Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help

Blocked drains are a frequent issue that can disrupt our daily life. Although most of us attempt to tackle the issue on our own but some blocked drains need professional help. In this article we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of clearing blocked drains by yourself versus seeking professional assistance.
Key Takeaways
- Certain minor blockages can be cleared with simple strategies at home
- Before attempting any solutions, make sure you have the appropriate tools at hand: gloves, plunger, baking soda, 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 are noticing any of the signs below it is possible to try these techniques before calling professionals:
Slow draining bathtubs or sinks
If water isn’t going down the drain in the same speed like it ought to, there might be a minor blockage. Make use of a plunger eliminate any debris blocking the pipe.
Unpleasant odors
The smell that is emanating from your sink or bathtub may indicate that food or hair that is causing the blockage. Try pouring boiling water with vinegar in your bathtub or sink to eliminate any residue.
The sound of gurgling
When air gets trapped in your pipes as a result of an obstruction, it can cause the sound of bubbling as water flows through to the drain. Baking soda and a hot water followed by vinegar can unclog any food particles that have accumulated around and hair.
What are some of the most popular DIY techniques for clearing blocked drains?
Before beginning any project be sure to have the proper tools at fingertips: gloves, plunger, baking soda, vinegar/citric acid.
Here are some effective ways that can help clear obstructions:
Boiling Water
Pouring hot water directly in the sink will help melt off solids such as soap as well as grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction that occurs when mixing Baking Soda and Vinegar dislodges all sorts of gunk stuck in your pipes.
The Drain Snake or Auger
Make use of Snakes or Augers to remove larger blockages if plungers and boiling water fail.
Wet/Dry Vacuum
Utilize dry or wet vacuums to clear the blockage by suctioning the material out of the drain directly.
When is the right time to bring in experts?
If you’ve tried all DIY techniques but the blockage still persists It’s time to involve the help of a professional. Here are a few instances where you need the help of a professional:
Blockages that recur
The root of your blockages may not have been fixed correctly. Employing a professional team will ensure that they are able to identify and resolve any issues that are underlying.
Older Plumbing System
older plumbing systems are prone to damage due to wear and external influences. The experts can help you determine whether the pipeline is in need of replacement or whether simpler solutions such as the use of hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting process) is enough.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Some clogs may contain dangerous materials like broken glass or chemicals which require special care. If you do not want to risk injury or damage to your pipes, you should consider giving this task to certified professionals.
Prevention is more effective than Cure
It is always better to maintain drains than fixing them. Routine maintenance helps prevent severe clogs from developing. Making changes to your lifestyle, such as eliminating the flushing of hygiene products down the toilet, greasy substances into sinks, or having regular CCTV inspection can prevent blocking completely.
Why choose Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney for Professional Assistance?
Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney has years of experience in clearing blocked drains within Sydney . We utilize the latest technology and methods such as hydrojetting and CCTV camera inspections to ensure quality results with no future problems.
- Hydrojetting is the process of delivering high-pressure streams water that are angled to be suitable to various plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras provide us with an inside view of what’s causing the issue within pipes, which allows us to tackle specific issues effectively.
Our licensed professionals will work on-site efficiently while keeping social distance during these Covid times, while cleaning up once the job has been 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 |
Frequently Asked Question
How do I determine that I require help from a professional to clear a blocked drain?
If you’ve tried the simplest DIY techniques like plunges and drain cleaning products but have not had any success It’s time to get professional assistance. Other indicators include slow draining sinks or pipes, odors of foul-smelling coming from the drains, gurgling sounds, as well as water back-up.
Can you safely make use of chemical drain cleaners for the removal of obstructions?
Chemical drain cleaners can be hazardous and harmful to both you as well as the environment. It is advisable to exhaust other DIY techniques before using potentially harmful chemicals. Employing a professional plumber will ensure that you are getting safe and effective solutions without the risk of exposing yourself or your surroundings to harm.
Are blocked drains causing any lasting damage to my property?
The truth is that blocked drains could result in long-term, serious damage such as water damage the growth of mold, burst pipes as well as sewage backup and foundation damage. A professional’s assistance in a timely time can prevent costly damage.
What are some methods that plumbers employ to get rid of blocked drains?
Professional plumbers employ a variety of methods like hydro jetting which utilizes high-pressure water streams and drain snakes that clear blockages by cutting into or breaking up debris.
What is the cost to employ a plumbing service similar to Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney for clearing blocked drains?
The cost to clear the drain that is blocked depends on aspects like how bad the obstruction is, what type of procedure is required for unblocking (e.g., hydro jetting or snaking) and how accessible the drainage device is. We recommend contacting us at Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney for an initial assessment over the phone, or set up an appointment so that we can determine what alternatives are the most effective for your situation.
Don’t make your clogged drain problem unsolved, call Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney today for quality service.
Additional Information
- The Benefits of Using CCTV Drain Inspection for Pipe Relining Services
- Using the Power of High Pressure Drain Cleaning
- Investigating the Main Sources of Drain Clogs
- Plumbers' Secrets for Clearing Clogged Drains: An In-Depth Guide
- The Top Causes of Blocked Drains You Need to Know
- Preventing Clogs and Blockages: Best Practices for Maintaining Your Drains
- Tips on Keeping Your Drains Clear and Free From Blockages
- Self-Help Approaches for Unclogging Clogged Drains in Your Home
- The Top Causes of Blocked Drains and Their Simple Solutions
- CCTV Drain Inspection: Find Out How it Helps Pinpoint Root Infiltration in Your Pipes