Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a regular issue that can disrupt our daily life. While most of us try to resolve the issue by ourselves but some blocked drains need professional help. In this article we’ll look at the pros and cons of clearing blocked drains by yourself versus hiring a professional.
Key Takeaways
- Certain minor blockages can be removed with simple home remedies
- Before trying any of the solutions be sure to have the appropriate tools at fingertips: plunger, gloves, baking soda, vinegar/citric acid
- DIY techniques for clearing blocked drains include Boiling water, Baking Soda
What are the ideal times to unblock a drain?
A few minor blockages can be cleared using simple techniques at home. If you observe any of the following symptoms it is possible to try these techniques before calling experts:
Slow draining sinks or bathtubs
If the water isn’t moving down the drain as fast that it would, then there could be a small blockage. Try using a plunger to get rid of any debris that is clogging the pipe.
Unpleasant odors
A sour smell coming from your bathtub or sink could be a sign of food particles or hair which is causing the obstruction. Try pouring boiling water mixed with vinegar into your bathtub or sink in order to remove any buildup of residue.
The sound of gurgling
When air is trapped inside your pipes due to an obstruction, it can cause noises that bubble as water flows through to the drain. Baking soda and a hot water, as well as vinegar to unblock any accumulation of food particles and hair.
What are some common DIY methods to clear blocked drains?
Before you attempt any solution ensure you have the proper tools at fingertips: gloves, plunger, baking soda vinegar or citric acid.
Here are a few effective methods to clear obstacles:
Boiling Water
Pouring hot water directly in the sink will help melt away solids like soap or grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction that occurs when mixing Baking Soda as well as Vinegar loosens up all sorts of gunk stuck to your pipes.
Drain Snake or Auger
Make use of Snakes or Augers for obstructions that are more severe when plungers and boiling water do not work.
Dry Vacuum Wet
Use dry and wet vacuums to eliminate the blockage by suctioning the blockage material out of the drain in a direct manner.
When is it time to call in professionals?
If you’ve tried every DIY methods, and the problem persists the issue is time to engage professionals. Here are a few instances that need expert advice:
Blockages that recur
The cause of the blockages might not have been fixed correctly. Hiring a team of professionals will ensure that they are able to identify and resolve any issues that are underlying.
Age of Plumbing System
Older plumbing systems are vulnerable to damage due to wear and other external elements. Experts can determine if your pipeline needs replacement or if simpler solutions such as the hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting service) is sufficient.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Certain clogs are contaminated with hazardous substances like chemicals or broken glass that require specialized care. If you don’t wish to risk injury or damage to your pipes, think about the job being left to trained professionals.
Prevention is more effective than Cure
It is always more beneficial to maintain drains than fixing them. The regular maintenance will prevent clogs of a severe nature from forming. Making lifestyle changes like not flushing hygiene products down the toilet, greasy substances leaking into sinks and regular CCTV inspection can prevent obstructions completely.
Why Choose Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing for Professional Assistance?
Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing has years of experience in clearing blocked drains in Sydney . We utilize the latest technology and techniques, including hydrojetting and cameras that are inspected by CCTV to guarantee quality results with no future issues.
- Hydrojetting uses high-pressure streams of water at specific angles suitable for various types of plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras provide us with an insight into the root of the problem within pipes, which allows us to address specific issues effectively.
Our certified experts will work on-site efficiently while keeping social distance during these Covid moments while cleaning up once the job 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 |
FAQs
What can I do to determine if I need professional help to clear a blocked drain?
If you have tried basic DIY methods such as plunging the drain and using cleaning products but have not had any success It’s time to consult a professional. 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.
Can you safely employ chemical drain cleaners in the removal of obstructions?
Chemical drain cleaners are dangerous and hazardous to you and the environment. It is recommended to try other DIY strategies before making use of potentially harmful chemicals. Engaging a professional plumber guarantees that you get reliable and safe solutions without the risk of exposing yourself or your surroundings to harm.
Can blocked drains cause any lasting damage to my property?
Yes, blocked drains can cause serious damage over the long term such as water damage, cracking pipes, growth of mold in the sewage system, and even foundation damage. A professional’s assistance in a timely time will avoid costly damages.
What are some of the methods that plumbers employ to unblock 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 obstructions by cutting or cutting up particles.
What is the cost to contract a plumbing company similar to Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing for clearing blocked drains?
The cost of clearing an obstruction in the drain is contingent on aspects like how bad the blockage is, which type of procedure is required for clearing the obstruction (e.g. hydro jetting or snaking), and how accessible your drainage system is. Contact one of our representatives at Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing for an initial review over the phone or book an appointment so that we can determine what options will work best for your situation.
Don’t make your clogged drain situation helpless, contact Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing today for quality service.
Additional Information
- CCTV Drain Inspections: The Key to Preventing Clogs and Other Plumbing Issues
- Tips to Understand When it's Time to Pick Up the Phone for Professional Drain Cleaning
- The Most Complete Guide to Clearing Clogged Drains: What Plumbers Utilize
- Fix Your Pipe with These Easy Methods: Tips and Tricks
- Top Reasons to Avoid DIY Drain Unblocking
- End Clogged Pipes Now: Professional Tips to Try Immediately
- The Top Causes of Blocked Drains You Need to Know
- Why Pipe Relining is a Cost-Effective Solution for your Business’ Plumbing Issues?
- CCTV Drain Inspections: A faster, Accurate and Effective Means of Identifying Root Issues in Drains
- From A to Z Tricks for Cleaning Your Plumbing and Maintaining a Clog-Free House
