down the toilet, greasy substances leaking into sinks and regular CCTV inspection can prevent blockages completely.
Why Choose Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing for Professional Assistance?
Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing has years of experience in clearing blocked drains in Sydney . We use the most modern technology and techniques, including hydrojetting and CCTV camera inspections that ensure top-quality results without issues.
- Hydrojetting is the process of delivering high-pressure streams water at specific angles suitable for a variety of plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras provide an inside look at what’s causing the issue within pipes, which allows us to tackle specific issues effectively.
Our licensed professionals can be on site efficiently, while ensuring social distancing throughout these Covid times, while cleaning up once the job is completed.
| Signs of Minor Blockage | DIY Methods | Instances Requiring Professional Assistance |
|---|---|---|
| Slow draining sinks or bathtubs | – Boiling Water – Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture – Drain Snake or Auger – Wet/Dry Vacuum |
– Recurring Blockages – Age of Plumbing System – Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials |
| Unpleasant odors | – Boiling Water mixed with Vinegar | |
| Gurgling noises | – Baking soda and hot water solution followed by vinegar |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I determine if I need professional help to clear a blocked drain?
If you have tried basic DIY techniques like plunging the drain and using cleaning solutions with no success, then it’s time to consult a professional. Other signs include sinks that aren’t draining as fast as well as odors of foul smells emanating from drains, noises of gurgling as well as water back-up.
Can you safely employ chemical drain cleaners in removing blockages?
Chemical drain cleaners are harmful and dangerous to you and the environment. It is advised to explore other DIY strategies before chemical drain cleaners that can be harmful. Hiring a professional plumber ensures that you get secure and efficient solutions that aren’t the risk of exposing yourself or your surroundings to danger.
Are blocked drains causing any long-term damage to my home?
Unblocking drains could cause long-lasting damage such as water damage, burst pipes, mold growth, sewage backup or even foundation damage. Seeking professional help in good time will avoid costly damages.
What are some of the techniques used by plumbers to clear blocked drains?
Professional plumbers employ various techniques such as hydro jetting, which makes use of high-pressure water streams, as well as drain snake machines which clear blockages by cutting into or breaking down debris.
How much is it to hire a plumbing company similar to Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing for clearing blocked drains?
The cost of clearing an obstruction in the drain is contingent on aspects like how bad the blockage is, which kind of method is needed to clear the blockage (e.g., hydro jetting or snaking) and how accessible the drainage device is. Contact one of our representatives at Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing for an initial assessment over the phone, or book an appointment so that we know what methods are best suited to your particular situation.
Don’t be apathetic and leave your drain situation in the dark, contact Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing today for quality service.
Additional Information
- Seeking a plumber to solve your backed up drain issue? Here's how
- An Easy DIY Guide to Unclogging Your Blocked Drains
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections: How Often Should You Carry Them Out?
- Top Reasons to Avoid DIY Drain Unblocking
- Understanding the Technical Aspects of a CCTV Drain Inspection Report
- Effective Tips and Tricks for Fixing a Blocked Drain
- 5 Reasons Why You Should Hire Professionals for Drain Cleaning Services
- The Benefits of Unblocking Blocked Drains for Your Business
- Harnessing the Force of High Pressure Drain Cleaning
- Don't Let Blocked Pipes Ruin Your Routine: Efficient Drainage Remedies
