Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a frequent issue that can disrupt our daily lives. Although most of us attempt to fix the issue by ourselves, some stubborn blockages need professional help. In this article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of clearing blocked drains on your own versus having professional help.
Key Takeaways
- Certain minor blockages can be eliminated using simple home remedies
- Before beginning any work ensure you have the correct tools at disposal: gloves, plunger or plunger, baking soda (baking soda), vinegar/citric Acid
- DIY methods for clearing obstructions in drains are Boiling the water Baking Soda
When should you attempt to clean a blocked drain?
Certain minor blockages can be cleared with simple techniques at home. If you are noticing any of the following symptoms then you can try these techniques before calling professionals:
Slow draining bathtubs or sinks
If water isn’t going down the drain as fast that it would, there might be a tiny blockage. Make use of a plunger eliminate any debris clogging up the pipe.
Odors that are unpleasant
The smell that is emanating from your tub or sink could indicate food debris or hair, causing the blockage. Pour boiling water with vinegar into the bathtub or sink to eliminate any residue.
Noises of gurgling
If air is trapped in your pipes as a result of the blockage, it produces bubbling sounds as water goes through into the drain. Using baking soda and hot water followed by vinegar can unclog the food particles and hair.
What are some typical DIY methods for clearing blocked drains?
Before attempting any solutions, make sure you have the right tools on fingertips: gloves, plunger, baking soda vinegar or citric acid.
Here are some proven methods to remove obstructions:
Boiling Water
Pouring hot water directly in the sink will help melt off solids such as soap and grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction that occurs when mixing Baking Soda and Vinegar loosens up all sorts of gunk that has accumulated in your pipes.
Drain Snake or Auger
Make use of Snakes or Augers for larger blockages if plungers and boiling water do not work.
Wet/Dry Vacuum
Use dry and wet vacuums to eliminate the obstruction by sucking the material out of the drain in a direct manner.
When is the right time to bring in experts?
If you’ve tried every DIY methods, and the issue persists It’s time to call in professionals. Here are a few instances that need expert advice:
Blockages that recur
The root cause for the blockages might not have been properly addressed. Hiring a team of professionals will ensure that they are able to identify and fix any underlying issues.
Age of Plumbing System
The older plumbing systems are more susceptible to damage caused by wear and other external elements. Professionals can assess whether your pipe requires replacement or more straightforward options like hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting process) can suffice.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Some clogs contain hazardous materials such as broken glass or chemicals that require specific care. If you don’t want risk injury or damage to your pipes, consider confiding this task to qualified professionals.
Prevention is always better than Cure
It is always better to keep drains clean rather than fix them. Regular maintenance assists in preventing severe clogs from developing. Making changes in your lifestyle such as not flushing hygiene products into the toilet, not dumping greasy substances in sinks, and having a regular CCTV inspection can 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 utilize the latest technology and techniques, including hydrojetting and cameras that are inspected by CCTV to guarantee 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 provide us with an inside view of the issues that are causing problems in pipes, which allows us to address specific issues efficiently.
Our licensed professionals can be on site efficiently, while keeping a social distance throughout 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 |
Frequently Asked Question
How can I tell when I’m in need of professional help to unblock a clogged drain?
If you’ve tried basic DIY solutions like plunging or using drain cleaning solutions, but you haven’t had success Then it’s time to seek professional help. Other signs include sinks that don’t drain as quickly, foul odors coming from drains, sounds of gurgling, along with water backup.
Can you safely make use of chemical drain cleaners for removing blockages?
Chemical drain cleaners can be hazardous and harmful to both you as well as the environment. It is advisable to exhaust other DIY methods before resorting to chemical drain cleaners that can be harmful. Hiring a professional plumber ensures that you get safe and effective solutions without the risk of exposing yourself or your surroundings to risk.
Are blocked drains causing any permanent damage to my home?
Yes, blocked drains could cause serious damage over the long term such as water damage, burst pipes, mold growth, sewage backup or even foundation damage. A professional’s assistance in a timely time can avoid costly damages.
What are some of the methods employed by plumbing professionals to clear drains that are blocked?
Professional plumbers use various methods including hydro jetting which uses high-pressure water streams, as well as drain snake machines that eliminate obstructions by cutting or breaking down the debris.
How much does it cost to employ a plumbing service like Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains for clearing blocked drains?
The cost of clearing a blocked drain depends on the severity of the obstruction is, what kind of process is needed for unblocking (e.g., Snaking or hydro-jetting) and how easy access you are to the drain system. Contact the team of Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains for an initial assessment over the phone or schedule an appointment so that we can decide which alternatives are the most effective for your specific situation.
Don’t leave your clogged drain problem unsolved, call Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains today for quality service.
Additional Information
- Do-It-Yourself Drain Cleaning: Effective Tips for Avoiding Clogs in Your House
- Clearing Blockages Made Easy: The Benefits of Blocked Drain Jetting
- What You Need to Know About Blocked Drains and How to Resolve Them
- Don't Allow Clogged Drains Ruins Your Day: Hacks to Try Out
- The Ultimate Guide to Drain Clearing Services
- Future-Proofing Your Plumbing System with CCTV Drain Inspection
- 5 Tips to Keep Your Drains Flowing
- Save Future Expenses with CCTV Drain Inspection for Home Buyers
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspection in Commercial Properties
- Investigating the Factors that Result in Blocked Drains
