Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a common problem that can cause disruption to our daily lives. While we tend to try to fix the issue by ourselves, some stubborn blockages need professional assistance. In this post we will discuss the pros and cons of clearing blocked drains on your own versus seeking professional assistance.
Key Takeaways
- A few minor blockages are easily cleared by simple strategies at home
- Before beginning any work make sure you are equipped with the proper tools at fingertips: plunger, gloves, baking soda, vinegar/citric acid
- DIY methods to clear blocked drains include Boiling the water Baking Soda
When should you attempt to remove a blockage from a drain?
Some minor blockages can be cleared with simple techniques at home. If you spot any of the signs below it is possible to try these techniques before calling professionals:
Sinks that drain slowly or bathtubs
If water is not going down the drain as swiftly as it should, there might be a tiny blockage. Use a plunger to eliminate any debris blocking the drain.
The smells are unpleasant
A sour smell coming from your tub or sink may indicate that food or hair which is causing the obstruction. Try pouring boiling water with vinegar into the bathtub or sink to eliminate any residue.
Noises of gurgling
If air is trapped in your pipes as a result of an obstruction, it can cause popping sounds as water flows through in the drain. Utilizing baking soda and hot water, followed by vinegar can unclog any accumulation of food particles and hair.
What are some typical DIY methods for clearing blocked drains?
Before you attempt any solution ensure you are equipped with the appropriate tools at fingertips: gloves, plunger, baking soda, vinegar/citric acid.
Here are some effective ways that can help clear obstructions:
Boiling Water
Injecting hot water directly into the sink will help melt off solids such as soap and grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction caused by mix Baking Soda along with Vinegar loosens up all sorts of gunk stuck in your pipes.
Drain Snake or Auger
Use Snakes or Augers to remove more serious blockages when plungers or boiling water fail.
Wet/Dry Vacuum
Use wet/dry vacuums to remove the obstruction by sucking the debris out of the drain in a direct manner.
Is it time to engage professionals?
If you’ve tried every DIY strategies, and the issue persists It’s time to seek out the help of a professional. Here are a few instances that require seeking professional expertise:
Blockages that recur
The root cause for your blockages may not have been fixed correctly. The hiring of a professional team guarantees that they will be able to find the root of the problem and address it.
Older Plumbing System
Older plumbing systems are vulnerable to damage caused by wear and external influences. Experts can determine if your pipeline needs replacement or if simpler solutions like hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting process) is sufficient.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Some clogs have hazardous materials such as broken glass or chemicals that require specific care. If you don’t want to risk injury or damage to your pipes the job being left to trained experts.
Prevention is always better than Cure
It is better to prevent drains from becoming blocked rather than repair them. A regular maintenance helps prevent severe clogs from developing. Making changes in your lifestyle such as not flushing toiletries down the toilet, greasy substances leaking into sinks and regular CCTV inspections can help prevent blocking completely.
Why Should You Choose Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney for Professional Assistance?
Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney has years of experience in clearing blocked drains within Sydney . We employ the most advanced equipment and techniques such as hydrojetting and CCTV camera inspections to ensure excellent results, with no issues.
- Hydrojetting uses high-pressure streams of water at specific angles suitable for a variety of plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras provide an inside look at what’s causing the issue within pipes, which allows us to fix specific problems effectively.
Our experts who are licensed can be on site efficiently, while maintaining social distancing during 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do to determine whether I require professional assistance to unblock a drain?
If you have tried basic DIY techniques like plunging or using drain cleaning products but have not had any success, then it’s time to seek professional help. Other indicators include sinks that aren’t draining as fast or pipes, odors of foul-smelling coming from the drains, sounds of gurgling, as well as water back-up.
Is it safe to employ chemical drain cleaners in the removal of obstructions?
Chemical drain cleaners can be dangerous and hazardous to you as well as the environment. It is advised to explore other DIY methods before making use of potentially harmful chemicals. Employing a professional plumber will ensure that you receive safe and effective solutions without you or your family members to danger.
Do blocked drains cause long-term damage to my property?
In fact, water drains that are blocked can result in serious long-term damage including water damage, burst pipes, mold growth as well as sewage backup and foundation damage. A professional’s assistance in a timely time can prevent costly damage.
What are some techniques used by plumbers to clear blocked drains?
Professional plumbers utilize a variety of techniques like hydro jetting that utilizes high-pressure water streams and drain snake machines that eliminate obstructions by cutting through or breaking down the obstructions.
How much will it cost to employ a plumbing service like Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney for clearing blocked drains?
The cost of clearing an obstruction in the drain is contingent on aspects like how bad the blockage is, which type of procedure is required for clearing the obstruction (e.g., the use of hydro jets or snakes) and how easily to your drains are. It’s best to contact our team at Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney for an initial assessment over the phone or book an appointment so that we know what alternatives are the most effective for your specific situation.
Don’t be apathetic and leave your drain situation in the dark, contact Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney today for quality service.
Additional Information
- Prevent Blocked Drains Now: Know the Common Causes
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections: How Often Should You Carry Them Out?
- Keep Your Drains Clear: A Decade of Tips to Prevent Clogs at Home
- From A to Z Tips for Cleaning Your Drains and Maintaining a Clog-Free Home
- Save Money and Time with Preventative Drain Care Practices
- The Benefits of Unblocking Blocked Drains for Your Business
- DIY Drain Cleaning: A Comprehensive Guide on Handling Common Blockages
- A Comprehensive Overview of CCTV Drain Inspection for Your Home
- CCTV Drain Inspections: A faster, Accurate and Effective Means of Identifying Root Issues in Drains
- 5 Reasons Why You Should Hire Professionals for Drain Cleaning Services
