Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a typical issue that can disrupt our everyday life. Although most of us attempt to solve the problem by ourselves but some blocked drains require professional assistance. In this post we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of clearing blocked drains on your own versus hiring a professional.
Key Takeaways
- Certain minor blockages can be removed with simple methods at home
- Before attempting any solutions ensure you are equipped with the proper tools at fingertips: plunger, gloves, baking soda, vinegar/citric acid
- DIY methods to clear obstructions in drains are Boiling Wasser, Baking Soda
How do you clear a blocked drain?
A few minor blockages can be eliminated using simple methods at home. If you are noticing any of the following signs, you could try using these methods before calling in experts:
Slow draining bathtubs or sinks
If the water isn’t moving through the drains as quickly the way it is supposed to there might be a minor blockage. Use a plunger to push out any debris blocking the pipe.
Infuriating odors
A strong smell emanating from your bathtub or sink can suggest trapped food or hair which is causing the obstruction. Pour boiling water with vinegar in the bathtub or sink to break up any residue that has accumulated.
The sound of gurgling
If air is trapped in your pipes because of the blockage, it produces popping sounds as water flows through the drain. By using baking soda in combination with hot water, in conjunction with vinegar will help to remove the food particles and hair.
What are some common DIY methods for clearing blocked drains?
Before beginning any project, make sure you are equipped with the appropriate tools at your disposal: gloves plunger, baking soda, vinegar or citric acid.
Here are a few effective methods that can help clear obstructions:
Boiling Water
The addition of hot water directly to the sink will aid in melting away solids such as soap, or grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction triggered by mix Baking Soda and Vinegar dislodges all sorts of gunk that has accumulated in your pipes.
Drain Snake or Auger
Utilize Snakes or Augers to remove more serious blockages when plungers and boiling water do not work.
Dry and Wet Vacuum
Make use of dry and wet vacuums for removing the obstruction by sucking the blockage material out of the drain directly.
Is it time to bring in experts?
If you’ve tried every DIY strategies, and your blockage is still there, then it’s time to call in an expert. Here are some instances that require seeking professional expertise:
Recurring Blockages
The root of your blockages may not have been fixed correctly. Employing a professional team guarantees that they will be able to find the root of the problem and address it.
Older Plumbing System
Older plumbing systems are susceptible to damage due to wear and external factors. A professional can tell if the pipeline is in need of replacement or whether simpler options like hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting process) is sufficient.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Some clogs may contain dangerous materials like broken glass or chemicals which require special care. If you don’t wish to risk injury or damage to your pipes giving this task to certified professionals.
Prevention is always better than Cure
It is always better to keep drains clean rather than fix them. Routine maintenance can prevent clogs that are severe from developing. Making lifestyle changes like not flushing hygiene products down the toilet, greasy substances into sinks, or having regular CCTV examinations can stop blockages completely.
Why Choose Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber for Professional Assistance?
Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber has years of experience in clearing blocked drains within Sydney . We use the most modern equipment and techniques such as hydrojetting and CCTV camera inspections that ensure quality results with no future problems.
- Hydrojetting uses high-pressure streams of water at specific angles suitable for various types of plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras provide us with an inside view of the issues that are causing problems in pipes, allowing us to fix specific problems effectively.
Our experts who are licensed will be on-site quickly and efficiently, keeping a social distance throughout these Covid moments, and cleaning up after the job is complete.
| 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 whether I require professional assistance to unblock a drain?
If you’ve tried the basic DIY methods like plunging and using drain cleaning solutions, but you haven’t had success It’s time to get professional assistance. Other signs include slow draining of sinks or pipes, odors of foul-smelling coming from the drains, loud gurgling sounds or water back up.
Can you safely employ chemical drain cleaners in clearing obstructions?
Chemical drain cleaners are harmful and dangerous to you as well as the environment. It is recommended to try other DIY methods before using potentially harmful chemicals. Hiring a professional plumber ensures that you receive the most effective and safe solutions, without the risk of exposing yourself or your surroundings to danger.
Are blocked drains causing any lasting damage to my property?
The truth is that blocked drains could cause long-lasting damage such as water damage the growth of mold, burst pipes, sewage backup or even foundation damage. Consulting a professional at the right time will avoid costly damages.
What are some of the methods that plumbers employ to clear blocked drains?
Professional plumbers employ a variety of methods like hydro jetting which utilizes high-pressure water streams, as well as drain snake machines, which eliminate obstructions by cutting or breaking down the particles.
What is the cost to employ a plumbing service similar to Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber for clearing blocked drains?
The cost to clear an obstruction in the drain is contingent on the severity of the blockage is, which kind of process is needed for unblocking (e.g., hydro jetting or snaking) and how easily your drainage system is. We recommend contacting one of our representatives at Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber for an initial assessment over the phone, or set up an appointment so that we can decide which solutions are most appropriate for your situation.
Don’t make your clogged drain situation in the dark, contact Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber today for quality service.
Additional Information
- Common Drain Cleaning Mistakes You Need to Avoid
- Stop clogs easily with these incredible remedies
- Effective Tips for Unclogging Your Drains and Keeping a Blockage-Free Home
- Speed Up Drain Cleaning with High Pressure Processes
- How CCTV Drain Inspections Help Avoid Water Damage and Health Hazards
- Why Trenchless Pipe Relining is the Future of Condominium Plumbing
- DIY Tips for Unclogging Your Shower Drain Without Harsh Chemicals
- Ways to Confirm & Detect a Obstructed Pipeline
- The DIY Guide: Clear Your Clogged Drains in No Time Flat
- Don't Let These Common Mistakes Clog Your Pipes
