Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a regular issue which can affect our daily lives. Although most of us attempt to tackle the issue by ourselves but some blocked drains need professional help. In this article we will look at the pros and cons of clearing blocked drains by yourself versus seeking professional assistance.
Key Takeaways
- The blockages that are not too severe are easily cleared by simple techniques at home
- Before attempting any solutions be sure to have the right tools on hand: gloves, plunger, baking soda and vinegar/citric acid
- DIY methods for clearing blocked drains include Boiling Water, Baking Soda
When should you attempt to clear a blocked drain?
A few minor blockages can be cleared with simple techniques at home. If you observe any of the following signs You can try these methods prior to calling professionals:
Sinks and bathtubs that are slow draining
If the water isn’t flowing through the drains as quickly as it should, then there may be a slight blockage. You can try using a plunger eliminate any debris that is clogging the pipe.
Infuriating odors
The smell that is emanating from your tub or sink may indicate that food or hair that is causing the blockage. Try pouring boiling water mixed with vinegar in your bathtub or sink to eliminate any residue.
Gurgling noises
If air is trapped in your pipes because of the blockage, it produces popping sounds as water flows through to the drain. Utilizing baking soda and hot water solutions, in conjunction with vinegar will help to remove any buildup around food particles and hair.
What are some typical DIY ways to clear blocked drains?
Before beginning any project be sure that you have the correct tools at your disposal: gloves plunger baking soda, vinegar or citric acid.
Here are a few effective methods that can help clear obstructions:
Boiling Water
Pouring hot water directly in your sink can help melt away solids like soap as well as grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction caused by the mixture of Baking Soda and Vinegar will loosen all sorts of gunk stuck to your pipes.
Drain Snake or Auger
Utilize Snakes or Augers for obstructions that are more severe when plungers or boiling water fail.
Dry and Wet Vacuum
Use dry and wet vacuums to eliminate the obstruction by sucking this material from the drain in a direct manner.
Is it time to get professional help?
If you’ve tried every DIY methods, and the issue persists the issue is time to engage professionals. Here are a few scenarios which require the assistance of a professional:
Blockages that recur
The root cause of the blockages could not have been addressed correctly. Employing a professional team makes sure that they find and fix any underlying issues.
Older Plumbing System
Older plumbing systems are susceptible to damage caused by wear and environmental factors. A professional can tell if your plumbing system requires replacement or if simpler options like hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting service) can suffice.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Some clogs may contain dangerous materials like broken glass or chemicals that require special attention. If you don’t wish to be at risk of injury or damage to your pipes, you should consider leaving this job to certified experts.
Prevention is more effective than Cure
It is always more beneficial to maintain drains than fixing them. A regular maintenance helps prevent severe clogs from forming. Making lifestyle changes such as refraining from flushing hygiene products down the toilet, greasy substances into sinks, having regular CCTV inspections can help prevent obstructions completely.
Why Should You Choose Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains for Professional Assistance?
Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains has years of experience in clearing blocked drains within Sydney . We use the most modern equipment and techniques such as hydrojetting and CCTV camera inspections that guarantee top-quality results without problems.
- Hydrojetting makes use of high-pressure streams water with specific angles that are suitable for a variety of plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras provide us with an insight into the root of the problem within pipes, allowing us to address specific issues effectively.
Our fully licensed experts will be on-site quickly and efficiently, keeping a social distance throughout these Covid moments, and cleaning up after the task 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 Questions
What can I do to determine that I require help from a professional to unblock a clogged drain?
If you have tried basic DIY methods such as plunging and using drain cleaning solutions, but you haven’t had success, then it’s the time to call a professional for assistance. Other indicators include sinks that aren’t draining as fast and odors that smell foul coming from the drains, loud gurgling sounds along with water backup.
Is it safe to employ chemical drain cleaners to getting rid of blockages?
Chemical drain cleaners can be hazardous and harmful to both you and the environment. It is advised to explore other DIY techniques before chemical drain cleaners that can be harmful. Hiring a professional plumber ensures that you get reliable and safe solutions without exposing yourself or your environment to harm.
Are blocked drains causing any long-term damage to my home?
The truth is that blocked drains could result in serious long-term damage such as water damage cracking pipes, growth of mold as well as sewage backup and foundation damage. Getting help from a professional in the right time will avoid costly damages.
What are some of the methods used by plumbing professionals to get rid of blocked drains?
Professional plumbers use various methods including hydro jetting which uses high-pressure water streams, as well as drain snake machines which clear obstructions by cutting or breaking up debris.
How much does it cost to contract a plumbing company similar to Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains 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 even snaking) and how easy access to your drains are. It is recommended to call the team of Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains for an initial review over the phone or make an appointment to ensure that we can determine what alternatives are the most effective for your situation.
Don’t leave your clogged drain issue untreated, call Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains today for quality service.
Additional Information
- Keep Your Home Safe by Hiring a Professional Drain Cleaning Service
- Blockage of Drains: Plumber Tips and Solutions
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspection in Commercial Properties
- Save Money and Time with Preventative Drain Care Practices
- Unclogging Your Pipe: High-quality Drainage Remedies
- The Dangers of Using Chemical Drain Unblockers
- The Advantage of CCTV Drain Inspection in Detecting Root Infiltration Early
- Do-It-Yourself Solutions for a Clogged Pipe: Tips and Tricks
- Future-Proofing Your Plumbing System with CCTV Drain Inspection
- Uncovering Hidden Damage with a Professional CCTV Drain Inspection
