Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a common problem that can disrupt our daily lives. While we tend to try to resolve the issue on our own however, there are some blockages that require professional help. In this post we will discuss the pros and cons of clearing blockages on your own or having professional help.
Key Takeaways
- The blockages that are not too severe can be removed with simple techniques at home
- Before beginning any work ensure you have the right tools on hand: gloves, plunger, baking soda, vinegar/citric acid
- DIY methods to clear drainage obstructions include Boiling Water, Baking Soda
When should you attempt to remove a blockage from a drain?
A few minor blockages can be eliminated using simple methods at home. If you observe any of the signs below it is possible to try these methods before calling in experts:
Sinks and bathtubs that are slow draining
If the water isn’t moving down the drain as swiftly that it would, there might be a tiny blockage. Try using a plunger to eliminate any debris clogging up the pipe.
Unpleasant odors
A strong smell emanating from your sink or bathtub could be a sign of food particles or hair which is causing the obstruction. Pour boiling water with vinegar into the bathtub or sink to eliminate any residue.
Noises of gurgling
When air gets trapped in your pipes as a result of a clog, it causes the sound of bubbling as water flows down into the drain. By using baking soda in combination with hot water solutions, in conjunction with vinegar will help to remove any food particles that have accumulated around and hair.
What are some typical DIY methods to clear blocked drains?
Before attempting any solutions be sure to are equipped with the appropriate tools at your disposal: gloves plunger, baking soda, vinegar/citric acid.
Here are some efficient ways to clear obstacles:
Boiling Water
Injecting hot water directly into your sink can aid in melting away solids such as soap as well as grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction triggered by the mixture of Baking Soda and Vinegar releases all kinds of gunk stuck to your pipes.
The Drain Snake or Auger
Use Snakes or Augers for more serious blockages when plungers and boiling water fail.
Dry Vacuum Wet
Make use of dry and wet vacuums for removing the obstruction by sucking this material from the drain in a direct manner.
When is it the best time to get professional help?
If you’ve tried all DIY techniques, but the blockage still persists the issue is time to seek out a professional. Here are a few situations that require seeking professional expertise:
Blockages that recur
The root of your blockages might not have been addressed correctly. Employing a professional team guarantees that they will be able to find and fix any underlying issues.
Older Plumbing System
Older plumbing systems are vulnerable to damage caused by wear and other external elements. A professional can tell if your plumbing system requires replacement or more straightforward options like the hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting service) can suffice.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Certain clogs are contaminated with hazardous substances like chemicals or broken glass that require special attention. If you don’t want cause injury or damage to your pipes, you should consider leaving this job to certified professionals.
Prevention is better than Cure
It is always more beneficial to maintain drains rather than fixing them. A regular maintenance helps prevent severe clogs from developing. Making changes in your lifestyle such as not flushing hygiene products in the toilet, putting greasy substances in sinks, and having a regular CCTV inspection can prevent 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 use the most modern techniques and equipment, such as hydrojetting and CCTV camera inspections to ensure quality results with no future issues.
- Hydrojetting makes use of high-pressure streams water with specific angles that are suitable for different types of plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras offer us an inside view of what’s causing the issue within pipes, which allows us to fix specific problems correctly.
Our certified experts will be on-site quickly and efficiently, 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 |
FAQ
How can I tell if I need professional help to unblock a clogged drain?
If you’ve tried basic DIY methods such as plunging and using drain cleaning solutions, but you haven’t had success It’s time to get professional assistance. Other signs include slow draining sinks as well as odors of foul smells emanating from the drains, loud gurgling sounds or water back up.
Can you safely make use of chemical drain cleaners for getting rid of blockages?
Chemical drain cleaners are dangerous and hazardous to you as well as the environment. It is advisable to exhaust other DIY techniques before chemical cleaners that could be harmful to the environment. Engaging a professional plumber guarantees that you receive secure and efficient solutions that aren’t you or your family members to risk.
Are blocked drains causing any long-term damage to my home?
The truth is that blocked drains could cause long-lasting damage including water damage, cracking pipes, growth of mold as well as sewage backup and foundation damage. Getting help from a professional in the right time can prevent costly damage.
What are some of the methods that plumbers employ to unblock drains?
Professional plumbers use various methods like hydro jetting which utilizes high-pressure water streams as well as drain snake machines that eliminate obstructions by cutting through or breaking up pieces of 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 a blocked drain depends on aspects like how bad the blockage is, which kind of method is needed to clear the blockage (e.g. hydro jetting or snaking) and how easy access you are to the drain system. We recommend contacting our team at Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains for an initial assessment over the phone, or set up an appointment so that we can decide which options will work best for your situation.
Don’t make your clogged drain situation helpless, contact Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains today for quality service.
Additional Information
- Unclogging Your Pipe: High-quality Drainage Remedies
- The Advantage of CCTV Drain Inspection in Detecting Root Infiltration Early
- 5 Reasons Why You Should Hire Professionals for Drain Cleaning Services
- How to Tell You Need Drain Clearing Services for Your Business
- Save Money and Time with Preventative Drain Care Practices
- Why CCTV Drain Inspections Should Be Part of Your Regular Maintenance Routine
- A Comprehensive Manual to Clearing Pipes: Which Plumbers Use
- Blockage of Drains: Plumber Tips and Solutions
- Resolve your blocked drain emergency with the finest plumber available
- Do-It-Yourself Drain Cleaning: Effective Tips for Avoiding Clogs in Your House
