DIY Drain Cleaning: When to Call a Professional

Clogged drains are the most common issue in homes and can be caused by various things, like hair, soap scum, grease, and the roots of trees. Although many prefer solving the problem by themselves however, there are occasions when it is best to get help from professionals. In this article, we’ll explain when it is best to DIY drain cleaning and when you should seek help from professional plumber.
Key Takeaways
- Slow draining, gurgling noises and a foul smell indicate that your drain is in need of cleaning.
- Boiling baking soda, water, plunger and drain snake are DIY methods to unclog the drain.
- Always follow the instructions and wear a pair of gloves while attempting DIY methods.
- Ask for help from a professional Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers plumber if there are multiple clogs, no improvement after DIY attempts or unnoticed blockages caused by external factors such as tree roots.
- Professionals conduct CCTV drainage inspections to find specific blockage location preventing unnecessary repair costs.
A Sign Your Drain Needs Cleaning
Before you begin the cleaning process, it is important be aware of whether your drain needs to be cleaned up in the first place. Here are some signs which indicate that your drain requires attention:
Slow Draining
If you’re noticing that water has taken longer than usual for it to drain or isn’t draining at all, you need to look into. A slow draining shower or sink shower could indicate that there’s a blockage in your pipes.
Gurgling Noises
A gurgling sound emanating from drains are usually a sign of air trapped within the plumbing system. It could cause blockages, and must be examined as soon as it is possible.
Foul Odors
The accumulation of organic matter could produce unpleasant odors into your plumbing. If you notice something odd coming from your kitchen sink or bath, it’s likely that it’s time to wash.
When to do your own drain cleaning
There are numerous methods for unclogging a blocked drain which you can try by yourself:
Boiling Water
Boiling water is able to dissolve the majority of organic material causing blockages in pipes, but it cannot be employed with PVC pipes.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
A combination of vinegar and baking soda reacts, producing fizzing acids that cause the clogs that are stubborn to break up; pour boiling water into the clogs afterward to get flawless results.
Plunger
Plungers can work wonders with small clogs, especially those that block toilets or sinks. However, make sure that there’s no chemical residue in the fixture prior to using the plunger.
Drain Snake
If you believe that the blockage may be tucked at a distance of a few inches, you can utilize drain snakes. Insert it, and slowly rotate while pushing it forward until the blockage is cleared.
When you attempt any DIY cleaning methods, always be sure to read the directions carefully and use protective equipment such as gloves if needed.
When should you call for a Professional
Although DIY solutions can be successful in certain instances but there are instances when you need assistance from a certified Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers plumber:
Multiple Clogs
If multiple drains in your home backup with time, don’t try to solve the problem yourself. This could be due to issues in the main sewer line which require the expert knowledge of a plumber.
There is no improvement after DIY attempts.
If you’ve tried everything it’s not working, or if there is regular blockages, there may be more critical underlying plumbing issues requiring expert assistance prior to causing major damage.
Unseen Blockages
External factors like tree roots can cause blockages that are not noticed until the issue gets serious. Professionals perform CCTV drainage inspections, which pinpoint the location of the clog and eliminating unnecessary repair costs through tackling the issue without a guesswork.
Signs Your Drain Needs Cleaning | When To DIY Drain Cleaning | When To Call a Professional |
---|---|---|
Slow Draining | Boiling water | Multiple Clogs |
Gurgling Noises | Baking Soda and Vinegar | No Improvement After DIY Attempts |
Foul Odors | Plunger | Unseen Blockages |
Drain Snake |
Note: Always read the instructions carefully and wear protective gear where necessary while attempting any DIY cleaning methods.
FAQs
How do I know when I’m required to contact the services of a licensed plumber?
If you’ve tried several DIY methods and your drain remains blocked It’s time to call the experts in. Some signs that you need to contact a plumber include recurring blockages, slow drainage bubbling in the sink or toilet, when the water is pumped from a different source, or unpleasant odors emanating from the drains.
Are there any dangers to trying to unblock the drain on my own?
If you try to clear the drain in your home can create more harm than good. Use of harmful chemicals and inadequate tools can damage pipes, leading to expensive repairs in the future. If a blockage is not treated properly, it could result in water backups and health risks.
Which are the best DIY techniques to free my drain?
A few DIY ways to unclog drains are to use the plunger or plumbing snake pouring boiling waters down drains, or mixing baking soda and vinegar. While these strategies may work for small clogs, you should be cautious in attempting these methods.
Can I use chemical drain cleaners on my own?
While chemical drain cleaners could work initially, they can harm older pipes and cause them to weaken. In addition, many chemical cleaners contain harsh substances that can cause harm to humans and pets.
Why should I select Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers for my blocked drains requirements to Sydney ?
At Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers , we specialize in clearing blocked drains swiftly and affordably. Our expert team uses only the latest technologies in the field of CCTV cameras and hydro jetting machines to diagnose and solve your issues whilst leaving your property clean and tidy. Furthermore, as a local company servicing Sydney , we’re always near if you have any plumbing issues!
Conclusion
There are times when the DIY method can be effective in cleaning drainage clogs. However professionals have experience and tools to assess underlying problems preventing future troubles to ensure optimal hygiene always. If the professionals you are looking for seem like the kind of service you need for the perfect sanitary environment, seeking out their services might be the best option. Reach out to one of our Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers plumbers for timely efficient solutions with no fuss or stress on your part.
Additional Information
- Keeping Costly Drain Repairs at Bay with Routine Inspections
- Mastering Plumbing Remedies for Persistent Clogged Pipes
- Why Condo Complexes are Switching to Trenchless Pipe Relining Methods
- How to Clear Blocked Drains in Your Home
- Saving Time and Money with CCTV Drain Inspection for Drain Clearing
- From Clearing Clutter to Securing Access Points: The Preparations You Need for a Successful CCTV Drain Inspection
- Unclog Your Drains: Speedy Tricks to Try Out Right Now
- Understanding CCTV Drain Inspection and the Benefits for Your Home
- Clean Your Clogged Shower Drain the Green Way without Chemicals
- What You Need to Know About Blocked Drains and How to Resolve Them