Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a common problem which can affect our daily life. While many of us try to solve the problem by ourselves, some stubborn blockages require professional help. In this article we will discuss the pros and cons of clearing blocked drains by yourself versus hiring a professional.
Key Takeaways
- Some minor blockages can be removed with simple home remedies
- Before you attempt any solution, make sure you are equipped with the proper tools at hand: gloves, plunger, baking soda, vinegar/citric acid
- DIY methods to clear blocked drains include Boiling Wasser, Baking Soda
What are the ideal times to clear a blocked drain?
Certain minor blockages can be cleared with simple techniques at home. If you notice any of the signs below then you can try these techniques before calling professionals:
Slow draining bathtubs or sinks
If the water isn’t flowing down the drain as swiftly as it should, there might be a minor blockage. Use a plunger to remove any debris blocking the drain.
The smells are unpleasant
A strong smell emanating from your sink or bathtub could indicate food debris or hair that is causing the blockage. Try pouring boiling water mixed with vinegar in your bathtub or sink to dissolve any residue buildup.
Gurgling noises
If air becomes trapped in your pipes as a result of the blockage, it produces the sound of bubbling as water flows through to 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 methods for clearing blocked drains?
Before you attempt any solution be sure to have the correct tools at your disposal: gloves plunger, baking soda vinegar/citric acid.
Here are some proven methods that can help clear obstructions:
Boiling Water
Pouring hot water directly in your sink can help melt away any solids, such as soap as well as grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction triggered by mixing Baking Soda and Vinegar releases all kinds of gunk that has accumulated in your pipes.
Discharge Snake or Auger
Make use of Snakes or Augers to prevent more severe blockages when plungers and boiling water do not work.
Vacuum Cleaner Wet/Dry
Use dry and wet vacuums to eliminate the blockage by suctioning the material out of the drain directly.
When is the right time to bring in experts?
If you’ve tried every DIY techniques, but the problem persists, then it’s time to engage an expert. Here are some instances which require the assistance of a professional:
Recurring Blockages
The cause of your blockages might not have been fixed correctly. Engaging a team of experts guarantees that they will be able to find and resolve any issues that are underlying.
Older Plumbing System
The older plumbing systems are more susceptible to damage due to wear and other external elements. The experts can help you determine whether your plumbing system requires replacement or more straightforward solutions like hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting service) can suffice.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Certain clogs are contaminated with hazardous substances like broken glass, chemicals or even broken glass that require specific care. If you don’t want to cause injury or damage to your pipes, you should consider confiding this task to qualified professionals.
Prevention is Better Than Cure
It is always more beneficial to prevent drains from becoming blocked rather than repair them. Regular maintenance will prevent clogs of a severe nature from developing. Making lifestyle changes like not flushing hygiene products in the toilet, putting greasy substances into sinks, having regular CCTV inspections, can avoid 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 within Sydney . We use advanced technology and techniques, including hydrojetting and cameras that are inspected by CCTV to guarantee quality results with no future issues.
- Hydrojetting utilizes high-pressure streams of water with specific angles that are suitable for a variety of plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras provide us with an inside look at what’s causing the problems within pipes, which allows us to fix specific problems properly.
Our licensed professionals will efficiently work on site while keeping a social distance throughout these Covid times while cleaning up after the work 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 Questions
What can I do to determine that I require help from a professional to unblock a blocked drain?
If you’ve tried the basic DIY methods like plunging or using drain cleaning solutions but aren’t getting results, then it’s time to get professional assistance. Other indicators include slow draining sinks or pipes, odors of foul-smelling coming from drains, noises of gurgling as well as water back-up.
Can you safely make use of chemical drain cleaners for removing obstructions?
Chemical drain cleaners are toxic and can be harmful to you as well as the environment. It is advisable to exhaust other DIY techniques before using potentially harmful chemicals. A professional plumber can ensure that you are getting reliable and safe solutions without exposing yourself or your environment to danger.
Are blocked drains causing any long-term damage to my home?
The truth is that blocked drains can result in serious long-term damage like water damage, burst pipes, mold growth and sewage backups, or even foundation damage. Getting help from a professional in the right time can avoid costly damages.
What are some of the methods that plumbers employ to unblock drains?
Professional plumbers use various methods like hydro jetting that utilizes high-pressure water streams, as well as drain snakes that clear obstructions by cutting or cutting up debris.
How much is it to engage a plumbing firm similar to Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains for clearing blocked drains?
The cost of clearing an obstruction in the drain is contingent on the severity of the blockage is, which type of procedure is required for unblocking (e.g. Hydro jetting, or even snaking), and how accessible your drainage system is. It is recommended to call us at Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains for an initial assessment over the phone or make an appointment to ensure we can figure out what solutions are most appropriate for your situation.
Don’t leave your clogged drain issue untreated, call Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains today for quality service.
Additional Information
- The Ultimate Guide to Drain Clearing Services
- 5 Reasons Why You Should Hire Professionals for Drain Cleaning Services
- 5 Tips to Keep Your Drains Flowing
- Natural Methods for Clear Clogged Drains
- Unclogging Your Pipe: High-quality Drainage Remedies
- Clear Pipes Ahead: 10 Ways to Maintain Your Home Drain System Unobstructed
- The Advantage of CCTV Drain Inspection in Detecting Root Infiltration Early
- Prevent Blocked Drains Now: Know the Common Causes
- The Dangers of Using Chemical Drain Unblockers
- The Ultimate Checklist for a Smooth-flowing CCTV Drain Inspection Experience
