Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a common problem that can disrupt our everyday life. Although most of us attempt to fix the issue on our own but there are certain blockages that need professional help. In this post we will look at the advantages and disadvantages of clearing blockages on your own or having professional help.
Key Takeaways
- Certain minor blockages are easily cleared by simple methods at home
- Before attempting any solutions ensure you have the appropriate tools at disposal: gloves, plunger or plunger, baking soda (baking soda), vinegar/citric Acid
- DIY methods for clearing drainage obstructions include Boiling Water, Baking Soda
What are the ideal times to unblock a drain?
A few minor blockages can be removed using simple techniques at home. If you spot any of the signs below then you can try these methods prior to calling professionals:
Slow draining sinks or bathtubs
If the water isn’t flowing through the drains as quickly the way it is supposed to there might be a tiny blockage. Use a plunger to get rid of any debris blocking the pipe.
Infuriating odors
A strong smell emanating from your tub or sink may indicate that food or hair, causing the obstruction. Try pouring boiling water with vinegar into your bathtub or sink to eliminate any residue.
Noises of gurgling
If air is trapped in your pipes as a result of a clog, it causes noises that bubble as water flows through to the drain. Utilizing baking soda and hot water solution and vinegar, you can clear any food particles that have accumulated around and hair.
What are the most common DIY methods to clear blocked drains?
Before trying any method be sure to have the right tools on hand: gloves, plunger, baking soda vinegar or citric acid.
Here are some efficient ways to clear obstacles:
Boiling Water
Pouring hot water directly in the sink will aid in melting away solids such as soap as well as grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction caused by mixing Baking Soda and Vinegar releases all kinds of gunk stuck to your pipes.
Discharge Snake or Auger
Utilize Snakes or Augers for larger blockages if plungers fail and boiling water fails.
Wet/Dry Vacuum
Use dry and wet vacuums to eliminate the obstruction by sucking the material out of the drain directly.
When is it the best time to bring in experts?
If you’ve tried all DIY techniques, but the blockage still persists, then it’s time to call in a professional. Here are some instances that require seeking professional expertise:
Blockages that recur
The root of the blockages might not have been addressed correctly. Hiring a team of professionals will ensure that they are able to identify the root of the problem and address it.
Age of Plumbing System
older plumbing systems are prone to damage caused by wear and other external elements. Professionals can assess whether your pipe requires replacement or if simpler options like the hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting service) is enough.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Some clogs have hazardous materials like chemicals or broken glass that require specific care. If you don’t want to put yourself at risk of damage or injury to your pipes, you should consider confiding this task to qualified professionals.
Prevention is better than Cure
It is always more beneficial to prevent drains from becoming blocked rather than repair them. A regular maintenance will prevent clogs of a severe nature from forming. Making lifestyle changes such as not flushing toiletries in the toilet, putting greasy substances in sinks, and having a regular CCTV inspections can help 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 ensure quality results with no future issues.
- Hydrojetting utilizes high-pressure streams of water that are angled to be suitable for a variety of plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras offer us an insight into the issues that are causing problems in pipes, allowing us to fix specific problems correctly.
Our experts who are licensed will efficiently work on site while keeping social distance during these Covid times while cleaning up after the job 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 |
FAQ
What can I do to determine whether I require professional assistance to unblock a drain?
If you’ve tried the simplest DIY techniques like plunging the drain and using cleaning solutions with no success, then it’s time to get professional assistance. Other signs include slow draining of sinks and odors that smell foul coming from the drains, noises of gurgling along with water backup.
Can you safely employ chemical drain cleaners to removing blockages?
Chemical drain cleaners are hazardous and harmful to both you and the environment. It is advisable to exhaust other DIY methods before resorting to chemical drain cleaners that can be harmful. Employing a professional plumber will ensure that you receive safe and effective solutions without placing yourself or the environment to harm.
Are blocked drains causing any permanent damage to my home?
The truth is that blocked drains can result in serious long-term damage like water damage, the growth of mold, burst pipes and sewage backups, or even foundation damage. A professional’s assistance in a timely time can prevent costly damage.
What are some of the methods employed by plumbing professionals to clear drains that are blocked?
Professional plumbers use various methods like hydro jetting which utilizes high-pressure water streams, as well as drain snake machines that eliminate obstructions by cutting through or breaking down particles.
How much will it cost to contract a plumbing company like Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber for clearing blocked drains?
The cost of clearing the drain that is blocked depends on factors such as how severe the obstruction is, what kind of technique is required for clearing the obstruction (e.g., Hydro jetting, or even snaking) and how easy access you are to the drain system. It is recommended to call us at Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber for an initial assessment over the phone or book an appointment so we can figure out what options will work best for your situation.
Don’t be apathetic and leave your drain situation in the dark, contact Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber today for quality service.
Additional Information
- Methods for Fix a Pipe Effortlessly: Guidance
- Future-Proofing Your Plumbing System with CCTV Drain Inspection
- Understanding CCTV Drain Inspection and the Benefits for Your Home
- Why Trenchless Pipe Relining is the Future of Condominium Plumbing
- Discover Why Jetting is the Perfect Solution for Your Blocked Drain Woes
- Avoiding Clogged Drains: Tips for Homeowners
- How to Detect a Blocked Drain in Your Home or Business
- Stop clogs easily with these incredible remedies
- The Ultimate Checklist for a Smooth-flowing CCTV Drain Inspection Experience
- Warning Signs You May Need a CCTV Drain Inspection for Your Commercial Property
