Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help

Blocked drains are a typical issue that can disrupt our daily lives. While we tend to try to solve the problem on our own, some stubborn blockages need professional help. In this post, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of clearing blocked drains on your own versus having professional help.
Key Takeaways
- A few minor blockages can be cleared with simple techniques at home
- Before you attempt any solution be sure to have the appropriate tools at disposal: gloves, plunger, baking soda and vinegar/citric acid
- DIY methods for clearing blocked drains include Boiling Wasser, Baking Soda
What is the best time to clear a blocked drain?
Some minor blockages can be removed using simple techniques at home. If you notice any of the following symptoms it is possible to try these techniques prior to calling experts:
Slow draining sinks or bathtubs
If water isn’t going down the drain in the same speed that it would, then there could be a small blockage. You can try using a plunger eliminate any debris blocking the pipe.
Unpleasant odors
A sour smell coming from your tub or sink may indicate that food or hair, causing the blockage. Pour boiling water with vinegar into your bathtub or sink in order to dissolve any residue buildup.
Gurgling noises
When air gets trapped in your pipes as a result of a clog, it causes bubbling sounds as water goes through in the drain. Using baking soda and hot water in conjunction with vinegar will help to remove any buildup around food particles and hair.
What are some of the most popular DIY methods to clear blocked drains?
Before attempting any solutions be sure to have the right tools on your disposal: gloves plunger, baking soda, vinegar or citric acid.
Here are some efficient ways to clear obstacles:
Boiling Water
Injecting hot water directly into your sink can help melt away any solids, such as soap or grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction triggered by mixing Baking Soda along with Vinegar releases all kinds of gunk stuck in your pipes.
The Drain Snake or Auger
Make use of Snakes or Augers for more severe blockages when plungers or boiling water fail.
Wet/Dry Vacuum
Utilize dry or wet vacuums to clear the obstruction by sucking the blockage material out of the drain directly.
When is it time to bring in experts?
If you’ve tried all DIY techniques, but the issue persists the issue is time to involve the help of a professional. Here are a few situations which require the assistance of a professional:
Recurring Blockages
The cause of your blockages might not have been fixed correctly. Engaging a team of experts makes sure that they find and correct any underlying problems.
Age of Plumbing System
older plumbing systems are prone to damage due to wear and external influences. Experts can determine if your pipe requires replacement, or if more simple options like hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting process) will suffice.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Some clogs have hazardous materials like chemicals or broken glass that require special attention. If you do not want to put yourself at risk of damage or injury to your pipes giving this task to certified experts.
Prevention is Better Than Cure
It is always more beneficial to maintain drains rather than fixing them. Routine maintenance can prevent clogs that are severe from forming. Making changes in your lifestyle such as eliminating the flushing of hygiene products into the toilet, not dumping greasy substances leaking into sinks and regular CCTV inspections can help prevent blockages completely.
Why should you choose Local Blocked Drains Sydney for Professional Assistance?
Local Blocked Drains Sydney has years of experience in clearing blocked drains in Sydney . We use advanced technology and techniques, including hydrojetting and cameras that are inspected by CCTV to guarantee top-quality results without issues.
- Hydrojetting is the process of delivering high-pressure streams water that are angled to be suitable for various types of plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras offer us an inside view of what’s causing the issue within pipes, which allows us to deal with specific issues properly.
Our fully licensed experts will be on-site quickly and efficiently, keeping a social distance throughout these Covid times while cleaning up after the work has been 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 the simplest DIY solutions like plunging or using drain cleaning solutions with no success is it time to get professional assistance. Other indicators include sinks that don’t drain as quickly and odors that smell foul coming from drains, noises of gurgling or water back up.
Is it safe to employ chemical drain cleaners to removing blockages?
Chemical drain cleaners can be toxic and can be harmful to you and the environment. It is advisable to exhaust other DIY strategies before making use of potentially harmful chemicals. Employing a professional plumber will ensure that you will receive secure and efficient solutions that aren’t placing yourself or the environment to danger.
Are blocked drains causing any long-term damage to my home?
The truth is that blocked drains could cause serious damage over the long term such as water damage leaky pipes, the growth of mold as well as sewage backup and foundation damage. Seeking professional help in good time will avoid costly damages.
What are some of the methods that plumbers employ to get rid of blocked drains?
Professional plumbers utilize a variety of techniques like hydro jetting which utilizes high-pressure water streams as well as drain snakes that clear blockages by cutting into or breaking down the particles.
How much will it cost to contract a plumbing company like Local Blocked Drains Sydney for clearing blocked drains?
The cost to clear an obstruction in the drain is contingent on the severity of the blockage is and what kind of technique is required for clearing the obstruction (e.g., Snaking or hydro-jetting) and how easy access the drainage device is. We recommend contacting our team at Local Blocked Drains Sydney for an initial evaluation over the phone or make an appointment to ensure that we know what alternatives are the most effective for your situation.
Don’t be apathetic and leave your drain situation in the dark, contact Local Blocked Drains Sydney today for quality service.
Additional Information
- Prevent Blocked Drains Now: Know the Common Causes
- Say Goodbye to Messy Plumbing Repairs with Trenchless Pipe Relining
- What to Know about Pipe Relining Services for Blocked Drains
- Keep Your Home Safe by Hiring a Professional Drain Cleaning Service
- Get Ready for Your Close-up: Tips on How to Prepare for a CCTV Inspection of Your Drains
- Clearing a Jammed Shower Drain: Go through This In-Depth Manual
- Clean Your Clogged Shower Drain the Green Way without Chemicals
- The Ultimate Guide to Pipe Relining: How to Select the Perfect Material
- Prevent Blocked Pipes: Proven Tricks You Can Try Right Now
- Find the best blocked drain solution you need right now