Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a typical issue that can cause disruption to our daily lives. While many of us try to fix the issue by ourselves however, there are some blockages that require professional help. In this post we’ll look at the advantages and disadvantages of clearing blockages on your own or hiring a professional.
Key Takeaways
- The blockages that are not too severe can be cleared with simple techniques at home
- Before you attempt any solution ensure you have the appropriate tools at your disposal: gloves, plunger baking soda, vinegar/citric acids, and baking soda
- DIY methods for clearing blocked drains include Boiling Wasser, Baking Soda
What is the best time to unblock a drain?
Certain minor blockages can be cleared with simple techniques at home. If you observe any of the following signs, you could try using these methods prior to calling professionals:
Sinks and bathtubs that are slow draining
If water isn’t going down the drain as swiftly that it would, then there might be a minor blockage. You can try using a plunger remove any debris clogging up the pipe.
Unpleasant odors
A bad smell emanating from your tub or sink can suggest trapped food or hair, causing the obstruction. Try pouring boiling hot water with vinegar into the bathtub or sink to break up any residue that has accumulated.
Sounds of Gurgling
When air gets trapped in your pipes as a result of the blockage, it produces popping sounds as water flows through into the drain. Baking soda and a hot water solutions, and vinegar, you can clear any buildup around food particles and hair.
What are some common DIY ways to clear blocked drains?
Before you attempt any solution, make sure you are equipped with the appropriate tools at your 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 off solids such as soap and grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction that occurs when mixing Baking Soda along with Vinegar will loosen all sorts of gunk that has accumulated in your pipes.
Discharge Snake or Auger
Use Snakes or Augers to clear more serious blockages when plungers and boiling water fail.
Dry Vacuum Wet
Make use of dry and wet vacuums for removing the obstruction by sucking the material out of the drain in a direct manner.
When is it the best time to engage professionals?
If you’ve tried every DIY techniques, but the blockage still persists It’s time to involve professionals. Here are some instances where you need the help of a professional:
Blockages that recur
The cause of your blockages might not have been addressed correctly. The hiring of a professional team guarantees that they will be able to find and correct any underlying problems.
Age of Plumbing System
The older plumbing systems are more susceptible to damage caused by wear and other external elements. Professionals can assess whether your pipeline needs replacement, or if more simple solutions such as Hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting process) is sufficient.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Some clogs contain hazardous materials like chemicals or broken glass which require special care. If you don’t wish to put yourself at risk of damage or injury to your pipes, you should consider the job being left to trained experts.
Prevention is always better than Cure
It is always more beneficial to maintain drains than fixing them. Routine maintenance can prevent clogs that are severe from developing. Making changes to your lifestyle, such as not flushing toiletries down the toilet, greasy substances in sinks, and having a regular CCTV inspections can help prevent blockages completely.
Why choose Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing for Professional Assistance?
Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing has years of experience in clearing blocked drains within Sydney . We use the most modern technology and techniques, including hydrojetting and cameras that are inspected by CCTV to guarantee top-quality results without problems.
- Hydrojetting makes use of high-pressure streams water with specific angles that are suitable for different types of plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras give us an insight into the root of the problem within pipes, which allows us to tackle specific issues effectively.
Our certified experts will efficiently work on site while keeping social distance during these Covid moments, and cleaning up after the job is complete.
| 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 Question
How do I know that I require help from a professional to unblock a clogged drain?
If you’ve tried basic DIY methods like plunging and using drain cleaning solutions, but you haven’t had success It’s the time to call a professional for assistance. Other signs include sinks that aren’t draining as fast as well as odors of foul smells emanating from drains, gurgling sounds, along with water backup.
Is it safe to make use of chemical drain cleaners for clearing obstructions?
Chemical drain cleaners can be 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 receive the most effective and safe solutions, without the risk of exposing yourself or your surroundings to risk.
Could blocked drains cause lasting damage to my property?
Yes, blocked drains can cause long-lasting damage such as water damage, leaky pipes, the growth of mold and sewage backups, or even foundation damage. Seeking professional help in good time will prevent costly damages.
What are some methods used by plumbing professionals to unblock drains?
Professional plumbers utilize a variety of techniques like hydro jetting which utilizes high-pressure water streams and drain snake machines which clear blockages by cutting through or breaking down the particles.
How much is it to engage a plumbing firm similar to Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing for clearing blocked drains?
The cost of clearing an obstruction in the drain is contingent on the severity of the blockage is and what kind of technique is required for clearing the obstruction (e.g., Hydro jetting, or even snaking) and how easily your drainage system is. It’s best to contact the team of Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing for an initial review over the phone or set up an appointment so that we can determine what alternatives are the most effective for your specific situation.
Don’t leave your clogged drain situation in the dark, contact Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing today for quality service.
Additional Information
- The Top Causes of Blocked Drains You Need to Know
- Understanding the Technical Aspects of a CCTV Drain Inspection Report
- Effective Tips and Tricks for Fixing a Blocked Drain
- Reasons Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Must Before Purchasing a Property
- A Quick and Easy Fix for Blocked Sinks and Showers
- Don’t Get Caught Unprepared! What You Need to Do Before a CCTV Drain Inspection
- Expert Plumbers' Manual to Clogged Pipes
- Preventing Leaks and Blockages: Understanding Pipe Relining Services
- Dealing with Blocked Drains: Plumbing Tips and Solutions
- Stop Blockages Before They Happen: A Decade of Methods to Prevent Blocked Drains
