Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help

Blocked drains are a regular issue that can cause disruption to our daily life. Although most of us attempt to solve the problem on our own however, there are some blockages that require professional assistance. In this article we’ll 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 eliminated using simple strategies at home
- Before attempting any solutions, make sure you are equipped with the proper tools at disposal: gloves, plunger or plunger, baking soda (baking soda), vinegar/citric Acid
- DIY methods to clear blocked drains include Boiling Wasser, Baking Soda
What is the best time 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 then you can try these techniques prior to calling experts:
Sinks that drain slowly or bathtubs
If water is not going through the drains as quickly that it would, then there might be a minor blockage. You can try using a plunger remove any debris blocking the pipe.
Odors that are unpleasant
A strong smell emanating from your tub or sink could indicate food debris or hair causing the obstruction. Try pouring boiling water mixed with vinegar in your sink or bathtub to dissolve any residue buildup.
The sound of gurgling
When air gets trapped in your pipes because of an obstruction, it can cause bubbling sounds as water goes through the drain. By using baking soda in combination with hot water, followed by vinegar can unclog any buildup around food particles and hair.
What are some typical DIY techniques for clearing blocked drains?
Before attempting any solutions be sure to have the right tools on disposal: gloves, plunger baking soda, vinegar/citric acid.
Here are some effective ways to remove obstructions:
Boiling Water
Injecting hot water directly into the sink will help melt away solids like soap and grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction that occurs when the mixture of Baking Soda along with Vinegar will loosen all sorts of gunk stuck in your pipes.
Discharge Snake or Auger
Make use of Snakes or Augers for more severe blockages when plungers and boiling water do not work.
Dry Vacuum Wet
Use dry and wet vacuums to eliminate the obstruction by sucking this material from the drain directly.
When is the right time to bring in experts?
If you’ve tried all DIY techniques but the blockage still persists, then it’s time to engage the help of a professional. Here are some instances that require seeking professional expertise:
Recurring Blockages
The cause of the blockages could not have been addressed correctly. Engaging a team of experts makes sure that they find and correct any underlying problems.
The age of the Plumbing System
older plumbing systems are prone to damage caused by wear and external influences. A professional can tell if your pipe requires replacement, or if more simple solutions like hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting service) can suffice.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Some clogs have hazardous materials like chemicals or broken glass which require special care. If you don’t want put yourself at risk of damage or injury to your pipes, you should consider the job being left to trained professionals.
Prevention is more effective than Cure
It is always better to keep drains clean rather than fix them. The regular maintenance will prevent clogs of a severe nature from forming. Making changes to your lifestyle, such as eliminating the flushing of hygiene products into the toilet, not dumping greasy substances into sinks, having regular CCTV examinations can stop blockages completely.
Why Choose Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney for Professional Assistance?
Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney has years of experience in clearing blocked drains in Sydney . We utilize the latest equipment and techniques such as hydrojetting and cameras that are inspected by CCTV to guarantee quality results with no future problems.
- Hydrojetting uses high-pressure streams of water with specific angles that are suitable to various plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras provide an inside view of what’s causing the problems within pipes, which allows us to tackle specific issues effectively.
Our certified experts will be on-site quickly and efficiently, keeping social distance during these Covid moments, and cleaning up after 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 that I require help from a professional to unblock a clogged drain?
If you have tried basic DIY solutions like plunges and drain cleaning products but have not had any success, then it’s time to seek professional help. Other indicators include sinks that don’t drain as quickly, foul odors coming from the drains, loud gurgling sounds or water back up.
Is it safe to employ chemical drain cleaners to getting rid of obstructions?
Chemical drain cleaners are toxic and can be harmful to you and the environment. It is advised to explore other DIY methods before resorting to using potentially harmful chemicals. Engaging a professional plumber guarantees that you receive the most effective and safe solutions, without the risk of exposing yourself or your surroundings to danger.
Could blocked drains cause long-term damage to my home?
In fact, water drains that are blocked can result in serious long-term damage including water damage, leaky pipes, the growth of mold, sewage backup or even foundation damage. Consulting a professional at the right time will prevent costly damages.
What are some of the methods used by plumbing professionals to unblock drains?
Professional plumbers employ various techniques including hydro jetting which uses high-pressure water streams as well as drain snake machines which clear blockages by cutting through or breaking down debris.
What is the cost to engage a plumbing firm similar to Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney for clearing blocked drains?
The cost to clear of a drain that has become blocked is contingent upon factors like how serious the blockage is, which kind of method is needed to remove the blockage (e.g., Hydro jetting, or even snaking) and how easy access the drainage device is. It is recommended to call the team of Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney for an initial evaluation over the phone or schedule an appointment so we can figure out what alternatives are the most effective for your specific situation.
Don’t let your drain clogged situation in the dark, contact Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney today for quality service.
Additional Information
- Using the Power of High Pressure Drain Cleaning
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspections in Preventing Expensive Property Damage
- Why You Need CCTV Drain Inspection Services
- The Top Causes of Blocked Drains You Need to Know
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes
- Top Plumbing Services to Keep Your Pipes Running Smoothly
- Say farewell to blocked drains with the best solutions
- A Comprehensive Overview of CCTV Drain Inspection for Your Home
- Why Your Business Needs Periodic Drain Inspection and Cleaning
- The Importance of Professional Drain Cleaning for Your Family's Health and Safety