Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a typical issue that can disrupt our daily lives. While most of us try to solve the problem on our own, some stubborn blockages need professional help. In this post we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of clearing blocked drains on your own versus having professional help.
Key Takeaways
- The blockages that are not too severe can be eliminated using simple home remedies
- Before you attempt any solution ensure you have the correct tools at disposal: gloves, plunger or plunger, baking soda (baking soda), vinegar/citric Acid
- DIY techniques for clearing blocked drains include Boiling Water, Baking Soda
How do you unblock a drain?
Some minor blockages can be cleared with simple techniques at home. If you observe any of these signs, you could try using these techniques before calling professionals:
Sinks and bathtubs that are slow draining
If water isn’t going through the drains as quickly the way it is supposed to there might be a tiny blockage. Make use of a plunger eliminate any debris blocking the drain.
The smells are unpleasant
The smell that is emanating from your bathtub or sink can suggest trapped food or hair that is causing the blockage. Try pouring boiling hot water with vinegar into your bathtub or sink in order to dissolve any residue buildup.
Noises of gurgling
When air is trapped inside your pipes because of the blockage, it produces bubbling sounds as water goes through to the drain. By using baking soda in combination with hot water, and vinegar, you can clear any food particles that have accumulated around and hair.
What are the most common DIY methods for clearing blocked drains?
Before beginning any project be sure to have the correct tools at hand: gloves, plunger, baking soda, vinegar or citric acid.
Here are some proven methods to help you clear obstacles:
Boiling Water
Injecting hot water directly into your sink can help melt away solids like soap as well as grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction that occurs when mixing Baking Soda with Vinegar releases all kinds of gunk that has accumulated in your pipes.
Discharge Snake or Auger
Make use of Snakes or Augers to clear more severe blockages when plungers fail and boiling water fails.
Dry and Wet Vacuum
Utilize dry or wet vacuums to clear the obstruction by sucking the debris out of the drain directly.
When is it time to engage professionals?
If you’ve tried all DIY methods, and the blockage still persists you need to involve an expert. Here are some instances that need expert advice:
Blockages that recur
The cause of your blockages may not have been dealt with correctly. Engaging a team of experts makes sure that they find the root of the problem and address it.
Age of Plumbing System
Older plumbing systems are susceptible to damage caused by wear and external factors. A professional can tell if your plumbing system requires replacement, or if more simple solutions such as Hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting service) is sufficient.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Some clogs may contain dangerous materials like broken glass or chemicals that require specialized care. If you don’t want put yourself at risk of damage or injury to your pipes leaving this job to certified professionals.
Prevention is always better than Cure
It is always better to maintain drains rather than fixing them. The regular maintenance assists in preventing severe clogs from forming. Making changes in your lifestyle such as refraining from flushing hygiene products in the toilet, putting greasy substances leaking into sinks and regular CCTV inspections can help prevent blocking completely.
Why choose Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains for Professional Assistance?
Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains has years of experience in clearing blocked drains within Sydney . We utilize the latest equipment and techniques such as hydrojetting and CCTV camera inspections to ensure high-quality results and will not cause problems.
- Hydrojetting uses high-pressure streams of water that are angled to be suitable for different types of plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras offer us an inside look at the root of the problem within pipes, allowing us to fix specific problems correctly.
Our fully licensed experts will work on-site efficiently while keeping a social distance throughout these Covid times while cleaning up after the task 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 |
FAQs
How do I determine when I’m in need of professional help to unblock a blocked drain?
If you’ve tried the simplest DIY methods such as plunging and using drain cleaning products but have not had any success, then it’s the time to call a professional for assistance. Other signs include slow draining of sinks, foul odors coming from drains, loud gurgling sounds and water backup.
Can you safely employ chemical drain cleaners in getting rid of blockages?
Chemical drain cleaners are hazardous and harmful to both you and the environment. It is advisable to exhaust other DIY methods before using potentially harmful chemicals. Engaging a professional plumber guarantees that you receive the most effective and safe solutions, without placing yourself or the environment to risk.
Can blocked drains cause any permanent damage to my home?
The truth is that blocked drains can cause long-lasting damage such as water damage the growth of mold, burst pipes, sewage backup or even foundation damage. Seeking professional help in good time can prevent costly damage.
What are some methods used by plumbing professionals to unblock drains?
Professional plumbers use various methods like hydro jetting that utilizes high-pressure water streams and drain snakes that clear blockages by cutting through or breaking down the particles.
How much does it cost to engage a plumbing firm like Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains for clearing blocked drains?
The cost to clear an obstruction in the drain is contingent on the severity of the blockage is, what kind of method is needed to remove the blockage (e.g., hydro jetting or snaking) and how accessible the drainage device is. We recommend contacting our team at Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains for an initial assessment over the phone, or make an appointment to ensure that we know what options will work best for your specific situation.
Don’t leave your clogged drain situation helpless, contact Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains today for quality service.
Additional Information
- Understanding CCTV Drain Inspection and the Benefits for Your Home
- Mastering High Pressure Drain Cleaning Completely
- Uncovering Hidden Damage with a Professional CCTV Drain Inspection
- Resolve your blocked drain emergency with the finest plumber available
- CCTV Drain Inspection Technology: Detecting Corrosion in Sewer Pipes
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspection in Commercial Properties
- DIY Designed Simple: Easily Clear Your Clogged Drains
- Don't Allow Clogged Drains Ruins Your Day: Hacks to Try Out
- The Ultimate Checklist for a Smooth-flowing CCTV Drain Inspection Experience
- Do-It-Yourself Drain Cleaning: Effective Tips for Avoiding Clogs in Your House
