Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a frequent issue which can affect our daily lives. While many of us try to solve the problem 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 cleared with simple techniques at home
- Before attempting any solutions make sure you have the appropriate tools at fingertips: plunger, gloves baking soda, vinegar/citric acids, and baking soda
- DIY methods to clear drains that are blocked include Boiling the water Baking Soda
What is the best time to unblock a drain?
Certain minor blockages can be removed using simple techniques at home. If you notice any of the signs below, you could try using these methods before calling in professionals:
Slow draining sinks or bathtubs
If the water isn’t moving down the drain in the same speed as it should, then there might be a minor blockage. Try using a plunger to get rid of any debris blocking the pipe.
Infuriating odors
A strong smell emanating from your bathtub or sink may indicate that food or hair which is causing the obstruction. Try pouring boiling water mixed with vinegar in your sink or bathtub to remove any buildup of residue.
Gurgling noises
If air is trapped in your pipes because of an obstruction, it can cause the sound of bubbling as water flows down the drain. By using baking soda in combination with 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 ensure you have the correct tools at disposal: gloves, plunger, baking soda vinegar/citric acid.
Here are some efficient ways to clear obstacles:
Boiling Water
Pouring hot water directly in your sink can help melt away any solids, such as soap, or grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction caused by mixing Baking Soda along with Vinegar will loosen all sorts of gunk stuck in your pipes.
Discharge Snake or Auger
Use Snakes or Augers to clear obstructions that are more severe when plungers or boiling water fail.
Wet/Dry Vacuum
Utilize dry or wet vacuums to clear the obstruction by sucking the debris out of the drain in a direct manner.
Is it time to engage professionals?
If you’ve tried every DIY techniques but the blockage still persists the issue is time to involve an expert. Here are a few instances which require the assistance of a professional:
Recurring Blockages
The root cause for your blockages may not have been dealt with correctly. Hiring a team of professionals makes sure that they find and fix any underlying issues.
Older Plumbing System
Older plumbing systems are susceptible to damage due to wear and external influences. Experts can determine if the pipeline is in need of replacement, or if more simple options like hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting process) will suffice.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Some clogs have 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, you should consider giving this task to certified experts.
Prevention is better than Cure
It is always better to maintain drains than fixing them. A regular maintenance helps prevent severe clogs from developing. Making lifestyle changes such as refraining from flushing hygiene products in the toilet, putting greasy substances into sinks, or having regular CCTV examinations can stop blockages altogether.
Why should you choose Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains for Professional Assistance?
Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains has years of experience in clearing blocked drains in Sydney . We use advanced equipment and techniques such as hydrojetting and CCTV camera inspections that guarantee quality results with no future problems.
- Hydrojetting makes use of high-pressure streams water with specific angles that are suitable for various types of plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras offer us an inside look at what’s causing the issue within pipes, allowing us to deal with specific issues effectively.
Our licensed professionals will work on-site efficiently while keeping social distance during these Covid times while cleaning up after the task is 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 do I know that I require help from a professional to unblock a drain?
If you’ve tried basic DIY methods like plunging or using drain cleaning products but have not had any success is it time to get professional assistance. Other signs include slow draining sinks and odors that smell foul coming from drains, sounds of gurgling, and water backup.
Is it safe to employ chemical drain cleaners in the removal of blockages?
Chemical drain cleaners can be dangerous and hazardous to you as well as the environment. It is recommended to try other DIY techniques before using potentially harmful chemicals. Employing a professional plumber will ensure that you receive safe and effective solutions without the risk of exposing yourself or your surroundings to harm.
Could blocked drains cause long-term damage to my property?
Unblocking drains can result in serious long-term 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 employed by plumbing professionals to clear drains that are blocked?
Professional plumbers employ various techniques including hydro jetting which uses high-pressure water streams and drain snake machines which clear obstructions by cutting or cutting up particles.
How much does it cost to hire a plumbing company like Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains for clearing blocked drains?
The cost of clearing a blocked drain depends on aspects like how bad the blockage is, what type of procedure is required for unblocking (e.g. hydro jetting or snaking) and how accessible you are to the drain system. We recommend contacting the team of Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains for an initial assessment over the phone, or set up an appointment so that we can decide which alternatives are the most effective for your particular situation.
Don’t leave your clogged drain issue untreated, call Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains today for quality service.
Additional Information
- A Comprehensive Manual to Clearing Pipes: Which Plumbers Use
- The Ultimate Guide to Drain Clearing Services
- The Ultimate Guide to Unclogging Your Drain Without Professional Help
- Do-It-Yourself Drain Cleaning: Effective Tips for Avoiding Clogs in Your House
- 5 Tips to Keep Your Drains Flowing
- Blockage of Drains: Plumber Tips and Solutions
- DIY Designed Simple: Easily Clear Your Clogged Drains
- What You Need to Know About Blocked Drains and How to Resolve Them
- Unclogging Your Pipe: High-quality Drainage Remedies
- Understanding CCTV Drain Inspection and the Benefits for Your Home
