Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a typical issue which can affect our daily lives. Although most of us attempt to tackle the issue on our own however, there are some blockages that require professional help. In this article we’ll look at the advantages and disadvantages of clearing blocked drains by yourself versus seeking professional assistance.
Key Takeaways
- Some minor blockages are easily cleared by simple strategies at home
- Before trying any of the solutions, make sure you are equipped with the proper tools at fingertips: plunger, gloves, baking soda, vinegar/citric acid
- DIY methods for clearing blocked drains include Boiling Wasser, Baking Soda
How do you clean a blocked drain?
A few minor blockages can be cleared with simple techniques at home. If you observe any of the following symptoms, you could try using these methods before calling in experts:
Slow draining sinks or bathtubs
If water isn’t going down the drain as fast as it should, there may be a slight blockage. Try using a plunger to remove any debris blocking the pipe.
Infuriating odors
A bad 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 break up any residue that has accumulated.
The sound of gurgling
When air gets trapped in your pipes because of a clog, it causes bubbling sounds as water goes through in the drain. Utilizing baking soda and hot water solution followed by vinegar can unclog any buildup around food particles and hair.
What are the most common DIY techniques for clearing blocked drains?
Before attempting any solutions be sure that you have the proper tools at fingertips: gloves, plunger, baking soda vinegar/citric acid.
Here are some efficient ways to remove obstructions:
Boiling Water
Injecting hot water directly into the sink will help melt away solids like soap as well as grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction caused by mix Baking Soda along with Vinegar will loosen all sorts of gunk stuck to your pipes.
Drain Snake or Auger
Use Snakes or Augers for obstructions that are more severe when plungers fail and boiling water fails.
Dry Vacuum Wet
Use wet/dry vacuums to remove the blockage by suctioning this material from the drain directly.
When is it time to call in professionals?
If you’ve tried all DIY methods, and your blockage is still there, then it’s time to involve the help of a professional. Here are some instances which require the assistance of a professional:
Blockages that recur
The root cause for your blockages may not have been fixed correctly. Employing a professional team guarantees that they will be able to find and fix any underlying issues.
Older Plumbing System
The older plumbing systems are more susceptible to damage caused by wear and other external elements. The experts can help you determine whether your pipeline needs replacement, or if more simple solutions like the use of hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting process) is enough.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Some clogs may contain dangerous materials like chemicals or broken glass that require special attention. If you don’t want to be at risk of injury or damage to your pipes, consider leaving this job to certified professionals.
Prevention is Better Than Cure
It is always more beneficial to prevent drains from becoming blocked rather than repair them. Routine maintenance helps prevent severe clogs from developing. Making changes in your lifestyle such as refraining from flushing hygiene products into the toilet, not dumping greasy substances in sinks, and having a 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 employ the most advanced technology and techniques, including hydrojetting and CCTV camera inspections to ensure top-quality results without problems.
- Hydrojetting utilizes high-pressure streams of water with specific angles that are suitable for a variety of plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras provide an insight into what’s causing the issue within pipes, which allows us to fix specific problems effectively.
Our licensed professionals will work on-site efficiently while keeping social distance during these Covid moments 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 |
Frequently Asked Question
How do I determine whether I require professional assistance to unblock a clogged 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 sinks that don’t drain as quickly, foul odors coming from drains, sounds of gurgling, or water back up.
Is it safe to make use of chemical drain cleaners for clearing blockages?
Chemical drain cleaners can be hazardous and harmful to both you as well as the environment. It is recommended to try other DIY methods before using potentially harmful chemicals. Engaging a professional plumber guarantees that you get secure and efficient solutions that aren’t the risk of exposing yourself or your surroundings to risk.
Can blocked drains cause any permanent damage to my home?
The truth is that blocked drains can cause long-lasting damage like water damage, burst pipes, mold growth and sewage backups, or even foundation damage. Seeking professional help in good time will prevent costly damages.
What are some methods used by plumbing professionals to clear blocked drains?
Professional plumbers employ a variety of methods such as hydro jetting, which makes use of high-pressure water streams, as well as drain snakes that clear obstructions by cutting through or cutting up particles.
How much does it cost to employ a plumbing service similar to Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains for clearing blocked drains?
The cost of clearing an obstruction in the drain is contingent on factors like how serious the blockage is and what kind of technique is required to clear the blockage (e.g., hydro jetting or snaking), and how accessible to your drains are. We recommend contacting our team at Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains for an initial assessment over the phone, or make an appointment to ensure that we can determine what methods are best suited to your situation.
Don’t let your drain clogged situation in the dark, contact Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains today for quality service.
Additional Information
- Understanding CCTV Drain Inspection and the Benefits for Your Home
- Do-It-Yourself Solutions for a Clogged Pipe: Tips and Tricks
- DIY Plumbing - A Step-by-Step Handbook to Clear Your Shower Drain
- Catching Drain Issues Early: The Benefits of Scheduling Regular Inspections for Your Business
- Resolve your blocked drain emergency with the finest plumber available
- Do-It-Yourself Drain Cleaning: Effective Tips for Avoiding Clogs in Your House
- Experience these proven remedies for unclogging your drain
- The Dangers of Using Chemical Drain Unblockers
- Prevent Blocked Drains Now: Know the Common Causes
- The Ultimate Guide to Drain Clearing Services
