Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a frequent issue that can disrupt our everyday lives. While we tend to try to solve the problem by ourselves but some blocked drains require professional help. In this post, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of clearing blocked drains on your own versus getting help from a professional.
Key Takeaways
- A few minor blockages can be cleared with simple strategies at home
- Before attempting any solutions be sure to have the correct tools at hand: gloves, plunger, baking soda, vinegar/citric acid
- DIY methods for clearing obstructions in drains are Boiling the water Baking Soda
What are the ideal times to unblock a drain?
Some minor blockages can be removed using simple techniques at home. If you observe any of the following signs, you could try using these methods before calling in professionals:
Slow draining sinks or bathtubs
If the water isn’t flowing down the drain as swiftly like it ought to, there may be a slight blockage. Try using a plunger to remove any debris clogging up the pipe.
Unpleasant odors
A strong smell emanating from your tub or sink can suggest trapped food or hair that is causing the obstruction. Try pouring boiling water mixed with vinegar into your sink or bathtub to eliminate any residue.
Noises of gurgling
When air is trapped inside your pipes due to the blockage, it produces the sound of bubbling as water flows through in the drain. Utilizing baking soda and hot water, and vinegar, you can clear any buildup around food particles and hair.
What are the most common DIY methods to clear blocked drains?
Before you attempt any solution be sure to have the right tools on your disposal: gloves plunger baking soda, vinegar or citric acid.
Here are some effective ways to help you clear obstacles:
Boiling Water
Pouring hot water directly into the sink will help melt away solids like soap as well as grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction triggered by mix Baking Soda along with Vinegar will loosen all sorts of gunk stuck to your pipes.
The Drain Snake or Auger
Use Snakes or Augers for larger blockages if plungers or boiling water fail.
Vacuum Cleaner Wet/Dry
Make use of dry and wet vacuums for removing the blockage by suctioning the debris out of the drain directly.
When is it time to bring in experts?
If you’ve tried all DIY strategies, and the issue persists It’s time to engage professionals. Here are a few situations that need expert advice:
Recurring Blockages
The cause of the blockages might not have been dealt with correctly. Engaging a team of experts ensures that they can uncover and resolve any issues that are underlying.
The age of the Plumbing System
Older plumbing systems are vulnerable to damage due to wear and external factors. Professionals can assess whether the pipeline is in need of replacement or if simpler solutions like the hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting service) will suffice.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Certain clogs are contaminated with hazardous substances such as broken glass or chemicals that require specialized care. If you don’t want to risk injury or damage to your pipes, you should consider giving this task to certified professionals.
Prevention is always better than Cure
It is always more beneficial to keep drains clean rather than fix them. Regular maintenance assists in preventing severe clogs from forming. Making changes to your lifestyle, such as not flushing hygiene products down the toilet, greasy substances in sinks, and having a regular CCTV inspections can help prevent obstructions 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 utilize the latest technology and methods such as hydrojetting and cameras that are inspected by CCTV to guarantee high-quality results and will not cause problems.
- Hydrojetting makes use of high-pressure streams water with specific angles that are suitable to various plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras offer us an insight into the issues that are causing problems in pipes, which allows us to fix specific problems efficiently.
Our certified experts will efficiently work on site while maintaining social distancing during these Covid times while cleaning up after the work 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 |
FAQs
How can I tell if I need professional help to unblock a drain?
If you’ve tried the simplest DIY methods like plunging the drain and using cleaning solutions with no success is it the time to call a professional for assistance. Other signs include sinks that don’t drain as quickly, foul odors coming from drains, noises of gurgling or water back up.
Can you safely make use of chemical drain cleaners for removing obstructions?
Chemical drain cleaners can be harmful and dangerous to you and the environment. It is advised to explore other DIY techniques before making use of potentially harmful chemicals. Engaging a professional plumber guarantees that you receive secure and efficient solutions that aren’t placing yourself or the environment to harm.
Could blocked drains cause permanent damage to my home?
Unblocking drains could cause serious damage over the long term including water damage, burst pipes, mold growth, sewage backup or even foundation damage. Getting help from a professional in the right time will prevent costly damages.
What are the methods that plumbers employ to clear drains that are blocked?
Professional plumbers employ a variety of methods including hydro jetting which uses high-pressure water streams and drain snake machines which clear blockages by cutting into or breaking up debris.
How much does it cost to contract a plumbing company like Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing for clearing blocked drains?
The cost of clearing the drain that is blocked depends on aspects like how bad the obstruction is, what type of procedure is required for unblocking (e.g. Snaking or hydro-jetting) and how easily your drainage system is. We recommend contacting our team at Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing for an initial assessment over the phone, or schedule an appointment so that we know what solutions are most appropriate for your situation.
Don’t make your clogged drain issue untreated, call Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing today for quality service.
Additional Information
- The Comprehensive Handbook to Removing Blockages from Clogged Drains in Your Home
- Top Reasons to Avoid DIY Drain Unblocking
- Don’t Get Caught Unprepared! What You Need to Do Before a CCTV Drain Inspection
- Protect Your Condo's Property Value with Long-Lasting Trenchless Pipe Relining
- An Easy DIY Guide to Unclogging Your Blocked Drains
- Clean Your Clogged Shower Drain the Green Way without Chemicals
- Stop Blockages Before They Happen: A Decade of Methods to Prevent Blocked Drains
- DIY Drain Cleaning: How to Safely Tackle Clogged Drains
- Effective Tips and Tricks for Fixing a Blocked Drain
- DIY Plumbing Cleaning: Effective Tips for Avoiding Clogs in Your House
