Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a typical issue which can affect our daily life. While most of us try to fix the issue on our own but some blocked drains require professional assistance. In this post we’ll look at the advantages and disadvantages of removing blocked drains by yourself versus having professional help.
Key Takeaways
- Certain minor blockages can be removed with simple strategies at home
- Before beginning any work be sure to have the appropriate tools at fingertips: plunger, gloves, baking soda and vinegar/citric acid
- DIY techniques for clearing drainage obstructions include Boiling the water Baking Soda
When should you attempt to clean a blocked drain?
The majority of minor blockages can easily be cleared using simple techniques at home. If you observe any of the signs below, you could try using these techniques prior to calling professionals:
Sinks and bathtubs that are slow draining
If water is not going down the drain as fast as it should, there might be a minor blockage. Use a plunger to eliminate any debris blocking the drain.
Infuriating odors
A sour smell coming from your sink or bathtub can suggest trapped food or hair which is causing the blockage. Try pouring boiling hot water with vinegar into your sink or bathtub to remove any buildup of residue.
The sound of gurgling
If air becomes trapped in your pipes due to obstruction, it creates noises that bubble as water flows down into the drain. By using baking soda in combination with hot water, and vinegar, you can clear any buildup around food particles and hair.
What are some common DIY methods to clear blocked drains?
Before trying any method ensure you are equipped with the appropriate tools at hand: gloves, plunger, baking soda, vinegar/citric acid.
Here are some efficient ways 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 caused by mix Baking Soda and Vinegar releases all kinds of gunk stuck in your pipes.
Drain Snake or Auger
Make use of Snakes or Augers for larger blockages if plungers and boiling water do not work.
Wet/Dry Vacuum
Use wet/dry vacuums to remove the obstruction by sucking the material out of the drain in a direct manner.
Is it time to call in professionals?
If you’ve tried all DIY techniques, but your blockage is still there It’s time to seek out professionals. Here are some instances which require the assistance of a professional:
Recurring Blockages
The root of your blockages might not have been dealt with correctly. Engaging a team of experts will ensure that they are able to identify and resolve any issues that are underlying.
Age of Plumbing System
Older plumbing systems are susceptible to damage due to wear and environmental factors. Professionals can assess whether the pipeline is in need of replacement or whether simpler options like the use of hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting service) will suffice.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Some clogs may contain dangerous materials like broken glass or chemicals that require special attention. If you don’t want be at risk of injury or damage to your pipes confiding this task to qualified experts.
Prevention is Better Than Cure
It is always more beneficial to prevent drains from becoming blocked rather than repair them. Routine maintenance will prevent clogs of a severe nature from developing. Making lifestyle changes such as not flushing hygiene products into the toilet, not dumping greasy substances into sinks, having regular CCTV inspections, can avoid blocking 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 technology and methods such as hydrojetting and cameras that are inspected by CCTV to guarantee top-quality results without issues.
- Hydrojetting uses high-pressure streams of water at specific angles suitable for different types of plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras provide an inside look at the root of the problem within pipes, which allows us to address specific issues effectively.
Our licensed professionals will work on-site efficiently while keeping social distance during these Covid times, while cleaning up after the task 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 |
FAQs
How do I determine whether I require professional assistance to clear a blocked drain?
If you’ve tried the basic DIY methods such as plunging or using drain cleaning solutions, but you haven’t had success Then it’s the time to call a professional for assistance. Other signs include sinks that aren’t draining as fast, foul odors coming from drains, noises of gurgling as well as water back-up.
Can you safely use chemical drain cleaners for the removal of obstructions?
Chemical drain cleaners are harmful and dangerous to you as well as the environment. It is advised to explore other DIY methods before making use of potentially harmful chemicals. Employing a professional plumber will ensure that you will receive the most effective and safe solutions, without the risk of exposing yourself or your surroundings to risk.
Do blocked drains cause long-term damage to my property?
The truth is that blocked drains could result in long-term, serious damage such as water damage, the growth of mold, burst pipes as well as sewage backup and foundation damage. Getting help from a professional in the right time can avoid costly damages.
What are some techniques used by plumbers to clear blocked drains?
Professional plumbers utilize a variety of techniques including hydro jetting which uses high-pressure water streams as well as drain snake machines that eliminate blockages by cutting through or breaking up debris.
What is the cost to employ a plumbing service 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 blockage is, what kind of method is needed for unblocking (e.g., Snaking or hydro-jetting) and how easily the drainage device is. It is recommended to call one of our representatives at Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber for an initial assessment over the phone, or make an appointment to ensure that we can decide which methods are best suited to your situation.
Don’t let your drain clogged situation in the dark, contact Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber today for quality service.
Additional Information
- The DIY Guide: Clear Your Clogged Drains in No Time Flat
- Avoiding Clogged Drains: Tips for Homeowners
- Why Trenchless Pipe Relining is the Future of Condominium Plumbing
- How to Prevent Your Drains from Getting Blocked
- Future-Proofing Your Plumbing System with CCTV Drain Inspection
- Becoming Proficient in Plumbing Remedies for Stubborn Clogged Drains
- Get rid of a Clogged Shower Drain with The subsequent Step-by-Step Tutorial
- Preventing Leaks and Blockages: Understanding Pipe Relining Services
- Uncovering the Main Causes of Blocked Drains
- Warning Signs You May Need a CCTV Drain Inspection for Your Commercial Property
