Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a frequent issue which can affect our daily lives. While most of us try to fix the issue on our own, some stubborn blockages need professional help. In this article we’ll look at the advantages and disadvantages of clearing blockages on your own or getting help from a professional.
Key Takeaways
- Certain minor blockages 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 and vinegar/citric acid
- DIY methods to clear drainage obstructions include Boiling the water Baking Soda
What are the ideal times to clean a blocked drain?
A few minor blockages can be eliminated using simple methods at home. If you observe any of the following signs, you could try using these techniques prior to calling professionals:
Slow draining sinks or bathtubs
If the water isn’t moving down the drain in the same speed that it would, there might be a tiny blockage. Make use of a plunger eliminate any debris that is clogging the pipe.
Unpleasant odors
The smell that is emanating from your tub or sink could be a sign of food particles or hair that is causing the blockage. Pour boiling water with vinegar in the bathtub or sink to dissolve any residue buildup.
Gurgling noises
When air is trapped inside your pipes due to the blockage, it produces the sound of bubbling as water flows down the drain. Baking soda and a hot water solution as well as vinegar to unblock the food particles and hair.
What are some typical DIY methods for clearing blocked drains?
Before trying any method, make sure you have the correct tools at hand: gloves, plunger, baking soda vinegar or citric acid.
Here are some proven methods that can help clear obstructions:
Boiling Water
Pouring hot water directly into the sink will help melt away solids like soap, or grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction that occurs when the mixture of Baking Soda with Vinegar releases all kinds of gunk stuck in your pipes.
Snake or Auger Snake or Auger
Utilize Snakes or Augers to prevent larger blockages if plungers and boiling water do not work.
Vacuum Cleaner Wet/Dry
Make use of dry and wet vacuums for removing the obstruction by sucking the debris out of the drain directly.
When is the right time to get professional help?
If you’ve tried all DIY techniques but the issue persists, then it’s time to seek out a professional. Here are a few scenarios that require seeking professional expertise:
Recurring Blockages
The root of the blockages could not have been addressed correctly. Hiring a team of professionals will ensure that they are able to identify and resolve any issues that are underlying.
Older Plumbing System
Older plumbing systems are vulnerable to damage due to wear and environmental factors. Experts can determine if your plumbing system requires replacement or if simpler options like the use of hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting process) is sufficient.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Some clogs contain hazardous materials like broken glass, chemicals or even broken glass that require specialized care. If you don’t want risk injury or damage to your pipes leaving this job to certified professionals.
Prevention is always better than Cure
It is always better to maintain drains rather than fixing them. A regular maintenance will prevent clogs of a severe nature from forming. Making lifestyle changes like not flushing toiletries in the toilet, putting greasy substances into sinks, or having regular CCTV inspections, can avoid blockages completely.
Why choose Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains for Professional Assistance?
Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains has years of experience in clearing blocked drains in Sydney . We utilize the latest technology and methods such as hydrojetting and CCTV camera inspections that guarantee top-quality results without problems.
- Hydrojetting is the process of delivering high-pressure streams water with specific angles that are suitable for different types of plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras provide an inside view of what’s causing the issue within pipes, which allows us to deal with specific issues properly.
Our certified experts will efficiently work on site while ensuring social distancing throughout these Covid moments while cleaning up after the task 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 |
FAQ
How do I know that I require help from a professional to clear a blocked drain?
If you’ve tried basic DIY techniques like plunging and using drain cleaning solutions, but you haven’t had success is it time to consult a professional. Other indicators include sinks that don’t drain as quickly as well as odors of foul smells emanating from the drains, loud gurgling sounds and water backup.
Can you safely use chemical drain cleaners for getting rid of blockages?
Chemical drain cleaners are harmful and dangerous to you as well as the environment. It is best to test other DIY methods before making use of potentially harmful chemicals. Hiring a professional plumber ensures that you get secure and efficient solutions that aren’t exposing yourself or your environment to harm.
Can blocked drains cause any lasting damage to my property?
Unblocking drains could cause serious damage over the long term such as water damage cracking pipes, growth of mold in the sewage system, and even foundation damage. Getting help from a professional in the right time will prevent costly damages.
What are the methods employed by plumbing professionals to unblock drains?
Professional plumbers utilize a variety of techniques such as hydro jetting, which makes use of high-pressure water streams and drain snakes that clear blockages by cutting into or breaking down the debris.
How much is it to hire a plumbing company similar to Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains for clearing blocked drains?
The cost to clear the drain that is blocked depends on factors such as how severe the blockage is, which kind of method is needed to clear the blockage (e.g., Snaking or hydro-jetting) and how easy access your drainage system is. We recommend contacting the team of Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains for an initial evaluation over the phone or schedule an appointment so that we know what methods are best suited to your situation.
Don’t let your drain clogged situation helpless, contact Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains today for quality service.
Additional Information
- Keep Your Home Safe by Hiring a Professional Drain Cleaning Service
- 5 Reasons Why You Should Hire Professionals for Drain Cleaning Services
- The Advantage of CCTV Drain Inspection in Detecting Root Infiltration Early
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspection in Commercial Properties
- Prevent Blocked Drains Now: Know the Common Causes
- Clearing Blockages Made Easy: The Benefits of Blocked Drain Jetting
- Blockage of Drains: Plumber Tips and Solutions
- How to Tell You Need Drain Clearing Services for Your Business
- Natural Methods for Keeping Your Shower Drain Free of Blockages
- Save Future Expenses with CCTV Drain Inspection for Home Buyers
