DIY Drain Cleaning: When to Call a Professional

Posted by Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney on 8 Oct 2025

Clogged drains are the most common issue in homes and could be the result of a myriad of things, such as hair, soap scum, grease, and the roots of trees. Although many individuals opt for solving the problem on their own There are times that it is better to get help from a professional. In this post, we’ll talk about the times when you should DIY drain cleaning and when to solicit help from an experienced plumber.

Key Takeaways

  • Gulping sounds, slow draining and a foul smell indicate that your drain is in need of cleaning.
  • Boiling baking soda, water, plunger and drain snake are all DIY ways to clear an obstruction in drains.
  • Always read instructions and wear gloves in attempting DIY methods.
  • Get help from a professional Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney plumber if there are multiple clogs but no improvement after DIY attempts, or unseen blockages caused by external factors like tree roots.
  • Professionals conduct CCTV drainage inspections to pinpoint the exact blockage area, avoiding unnecessary repair costs.

The Signs that Your Drain Needs To Be Clean

Before diving into cleansing, it is important be aware of whether your drain requires to be cleaned in the first place. Below are a few indicators which indicate that your drain requires attention:

Slow Drainage

If you notice that water takes longer than normal to drain or isn’t draining at all, you need to investigate. The slow draining of your sink or shower could indicate that there’s a clog forming in your pipes.

Gurgling Noises

The sounds of drains gurgling are often an indication of air trapped within the plumbing system. It could cause blocking and needs to be addressed as quickly as it’s possible.

Foul Odors

The buildup of organic matter could create unpleasant odors that emanate through your drainage. If you smell something funky coming from your sink or shower, it’s likely the time to get your bathroom cleaned.

When to do your own drain cleaning

There are a variety of methods for getting rid of a blocked drain, which you can try at your own pace:

Boiling Water

Boiling water will dissolve a lot of organic materials, which can cause blockages in pipes, but it cannot be employed in conjunction with PVC pipes.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

The combination of vinegar and baking soda reacts, producing fizzing acids that cause any clogs that have been causing problems to be loosened up; pour boiling water through afterward for flawless results.

Plunger

Plungers are a great solution to minor blockages, specifically for blocked toilets and sinks, but make sure that there’s no chemical residues within the fixture prior use of a plunger.

Drain Snake

If you believe that the blockage may be wedged just only a few inches deep, you can use drain snakes; insert it into the drain and slowly turn while pushing it forward until the obstruction is removed.

If you’re attempting any DIY cleaning methods, always take the time to study the instructions carefully, and wear protective gear like gloves whenever necessary.

When to call a Professional

Although DIY methods can work in certain situations however, there are times when you should seek help from a licensed Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney plumber:

Multiple Clogs

If several drains in your home backup at regular intervals, don’t try to solve the problem yourself. It could be because of issues in your main sewer line and require the expertise of a skilled plumber.

No improvement after DIY tries

In the event that you’ve tried all sorts of solutions there is no solution or you’re experiencing regular blockages, there may be more serious plumbing problems that require professional assistance prior to causing major damage.

Unseen Blockages

External factors like tree roots could cause blockages, which are not noticed until the issue is severe. Professionals carry out CCTV drainage inspections pinpointing the exact location of the blockage, saving you unnecessary repair costs by solving the issue immediately without guesswork.

Signs Your Drain Needs Cleaning When To DIY Drain Cleaning When To Call a Professional
Slow Draining Boiling water Multiple Clogs
Gurgling Noises Baking Soda and Vinegar No Improvement After DIY Attempts
Foul Odors Plunger Unseen Blockages
Drain Snake

Note: Always read the instructions carefully and wear protective gear where necessary while attempting any DIY cleaning methods.

Common Questions & Answers

What can I do to tell whether I should call the services of a licensed plumber?

If you’ve tried a variety of DIY methods and your drain remains blocked, it’s time to bring in the professionals. Signs that you should call a plumber include recurring obstructions, slow draining, bubbling from the sink or toilet, when water comes from another source, and unpleasant odors emanating out of your drains.

Are there any risk involved in trying to clear your own drainage?

It’s true that trying to unblock your drain on your own can cause more harm than the good. Chemicals that are harsh and ineffective tools can damage pipes, leading to expensive repairs in the future. If a blockage is not properly handled, it could result in water backups and health hazards.

Are there any DIY methods for unclogging my drain?

Some DIY methods for clearing drains involve using the plunger or plumbing snake or pouring boiling waters down drains, or making a mix of vinegar, baking soda, and baking soda. While these options may be effective to clear minor blockages, it’s important to be careful in attempting them.

Can I employ chemical drain cleaners at my own?

While chemical drain cleaners may perform initially, they may affect older pipes and weaken them. Additionally, many chemical cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can cause harm to humans as well as pets.

Why should I choose Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney for my blocked drainage needs to Sydney ?

We are Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney , we specialize in clearing blocked drains swiftly and easily. Our team of trained professionals uses only the latest technologies in the field of CCTV cameras and hydro jetting machines to diagnose and solve your issues while leaving your property clean and free of clutter. Plus, as an local company that serves Sydney , we’re always nearby if you encounter any plumbing problems!

Conclusion

There are instances where the DIY method is effective in cleaning drain clogs; however professionals have experience and tools to assess the root causes of issues, thus preventing any future problems making sure that your home is clean throughout the day. If the professionals you are looking for seem like the kind of service you need for an optimally clean environment, seeking out their services might be the best option. Reach out to one of our Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney plumbers for timely effective solutions without hassle or stress on your part.

Additional Information

Our 5 Star Service Promise to You

Sydney Drain Plumbing Services

Are you experiencing a clogged toilet, blocked shower drain, overflowing drains or an issue with your kitchen sink? We can help you sort out your drain blockage problem quickly and provide the following services:

  • CCTV Drain Inspections
  • Drain Clearing & Drain Cleanin
  • Drain Repairs
  • Pipe Relining
  • Blocked Stormwater Drains
  • Blocked Sewer Drains & Blocked Pipes
  • Blocked Sinks & Blocked Toilets
  • Clogged or Blocked Shower Drain

Clearing blocked drains can be difficult and it’s best to get a professional plumbing service involved to tackle it for you, To get your blocked drain in Sydney cleared today, contact Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney now and speak to one of our friendly team members.

8 Reasons To Hire Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney

  • 24 Hours A Day, 7 Days A Week
  • Price Up-Front, No Hidden Fees
  • Prices You Can Trust
  • Quality Workmanship Guaranteed
  • Great Reviews & Reputation
  • We’re Personable & Friendly
  • Experienced & Licenced Team
  • Get a Quote With No Obligation

We Provide 24/7 Emergency Plumbing

No one ever expects to experience a plumbing emergency, but when it does happen, you need a reliable plumbing service that can help you resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

At Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney, we are always here for our customers, day or night, weekends or holidays. We understand that plumbing emergencies can happen at any time, and we are always prepared to help.

If you are experiencing a plumbing emergency, please do not hesitate to call us. We will dispatch one of our experienced plumbers to your home or business as soon as possible.

We will work diligently to resolve the issue and get your life back to normal as quickly as possible, contact us today.

Blocked Drains

Blocked Drains

Drain Inspection

Drain Inspection

Drain Cleaning

Drain Cleaning

Drain Repairs

Drain Repairs

About Us &

What We Do

When it comes to plumbing, you want to make sure you’re working with a qualified professional. At our company, we are licensed and insured professionals who are dedicated to providing quality plumbing services.

We’re here to help with all of your plumbing needs, such as blocked drains, CCTV drain inspections, drain repairs and pipe relining.

We understand that plumbing problems can be disruptive and expensive. That’s why we offer 24×7 emergency service, so you can get the help you need when you need it most.

We also have a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our work, so you can be confident that you’re making the best decision for your home.

Identify tree roots in your pipes with our cctv inspections and nabish them from your drains with our pip repairs and pipe relining.

Blocked Drain, CCTV Inspections & Pipe Relining
Make an Enquiry

Request a Quote

Fill out the form below to get in touch or call us today on
0488 881 104