Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a regular issue that can disrupt our everyday life. Although most of us attempt to fix the issue by ourselves but some blocked drains need professional help. In this post we’ll look at the pros and cons of clearing the drains that are blocked by yourself instead of seeking professional assistance.
Key Takeaways
- The blockages that are not too severe are easily cleared by simple strategies at home
- Before attempting any solutions make sure you have the appropriate tools at hand: gloves, plunger baking soda, vinegar/citric acids, and baking soda
- DIY methods to clear drains that are blocked include Boiling water, Baking Soda
How do you clean a blocked drain?
A few minor blockages can be cleared using simple techniques at home. If you are noticing any of the following signs it is possible to try these techniques before calling experts:
Sinks that drain slowly or bathtubs
If water isn’t going through the drains as quickly the way it is supposed to there may be a slight blockage. You can try using a plunger remove any debris blocking the pipe.
Odors that are unpleasant
A strong smell emanating from your bathtub or sink may indicate that food or hair causing the blockage. Try pouring boiling water mixed with vinegar in your bathtub or sink in order to eliminate any residue.
Sounds of Gurgling
When air gets trapped in your pipes because of a clog, it causes popping sounds as water flows down in the drain. Utilizing baking soda and hot water in conjunction with vinegar will help to remove any buildup around food particles and hair.
What are some typical DIY methods for clearing blocked drains?
Before you attempt any solution, make sure you have the proper tools at disposal: gloves, plunger baking soda, vinegar or citric acid.
Here are some effective ways to remove obstructions:
Boiling Water
Injecting hot water directly into the sink will help melt away any solids, such as soap and grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction caused by the mixture of Baking Soda with Vinegar dislodges all sorts of gunk stuck in your pipes.
The Drain Snake or Auger
Use Snakes or Augers for more severe blockages when plungers and boiling water do not work.
Dry and Wet Vacuum
Use wet/dry vacuums to remove the blockage by suctioning this material from the drain in a direct manner.
When is the right time to call in professionals?
If you’ve tried every DIY strategies, and your blockage is still there you need to call in professionals. Here are a few situations that need expert advice:
Recurring Blockages
The cause of your blockages might not have been fixed correctly. Employing a professional team will ensure that they are able to identify and resolve any issues that are underlying.
Age of Plumbing System
Older plumbing systems are vulnerable to damage caused by wear and other external elements. A professional can tell if your pipe requires replacement, or if more simple options like the use of hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting process) will suffice.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Some clogs contain hazardous materials like broken glass, chemicals or even broken glass that require specialized care. If you do not want to risk injury or damage to your pipes, think about the job being left to trained experts.
Prevention is always better than Cure
It is always more beneficial to maintain drains rather than fixing them. A regular maintenance helps prevent severe clogs from developing. Making changes to your lifestyle, such as not flushing toiletries into the toilet, not dumping greasy substances in sinks, and having a regular CCTV inspections, can avoid 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 advanced technology and techniques, including hydrojetting and CCTV camera inspections that guarantee excellent results, with no problems.
- Hydrojetting utilizes high-pressure streams of water at specific angles suitable to various plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras provide an insight into the issues that are causing problems in pipes, which allows us to deal with specific issues efficiently.
Our certified experts will work on-site efficiently while keeping social distance during these Covid moments 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 |
FAQ
How can I tell when I’m in need of professional help to clear a blocked drain?
If you have tried basic DIY solutions like plunging and using drain cleaning solutions, but you haven’t had success is it time to consult a professional. Other indicators include slow draining sinks as well as odors of foul smells emanating from the drains, sounds of gurgling, along with water backup.
Can you safely employ chemical drain cleaners in the removal of blockages?
Chemical drain cleaners can be harmful and dangerous to you as well as 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 are getting the most effective and safe solutions, without you or your family members to danger.
Can blocked drains cause any long-term damage to my property?
Yes, blocked drains could cause serious damage over the long term such as water damage, the growth of mold, burst pipes 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 clear blocked drains?
Professional plumbers employ various techniques like hydro jetting that utilizes high-pressure water streams as well as drain snake machines that eliminate obstructions by cutting through or breaking up particles.
What is the cost to employ a plumbing service like Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney for clearing blocked drains?
The cost to clear the drain that is blocked depends on the severity of the blockage is and what kind of process is needed for unblocking (e.g., Snaking or hydro-jetting) and how easy access your drainage system is. It is recommended to call our team at Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney for an initial assessment over the phone or set up an appointment so that we can determine what methods are best suited to your situation.
Don’t leave your clogged drain situation helpless, contact Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney today for quality service.
Additional Information
- Experience these tried and tested remedies for unclogging your drain
- Dealing with Blocked Drains: Plumbing Solutions and Tips
- Locate the most reliable plumber for your backed up drain issue
- Unblock Your Drains with Ease: Discover the Power of Blocked Drain Jetting
- The Risks of Unclogging Your Drains Without Professional Help
- CCTV Drain Inspection: The Key to Resolving Blocked Drains Quickly
- The Benefits of Unblocking Blocked Drains for Your Business
- Clearing Your Pipe: High-quality Drainage Solutions
- Discover the Best Pipe Relining Materials for Your Plumbing Needs
- From Clearing Clutter to Securing Access Points: The Preparations You Need for a Successful CCTV Drain Inspection
