Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a frequent issue that can disrupt our everyday life. While many of us try to fix the issue on our own but some blocked drains require professional help. In this post we will look at the advantages and disadvantages of removing the drains that are blocked by yourself instead of having professional help.
Key Takeaways
- A few minor blockages can be removed with simple strategies at home
- Before attempting any solutions ensure you are equipped with the proper tools at hand: gloves, plunger, baking soda and vinegar/citric acid
- DIY techniques for clearing drains that are blocked include Boiling Water, Baking Soda
How do you clean a blocked drain?
The majority of minor blockages can easily be cleared with 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 isn’t going down the drain as swiftly that it would, then there could be a small blockage. Make use of a plunger eliminate any debris that is clogging the pipe.
Infuriating odors
A strong smell emanating from your tub or sink can suggest trapped food or hair causing the obstruction. Pour boiling water with vinegar into your bathtub or sink in order to break up any residue that has accumulated.
Sounds of Gurgling
When air is trapped inside your pipes because of an obstruction, it can cause noises that bubble as water flows down to the drain. Utilizing baking soda and hot water, in conjunction with vinegar will help to remove any accumulation of food particles and hair.
What are the most common DIY ways to clear blocked drains?
Before trying any method, make sure you have the proper tools at your disposal: gloves plunger baking soda, vinegar/citric acid.
Here are a few effective methods to remove obstructions:
Boiling Water
Injecting hot water directly into your sink can help melt away solids like soap and grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction triggered by mixing Baking Soda and Vinegar dislodges all sorts of gunk that has accumulated in your pipes.
Discharge Snake or Auger
Utilize Snakes or Augers to prevent larger blockages if plungers or boiling water fail.
Vacuum Cleaner Wet/Dry
Use wet/dry vacuums to remove the blockage by suctioning the debris out of the drain in a direct manner.
When is it the best time to call in professionals?
If you’ve tried all DIY techniques, but your blockage is still there, then it’s time to engage professionals. Here are a few instances that need expert advice:
Recurring Blockages
The root of the blockages might not have been fixed correctly. Hiring a team of professionals ensures that they can uncover the root of the problem and address it.
The age of the Plumbing System
older plumbing systems are prone to damage due to wear and external factors. A professional can tell if your pipeline needs replacement or whether simpler solutions like hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting service) is sufficient.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Some clogs have hazardous materials like broken glass or chemicals that require specialized care. If you don’t want be at risk of injury or damage to your pipes, think about confiding this task to qualified experts.
Prevention is always better than Cure
It is always better to keep drains clean rather than fix them. The regular maintenance assists in preventing severe clogs from forming. Making changes in your lifestyle such as not flushing hygiene products in the toilet, putting greasy substances into sinks, having regular CCTV inspections can help prevent blockages altogether.
Why choose Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney for Professional Assistance?
Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney has years of experience in clearing blocked drains within Sydney . We use the most modern technology and techniques, including hydrojetting and CCTV camera inspections that guarantee high-quality results and will not cause problems.
- Hydrojetting makes use of high-pressure streams water angled at specific angles, which are ideal for a variety of plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras give us an inside view of what’s causing the issue within pipes, allowing us to address specific issues correctly.
Our licensed professionals will work on-site efficiently while keeping a social distance throughout these Covid times while cleaning up once 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 |
Common Questions & Answers
What can I do to determine that I require help from a professional to unblock a drain?
If you’ve tried the simplest DIY methods like plunging or using drain cleaning solutions with no success Then it’s time to consult a professional. Other signs include sinks that don’t drain as quickly or pipes, odors of foul-smelling coming from drains, sounds of gurgling, or water back up.
Can you safely use chemical drain cleaners for removing obstructions?
Chemical drain cleaners are hazardous and harmful to both you and the environment. It is advised to explore other DIY strategies before using potentially harmful chemicals. Engaging a professional plumber guarantees that you get safe and effective solutions without you or your family members to harm.
Do blocked drains cause long-term damage to my property?
Yes, blocked drains can cause long-lasting damage including water damage, leaky pipes, the growth of mold in the sewage system, and even foundation damage. Getting help from a professional in the right time can prevent costly damage.
What are the methods used by plumbing professionals to unblock drains?
Professional plumbers use various methods like hydro jetting that utilizes high-pressure water streams and drain snake machines, which eliminate obstructions by cutting through or breaking down the obstructions.
How much is it to engage a plumbing firm like Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney for clearing blocked drains?
The cost of clearing a blocked drain depends on factors such as how severe the blockage is, which kind of process is needed to remove the blockage (e.g. hydro jetting or snaking), and how accessible your drainage system is. We recommend contacting the team of Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney for an initial evaluation over the phone or set up an appointment so that we can decide which options will work best for your specific situation.
Don’t make your clogged drain issue untreated, call Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney today for quality service.
Additional Information
- Dealing with Blocked Drains: Plumbing Solutions and Tips
- The Risks of Unclogging Your Drains Without Professional Help
- From Clearing Clutter to Securing Access Points: The Preparations You Need for a Successful CCTV Drain Inspection
- A Comprehensive Overview of CCTV Drain Inspection for Your Home
- Discover the Best Pipe Relining Materials for Your Plumbing Needs
- Experience these tried and tested remedies for unclogging your drain
- Top Ways to Avoid Drain Cleaning Emergencies
- Clearing Pipes Made Easy: An In-Depth Handbook for Plumbers
- Prevent Blocked Drains Now: Know the Common Causes
- From Jammed to Clear: A Step-by-Step Manual to Unblock Your Bathroom Drain
