Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a common problem which can affect our daily lives. While we tend to try to solve the problem on our own but some blocked drains need professional help. In this article we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of removing blocked drains by yourself versus having professional help.
Key Takeaways
- Some minor blockages are easily cleared by simple strategies 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 to clear obstructions in drains are Boiling the water Baking Soda
What is the best time to clean a blocked drain?
A few minor blockages can be removed using simple techniques at home. If you spot any of the following symptoms You can try these techniques prior to calling professionals:
Sinks that drain slowly or bathtubs
If the water isn’t moving through the drains as quickly as it should, then there might be a minor blockage. Make use of a plunger eliminate any debris clogging up the pipe.
The smells are unpleasant
A sour smell coming from your tub or sink may indicate that food or hair which is causing the blockage. Try pouring boiling water mixed with vinegar into your sink or bathtub to eliminate any residue.
Gurgling noises
If air is trapped in your pipes because of a clog, it causes the sound of bubbling as water flows through in the drain. Baking soda and a hot water solution in conjunction with vinegar will help to remove any buildup around food particles and hair.
What are the most common DIY ways to clear blocked drains?
Before you attempt any solution, make sure you are equipped with the appropriate tools at disposal: gloves, plunger, baking soda, vinegar/citric acid.
Here are some effective ways to remove obstructions:
Boiling Water
The addition of hot water directly to your sink can help melt off solids such as soap, or grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction triggered by mixing Baking Soda with Vinegar dislodges all sorts of gunk stuck to your pipes.
Discharge Snake or Auger
Use Snakes or Augers to remove larger blockages if plungers and boiling water fail.
Vacuum Cleaner Wet/Dry
Use dry and wet vacuums to eliminate the obstruction by sucking the material out of the drain in a direct manner.
When is it time to call in professionals?
If you’ve tried every DIY techniques, but your blockage is still there It’s time to involve an expert. Here are some instances that require seeking professional expertise:
Recurring Blockages
The root cause of the blockages might not have been dealt with correctly. Hiring a team of professionals guarantees that they will be able to find and fix any underlying issues.
The age of the Plumbing System
older plumbing systems are prone to damage due to wear and external factors. Experts can determine if your plumbing system requires replacement or more straightforward solutions like hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting process) can suffice.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Some clogs contain hazardous materials like broken glass, chemicals or even broken glass that require special attention. If you don’t wish to be at risk of injury or damage to your pipes, you should consider giving this task to certified professionals.
Prevention is Better Than Cure
It is better to maintain drains than fixing them. Routine maintenance can prevent clogs that are severe from forming. Making lifestyle changes like refraining from flushing hygiene products down the toilet, greasy substances in sinks, and having a regular CCTV inspections, can avoid blockages completely.
Why should you 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 to ensure excellent results, with no problems.
- Hydrojetting uses high-pressure streams of water that are angled to be suitable for various types of plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras offer us an inside view of the issues that are causing problems in pipes, which allows us to address specific issues properly.
Our certified experts will work on-site efficiently while keeping a social distance throughout 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 |
FAQs
How can I tell if I need professional help to unblock a drain?
If you’ve tried the basic DIY techniques like plunging the drain and using cleaning solutions with no success, then it’s time to consult a professional. Other signs include slow draining of sinks, foul odors coming from drains, noises of gurgling and water backup.
Can you safely make use of chemical drain cleaners for the removal of obstructions?
Chemical drain cleaners are hazardous and harmful to both you as well as the environment. It is best to test other DIY techniques before making use of potentially harmful chemicals. Engaging a professional plumber guarantees that you are getting secure and efficient solutions that aren’t placing yourself or the environment to danger.
Can blocked drains cause any long-term damage to my property?
In fact, water drains that are blocked could cause long-lasting damage such as water damage, cracking pipes, growth of mold as well as sewage backup and foundation damage. Consulting a professional at the right time can avoid costly damages.
What are the methods used by plumbing professionals to clear drains that are blocked?
Professional plumbers utilize a variety of techniques such as hydro jetting, which makes use of high-pressure water streams, as well as drain snakes that clear blockages by cutting into or breaking down the debris.
How much does it cost to engage a plumbing firm similar to Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber for clearing blocked drains?
The cost of clearing a blocked drain depends on the severity of the blockage is, which kind of technique is required to remove the blockage (e.g. Hydro jetting, or even snaking), and how accessible your drainage system is. Contact one of our representatives at Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber for an initial assessment over the phone or set up an appointment so we can figure out what solutions are most appropriate for your situation.
Don’t let your drain clogged situation in the dark, contact Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber today for quality service.
Additional Information
- Don't Let These Common Mistakes Clog Your Pipes
- Why Trenchless Pipe Relining is the Future of Condominium Plumbing
- Future-Proofing Your Plumbing System with CCTV Drain Inspection
- Discover the perfect plumber for your clogged drain crisis
- Uncovering the Main Causes of Blocked Drains
- Avoiding Clogged Drains: Tips for Homeowners
- CCTV Drain Inspection: The Future of Drain Cleaning Industry
- How to Prevent Your Drains from Getting Blocked
- Ensuring the Longevity of Your Business's Pipes with Regular Drain Inspections
- Avoid Drain Blockages: Tips to Steer Clear of These 5 Common Triggers
