Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a frequent issue which can affect our daily life. Although most of us attempt to solve the problem on our own but there are certain blockages that need professional assistance. In this article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of clearing blocked drains by yourself versus hiring a professional.
Key Takeaways
- Some minor blockages can be cleared with simple techniques at home
- Before beginning any work make sure you are equipped with the proper tools at your disposal: gloves, plunger, baking soda and vinegar/citric acid
- DIY techniques for clearing blocked drains include Boiling the water Baking Soda
When should you attempt to clear a blocked drain?
Certain minor blockages can be cleared using simple techniques at home. If you spot any of the following symptoms then you can try these methods prior to calling professionals:
Sinks and bathtubs that are slow draining
If water isn’t going down the drain in the same speed that it would, then there might be a tiny blockage. You can try using a plunger remove any debris that is clogging the pipe.
The smells are unpleasant
A bad smell emanating from your sink or bathtub may indicate that food or hair, causing the blockage. Try pouring boiling water mixed with vinegar into the bathtub or sink to break up any residue that has accumulated.
Noises of gurgling
When air is trapped inside your pipes due to a clog, it causes noises that bubble as water flows down into the drain. By using baking soda in combination with hot water, as well as vinegar to unblock the food particles and hair.
What are the most common DIY techniques for clearing blocked drains?
Before you attempt any solution be sure that you have the right tools on disposal: gloves, plunger baking soda, vinegar/citric acid.
Here are a few effective methods to clear obstacles:
Boiling Water
The addition of hot water directly to your sink can help melt off solids such as soap, or grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction that occurs when the mixture of Baking Soda along with Vinegar dislodges all sorts of gunk that has accumulated in your pipes.
Discharge Snake or Auger
Make use of Snakes or Augers to remove more serious blockages when plungers and boiling water fail.
Dry Vacuum Wet
Use wet/dry vacuums to remove the blockage by suctioning this material from the drain directly.
When is it the best time to call in professionals?
If you’ve tried every DIY strategies, and the problem persists, then it’s time to engage the help of a professional. Here are a few scenarios where you need the help of a professional:
Recurring Blockages
The root cause for the blockages might not have been fixed correctly. The hiring of a professional team guarantees that they will be able to find and resolve any issues that are underlying.
Older Plumbing System
Older plumbing systems are susceptible to damage caused by wear and other external elements. A professional can tell if your plumbing system requires replacement, or if more simple solutions such as the hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting service) is sufficient.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Some clogs may contain dangerous materials such as broken glass or chemicals that require specialized care. If you do not want to put yourself at risk of damage or injury to your pipes confiding this task to qualified professionals.
Prevention is always better than Cure
It is better to keep drains clean rather than fix them. Regular maintenance helps prevent severe clogs from forming. Making changes to your lifestyle, such as refraining from flushing hygiene products into the toilet, not dumping greasy substances in sinks, and having a regular CCTV examinations can stop blockages altogether.
Why Choose Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains for Professional Assistance?
Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains has years of experience in clearing blocked drains within Sydney . We employ the most advanced technology and methods such as hydrojetting and CCTV camera inspections that ensure high-quality results and will not cause problems.
- Hydrojetting utilizes high-pressure streams of water at specific angles suitable for different types of plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras provide us with the insider’s view of what’s causing the problems within pipes, which allows us to deal with specific issues correctly.
Our certified experts will efficiently work on site while maintaining social distancing during these Covid times, while cleaning up after 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 |
Common Questions & Answers
How can I tell whether I require professional assistance to unblock a drain?
If you’ve tried basic DIY techniques like plunging the drain and using cleaning solutions, but you haven’t had success is it time to seek professional help. Other indicators include slow draining of sinks and odors that smell foul coming from drains, loud gurgling sounds or water back up.
Is it safe to make use of chemical drain cleaners for getting rid of blockages?
Chemical drain cleaners are harmful and dangerous to you as well as the environment. It is advisable to exhaust other DIY methods before resorting to using potentially harmful chemicals. Employing a professional plumber will ensure that you receive reliable and safe solutions without placing yourself or the environment to risk.
Could blocked drains cause long-term damage to my property?
The truth is that blocked drains could result in long-term, serious damage such as water damage, leaky pipes, the growth of mold and sewage backups, or even foundation damage. Getting help from a professional in the right time will prevent costly damages.
What are the methods used by plumbing professionals to clear drains that are blocked?
Professional plumbers employ a variety of methods like hydro jetting which utilizes high-pressure water streams, as well as drain snake machines which clear obstructions by cutting or breaking down the obstructions.
How much will it cost to contract a plumbing company similar to Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains for clearing blocked drains?
The cost to clear a blocked drain depends on the severity of the blockage is and what kind of technique is required for unblocking (e.g., Snaking or hydro-jetting), and how accessible the drainage device is. Contact one of our representatives at Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains for an initial assessment over the phone, or set up an appointment so that we can decide which solutions are most appropriate for your situation.
Don’t let your drain clogged situation helpless, contact Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains today for quality service.
Additional Information
- Avoiding Clogged Drains: Tips for Homeowners
- Save Future Expenses with CCTV Drain Inspection for Home Buyers
- Maximizing the Long-Term Benefits of Pipe Relining by Picking the Ideal Material
- Why CCTV Drain Inspections Should Be Part of Your Regular Maintenance Routine
- Don't Allow Clogged Drains Ruins Your Day: Hacks to Try Out
- CCTV Drain Inspection Technology: Detecting Corrosion in Sewer Pipes
- The Dangers of Using Chemical Drain Unblockers
- Keep Your Home Safe by Hiring a Professional Drain Cleaning Service
- Clear Pipes Ahead: 10 Ways to Maintain Your Home Drain System Unobstructed
- Save Money and Time with Preventative Drain Care Practices
