Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a common problem that can disrupt our daily lives. While most of us try to fix the issue on our own but some blocked drains need professional assistance. In this post we will look at the pros and cons of clearing blockages on your own or having professional help.
Key Takeaways
- The blockages that are not too severe can be removed with simple strategies at home
- Before you attempt any solution ensure you have the correct tools at fingertips: plunger, gloves baking soda, vinegar/citric acids, and baking soda
- DIY methods for clearing obstructions in drains are Boiling Wasser, Baking Soda
What is the best time to clear a blocked drain?
A few minor blockages can be removed using simple techniques at home. If you spot any of these signs then you can try these methods prior to calling professionals:
Sinks and bathtubs that are slow draining
If the water isn’t moving down the drain as fast as it should, then there could be a small blockage. Use a plunger to push out any debris blocking the pipe.
Unpleasant odors
The smell that is emanating from your sink or bathtub can suggest trapped food or hair that is causing the obstruction. Try pouring boiling water with vinegar in the bathtub or sink to remove any buildup of residue.
Noises of gurgling
When air is trapped inside your pipes because of an obstruction, it can cause popping sounds as water flows down the drain. By using baking soda in combination with hot water and vinegar, you can clear the food particles and hair.
What are some typical DIY ways to clear blocked drains?
Before trying any method be sure to have the proper tools at hand: gloves, plunger, baking soda, vinegar or citric acid.
Here are some proven methods to help you clear obstacles:
Boiling Water
Pouring hot water directly in your sink can aid in melting away solids such as soap or grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction that occurs when mix Baking Soda along with Vinegar will loosen all sorts of gunk that has accumulated in your pipes.
Drain Snake or Auger
Make use of Snakes or Augers for obstructions that are more severe when plungers and boiling water do not work.
Dry and Wet Vacuum
Use wet/dry vacuums to remove the blockage by suctioning this material from the drain directly.
When is it time to bring in experts?
If you’ve tried all DIY strategies, and your blockage is still there It’s time to engage an expert. Here are a few scenarios where you need the help of a professional:
Recurring Blockages
The root of your blockages may not have been dealt with correctly. Employing a professional team guarantees that they will be able to find and resolve any issues that are underlying.
Age of Plumbing System
The older plumbing systems are more susceptible to damage due to wear and external factors. A professional can tell if your plumbing system requires replacement, or if more simple options like the hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting process) is sufficient.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Some clogs have hazardous materials like broken glass, chemicals or even broken glass which require special care. If you don’t wish to cause injury or damage to your pipes, think about confiding this task to qualified experts.
Prevention is better than Cure
It is always better to maintain drains rather than fixing them. Regular maintenance helps prevent severe clogs from forming. Making changes to your lifestyle, such as refraining from flushing hygiene products into the toilet, not dumping greasy substances leaking into sinks and regular CCTV inspection can prevent 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 advanced technology and methods such as hydrojetting and CCTV camera inspections that guarantee excellent results, with no problems.
- Hydrojetting is the process of delivering high-pressure streams water angled at specific angles, which are ideal for various types of plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras offer us an inside view of the issues that are causing problems in pipes, allowing us to address specific issues properly.
Our licensed professionals will efficiently work on site while maintaining social distancing during these Covid moments, and cleaning up after the task 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 Question
How do I determine when I’m in need of professional help to unblock a blocked drain?
If you’ve tried basic DIY methods such as plunging or using drain cleaning solutions with no success It’s time to seek professional help. Other indicators include sinks that don’t drain as quickly and odors that smell foul coming from the drains, loud gurgling sounds and water backup.
Is it safe to use chemical drain cleaners for clearing obstructions?
Chemical drain cleaners can be toxic and can be harmful to you as well as the environment. It is advisable to exhaust other DIY strategies before chemical drain cleaners that can be harmful. Employing a professional plumber will ensure that you get the most effective and safe solutions, without exposing yourself or your environment to harm.
Are blocked drains causing any lasting damage to my property?
Unblocking drains could cause serious damage over the long term like water damage, leaky pipes, the growth of mold and sewage backups, or even foundation damage. Consulting a professional at the right time will avoid costly damages.
What are the methods that plumbers employ to clear blocked drains?
Professional plumbers utilize a variety of techniques such as hydro jetting, which makes use of high-pressure water streams, as well as drain snake machines that eliminate obstructions by cutting through or breaking down debris.
How much is it to hire a plumbing company like Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber for clearing blocked drains?
The cost of clearing the drain that is blocked depends on the severity of the blockage is, which kind of technique is required to remove the blockage (e.g. hydro jetting or snaking) and how easy access the drainage device is. We recommend contacting one of our representatives at Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber for an initial assessment over the phone or schedule an appointment so that we can determine what methods are best suited to your specific situation.
Don’t make your clogged drain problem unsolved, call Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber today for quality service.
Additional Information
- Wave Goodbye to Blocked Pipes: Simple Tricks to Apply
- Tips to Understand When it's Time to Pick Up the Phone for Professional Drain Cleaning
- Why Trenchless Pipe Relining is the Future of Condominium Plumbing
- Warning Signs You May Need a CCTV Drain Inspection for Your Commercial Property
- Methods for Fix a Pipe Effortlessly: Guidance
- How CCTV Drain Inspections Help Avoid Water Damage and Health Hazards
- Common Drain Cleaning Mistakes You Need to Avoid
- Why CCTV Drain Inspections Should Be Part of Your Regular Maintenance Routine
- Future-Proofing Your Plumbing System with CCTV Drain Inspection
- Why Regular Drain Cleaning Should Be Part of Your Home Maintenance Routine
