Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a common problem that can cause disruption to our daily life. Although most of us attempt to solve the problem by ourselves however, there are some blockages that need professional assistance. In this article we will look at the advantages and disadvantages of clearing blocked drains on your own versus seeking professional assistance.
Key Takeaways
- The blockages that are not too severe can be eliminated using simple strategies at home
- Before beginning any work make sure you have the correct tools at your disposal: gloves, plunger, baking soda, vinegar/citric acid
- DIY methods to clear obstructions in drains are Boiling water, Baking Soda
How do you clean a blocked drain?
Certain minor blockages can be cleared with simple techniques at home. If you spot any of the signs below then you can try these methods before calling in experts:
Slow draining sinks or bathtubs
If water is not going through the drains as quickly as it should, then there could be a small blockage. You can try using a plunger get rid of any debris clogging up the pipe.
Unpleasant odors
A strong smell emanating from your bathtub or sink could be a sign of food particles or hair, causing the obstruction. Try pouring boiling water with vinegar into your sink or bathtub to dissolve any residue buildup.
The sound of gurgling
If air is trapped in your pipes due to an obstruction, it can cause popping sounds as water flows through the drain. Utilizing baking soda and hot water followed by vinegar can unclog any accumulation of food particles and hair.
What are some of the most popular DIY ways to clear blocked drains?
Before beginning any project be sure to have the proper tools at disposal: gloves, plunger baking soda, vinegar or citric acid.
Here are some efficient ways to clear obstacles:
Boiling Water
Injecting hot water directly into your sink can help melt away any solids, such as soap as well as grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction triggered by mix Baking Soda with Vinegar dislodges all sorts of gunk that has accumulated in your pipes.
Discharge Snake or Auger
Use Snakes or Augers to remove more severe blockages when plungers and boiling water do not work.
Vacuum Cleaner Wet/Dry
Use dry and wet vacuums to eliminate the obstruction by sucking the debris out of the drain in a direct manner.
When is it the best time to bring in experts?
If you’ve tried all DIY strategies, and your blockage is still there, then it’s time to engage an expert. Here are some instances that require seeking professional expertise:
Blockages that recur
The root of your blockages may not have been addressed correctly. The hiring of a professional team ensures that they can uncover and resolve any issues that are underlying.
Older Plumbing System
The older plumbing systems are more susceptible to damage due to wear and external influences. Experts can determine if your pipe requires replacement, or if more simple solutions like Hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting service) can suffice.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Some clogs may contain dangerous materials such as broken glass or chemicals that require specific care. If you don’t want to cause injury or damage to your pipes, think about the job being left to trained experts.
Prevention is better than Cure
It is always better to prevent drains from becoming blocked rather than repair them. A regular maintenance helps prevent severe clogs from forming. Making changes to your lifestyle, such as not flushing toiletries down the drain, putting grease substances leaking into sinks and regular CCTV examinations can stop obstructions completely.
Why should you choose Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing for Professional Assistance?
Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing has years of experience in clearing blocked drains in Sydney . We employ the most advanced equipment and techniques such as hydrojetting and CCTV camera inspections that ensure excellent results, with no problems.
- Hydrojetting makes use of high-pressure streams water with specific angles that are suitable to various plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras provide us with the insider’s view of the issues that are causing problems in pipes, which allows us to deal with specific issues properly.
Our fully licensed experts will work on-site efficiently while ensuring social distancing throughout these Covid times, while cleaning up after the job is done.
| 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 |
Common Questions and Answers
How can I tell when I’m in need of professional help to unblock a drain?
If you’ve tried basic DIY solutions like plunging the drain and using cleaning solutions, but you haven’t had success Then it’s the time to call a professional for assistance. Other indicators include slow draining sinks as well as odors of foul smells emanating from drains, loud gurgling sounds or water back up.
Is it safe to use chemical drain cleaners for the removal of blockages?
Chemical drain cleaners are dangerous and hazardous to you and the environment. It is recommended to try other DIY strategies before using potentially harmful chemicals. A professional plumber can ensure that you get the most effective and safe solutions, without the risk of exposing yourself or your surroundings to risk.
Can blocked drains cause any long-term damage to my property?
Yes, blocked drains can cause long-lasting damage such as water damage burst pipes, mold growth as well as sewage backup and foundation damage. Getting help from a professional in the right time can prevent costly damage.
What are some methods that plumbers employ to get rid of blocked drains?
Professional plumbers utilize a variety of techniques like hydro jetting that utilizes high-pressure water streams as well as drain snake machines that eliminate blockages by cutting through or breaking up debris.
How much will it cost to hire a plumbing company like Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing for clearing blocked drains?
The cost to clear of a drain that has become blocked is contingent upon factors such as how severe the blockage is and what kind of technique is required to clear the blockage (e.g. hydro jetting or snaking), and how accessible the drainage device is. It’s best to contact one of our representatives at Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing for an initial assessment over the phone, or book an appointment so that we can decide which alternatives are the most effective for your situation.
Don’t let your drain clogged situation helpless, contact Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing today for quality service.
Additional Information
- The Guide to Finding & Pinpointing a Obstructed Pipe
- Bid Farewell to Blocked Pipes: Straightforward Hacks to Follow
- The Top Causes of Blocked Drains You Need to Know
- Why Your Business Needs Periodic Drain Inspection and Cleaning
- An Easy DIY Guide to Unclogging Your Blocked Drains
- How to Choose between Different Types of Pipe Relining Materials (And Which One Is Right for You)
- Experience these proven solutions for unclogging your drain
- Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Cost-Effective Solution for Your Plumbing Needs
- 5 Factors That Are Clogging Your Drains and How to Avoid Them
- CCTV Drain Inspection Technology: Detecting Corrosion in Sewer Pipes
