Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help

Blocked drains are a common problem which can affect our daily lives. While most of us try to fix the issue on our own however, there are some blockages that require professional help. In this article we’ll look at the pros and cons of clearing blocked drains on your own versus getting help from a professional.
Key Takeaways
- A few minor blockages can be cleared with simple strategies at home
- Before attempting any solutions be sure to are equipped with the proper tools at hand: gloves, plunger or plunger, baking soda (baking soda), vinegar/citric Acid
- DIY methods to clear blocked drains include Boiling water, Baking Soda
How do you clear a blocked drain?
Certain minor blockages can be cleared with simple techniques at home. If you are noticing any of these signs then you can try these techniques prior to calling experts:
Sinks and bathtubs that are slow draining
If the water isn’t flowing through the drains as quickly the way it is supposed to then there might be a tiny blockage. You can try using a plunger eliminate any debris blocking the pipe.
The smells are unpleasant
A bad smell emanating from your bathtub or sink may indicate that food or hair, causing the blockage. Try pouring boiling hot water with vinegar in your bathtub or sink in order to remove any buildup of residue.
The sound of gurgling
If air becomes trapped in your pipes because of obstruction, it creates bubbling sounds as water goes through in the drain. Baking soda and a hot water, and vinegar, you can clear any buildup around food particles and hair.
What are some common DIY methods for clearing blocked drains?
Before you attempt any solution be sure to are equipped with the appropriate tools at your disposal: gloves plunger baking soda, vinegar/citric acid.
Here are some proven methods to clear obstacles:
Boiling Water
Pouring 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 the mixture of 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 to remove obstructions that are more severe when plungers and boiling water fail.
Dry and Wet Vacuum
Use wet/dry vacuums to remove the obstruction by sucking the material out of the drain in a direct manner.
When is it the best time to bring in experts?
If you’ve tried all DIY techniques, but the issue persists you need to engage an expert. Here are a few situations which require the assistance of a professional:
Blockages that recur
The root cause of the blockages might not have been fixed correctly. Employing a professional team makes sure that they find and fix any underlying issues.
Older Plumbing System
Older plumbing systems are susceptible to damage caused by wear and external factors. Experts can determine if your pipe requires replacement or more straightforward solutions such as the use of hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting process) can suffice.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Certain clogs are contaminated with hazardous substances like broken glass or chemicals that require specific care. If you don’t wish to put yourself at risk of damage or injury to your pipes, you should consider confiding this task to qualified experts.
Prevention is always better than Cure
It is always better to keep drains clean rather than fix them. A regular maintenance assists in preventing severe clogs from developing. Making changes in your lifestyle such as eliminating the flushing of hygiene products down the drain, putting grease substances leaking into sinks and regular CCTV inspection can prevent obstructions completely.
Why Choose Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber for Professional Assistance?
Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber has years of experience in clearing blocked drains in Sydney . We use advanced techniques and equipment, such as hydrojetting and cameras that are inspected by CCTV to guarantee high-quality results and will not cause problems.
- Hydrojetting uses high-pressure streams of water at specific angles suitable for a variety of plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras provide us with the insider’s view of the root of the problem within pipes, which allows us to address specific issues properly.
Our experts who are licensed can be on site efficiently, while keeping social distance during these Covid moments while cleaning up after the task has been 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 |
Common Questions and Answers
How do I determine when I’m in need of professional help to unblock a clogged drain?
If you have tried basic DIY solutions like plunges and drain cleaning solutions but aren’t getting results, then it’s time to seek professional help. Other indicators include slow draining of sinks or pipes, odors of foul-smelling coming from the drains, noises of gurgling as well as water back-up.
Is it safe to employ chemical drain cleaners to removing blockages?
Chemical drain cleaners can be hazardous and harmful to both you and the environment. It is best to test other DIY methods before chemical cleaners that could be harmful to the environment. Hiring a professional plumber ensures that you will receive reliable and safe solutions without placing yourself or the environment to danger.
Could blocked drains cause long-term damage to my property?
The truth is that blocked drains could cause serious damage over the long term including water damage, cracking pipes, growth of mold as well as sewage backup and foundation damage. Seeking professional help in good time can prevent costly damage.
What are some of the methods employed by plumbing professionals to unblock drains?
Professional plumbers use various methods including hydro jetting which uses high-pressure water streams and drain snake machines that eliminate obstructions by cutting through or breaking down the obstructions.
How much will it cost to engage a plumbing firm similar to Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber for clearing blocked drains?
The cost of clearing an obstruction in the drain is contingent on factors like how serious the blockage is, what kind of technique is required for clearing the obstruction (e.g. the use of hydro jets or snakes) and how accessible to your drains are. It’s best to contact our team at Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber for an initial assessment over the phone, or schedule an appointment so we can figure out what methods are best suited to your particular situation.
Don’t make your clogged drain problem unsolved, call Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber today for quality service.
Additional Information
- The DIY Guide: Clear Your Clogged Drains in No Time Flat
- The Ultimate Checklist for a Smooth-flowing CCTV Drain Inspection Experience
- Effective Tips for Unclogging Your Drains and Keeping a Blockage-Free Home
- Tips to Understand When it's Time to Pick Up the Phone for Professional Drain Cleaning
- Common Drain Cleaning Mistakes You Need to Avoid
- How CCTV Drain Inspections Help Avoid Water Damage and Health Hazards
- Self-Help Methods for Unclogging Clogged Drains in Your Home
- Methods for Fix a Pipe Effortlessly: Guidance
- CCTV Drain Inspection: The Future of Drain Cleaning Industry
- Understanding CCTV Drain Inspection and the Benefits for Your Home