Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a regular issue that can disrupt our everyday life. Although most of us attempt to tackle the issue on our own but some blocked drains require professional assistance. In this post, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of clearing blocked drains by yourself versus getting help from a professional.
Key Takeaways
- The blockages that are not too severe can be cleared with simple methods at home
- Before trying any of the solutions make sure you are equipped with the proper tools at disposal: gloves, plunger baking soda, vinegar/citric acids, and baking soda
- DIY methods for clearing drains that are blocked include Boiling Water, Baking Soda
How do you clean a blocked drain?
Some minor blockages can be removed using simple techniques at home. If you spot any of the following symptoms, you could try using these techniques prior to calling professionals:
Sinks and bathtubs that are slow draining
If water is not going through the drains as quickly that it would, there might be a tiny blockage. You can try using a plunger get rid of any debris clogging up the pipe.
The smells are unpleasant
The smell that is emanating from your sink or bathtub can suggest trapped food or hair that is causing the blockage. Pour boiling water with vinegar into the bathtub or sink to dissolve any residue buildup.
The sound of gurgling
When air is trapped inside your pipes due to an obstruction, it can cause noises that bubble as water flows through the drain. Using baking soda and hot water, and vinegar, you can clear any accumulation of food particles and hair.
What are some typical DIY methods to clear blocked drains?
Before beginning any project ensure you have the proper tools at hand: gloves, plunger, baking soda, vinegar/citric acid.
Here are some effective ways to help you clear obstacles:
Boiling Water
Pouring hot water directly in the sink will aid in melting away solids such as soap or grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction caused by mixing Baking Soda along with Vinegar releases all kinds of gunk stuck in your pipes.
Drain Snake or Auger
Make use of Snakes or Augers to remove more severe blockages when plungers and boiling water fail.
Dry and Wet Vacuum
Utilize dry or wet vacuums to clear the blockage by suctioning the debris out of the drain directly.
When is the right time to call in professionals?
If you’ve tried all DIY techniques, but your blockage is still there, then it’s time to involve the help of a professional. Here are a few scenarios that need expert advice:
Recurring Blockages
The root cause of your blockages may not have been dealt with correctly. The hiring of a professional team makes sure that they find and fix any underlying issues.
Older Plumbing System
The older plumbing systems are more susceptible to damage due to wear and environmental factors. Professionals can assess whether your plumbing system requires replacement, or if more simple solutions such as hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting service) can suffice.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Some clogs contain hazardous materials like chemicals or broken glass that require special attention. If you don’t want cause injury or damage to your pipes, consider confiding this task to qualified professionals.
Prevention is better than Cure
It is always more beneficial to maintain drains than fixing them. Routine maintenance helps prevent severe clogs from forming. Making lifestyle changes such as not flushing toiletries into the toilet, not dumping greasy substances into sinks, or having regular CCTV inspections, can avoid obstructions completely.
Why Choose Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers for Professional Assistance?
Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers has years of experience in clearing blocked drains within Sydney . We employ the most advanced technology and methods such as hydrojetting and CCTV camera inspections that ensure high-quality results and will not cause issues.
- Hydrojetting is the process of delivering high-pressure streams water with specific angles that are suitable to various plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras give us an insight into the root of the problem within pipes, allowing us to address specific issues correctly.
Our experts who are licensed can be on site efficiently, while ensuring social distancing throughout these Covid times, while cleaning up after the work is done.
| 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
What can I do to determine if I need professional help to unblock a drain?
If you’ve tried the simplest DIY solutions like plunging or using drain cleaning solutions with no success is it time to consult a professional. Other indicators include slow draining of sinks as well as odors of foul smells emanating from the drains, noises of gurgling or water back up.
Is it safe to employ chemical drain cleaners in the removal of obstructions?
Chemical drain cleaners can be hazardous and harmful to both you as well as the environment. It is advisable to exhaust other DIY strategies before using potentially harmful chemicals. Employing a professional plumber will ensure that you are getting reliable and safe solutions without you or your family members to danger.
Do blocked drains cause long-term damage to my property?
Unblocking drains could result in serious long-term damage such as water damage, cracking pipes, growth of mold in the sewage system, and even foundation damage. Getting help from a professional in the right time can prevent costly damage.
What are some of the methods used by plumbing professionals to clear blocked drains?
Professional plumbers utilize a variety of techniques like hydro jetting that utilizes high-pressure water streams as well as drain snakes that clear obstructions by cutting or breaking down the pieces of debris.
How much is it to hire a plumbing company like Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers for clearing blocked drains?
The cost to clear the drain that is blocked depends on factors such as how severe the obstruction is, what kind of method is needed for clearing the obstruction (e.g. Hydro jetting, or even snaking), and how accessible you are to the drain system. Contact us at Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers for an initial evaluation over the phone or book an appointment so that we know what options will work best for your situation.
Don’t let your drain clogged situation in the dark, contact Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers today for quality service.
Additional Information
- Mastering Plumbing Remedies for Persistent Clogged Pipes
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections for Blocked Drains and Corroded Pipes
- Tips and Tricks for Fixing a Blocked Drain with Ease
- Why Calling a Pro for Drain Cleaning is Safer and Smarter
- Say Goodbye to Frequent Clogging: Reasons to Invest in Pipe Relining Services
- DIY Methods for Clearing Blocked Drains at Home
- What You Need to Know About Blocked Drains and How to Resolve Them
- Find the trusted plumber for your backed up drain emergency
- Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Cost-Effective Solution for Your Plumbing Needs
- CCTV Drain Inspection: A Cost-Effective Solution for Unblocking Blocked Drains
