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 solve the problem by ourselves, some stubborn blockages require professional assistance. In this article we will look at the advantages and disadvantages of removing the drains that are blocked by yourself instead of having professional help.
Key Takeaways
- The blockages that are not too severe can be removed with simple techniques at home
- Before attempting any solutions, make sure you have the appropriate tools at hand: gloves, plunger, baking soda, vinegar/citric acid
- DIY methods for clearing obstructions in drains are Boiling water, Baking Soda
How do you remove a blockage from a drain?
Some minor blockages can be removed using simple techniques at home. If you observe any of the signs below You can try these techniques before calling experts:
Sinks that drain slowly or bathtubs
If the water isn’t flowing down the drain in the same speed that it would, then there might be a tiny blockage. Try using a plunger to get rid of any debris blocking the pipe.
Odors that are unpleasant
The smell that is emanating from your tub or sink may indicate that food or hair that is causing the blockage. Pour boiling water with vinegar into your sink or bathtub to eliminate any residue.
Sounds of Gurgling
When air gets trapped in your pipes because of a clog, it causes noises that bubble as water flows through into the drain. Utilizing baking soda and hot water solutions, and vinegar, you can clear any food particles that have accumulated around and hair.
What are some of the most popular DIY methods for clearing blocked drains?
Before attempting any solutions be sure that you are equipped with the appropriate tools at your disposal: gloves plunger baking soda, vinegar or citric acid.
Here are some proven methods to remove obstructions:
Boiling Water
Injecting hot water directly into the sink will aid in melting away solids such as soap, or grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction triggered by mixing Baking Soda with Vinegar will loosen all sorts of gunk stuck to your pipes.
Drain Snake or Auger
Utilize Snakes or Augers to remove larger blockages if plungers fail and boiling water fails.
Wet/Dry Vacuum
Use dry and wet vacuums to eliminate the obstruction by sucking the blockage material out of the drain directly.
Is it time to call in professionals?
If you’ve tried all DIY methods, and your blockage is still there It’s time to engage the help of a professional. Here are a few scenarios that require seeking professional expertise:
Blockages that recur
The cause of the blockages might not have been addressed correctly. The hiring of a professional team makes sure that they find and resolve any issues that are underlying.
The age of the Plumbing System
Older plumbing systems are susceptible to damage due to wear and other external elements. The experts can help you determine whether the pipeline is in need of replacement or whether simpler options like hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting service) is enough.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Some clogs contain hazardous materials like broken glass, chemicals or even broken glass that require special attention. If you don’t want cause injury or damage to your pipes the job being left to trained professionals.
Prevention is better than Cure
It is always better to maintain drains than fixing them. The regular maintenance can prevent clogs that are severe from developing. Making lifestyle changes such as not flushing toiletries down the drain, putting grease substances into sinks, or having regular CCTV examinations can stop 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 employ the most advanced technology and techniques, including hydrojetting and CCTV camera inspections that ensure quality results with no future issues.
- Hydrojetting makes use of high-pressure streams water angled at specific angles, which are ideal for different types of plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras provide an insight into the root of the problem within pipes, allowing us to address specific issues efficiently.
Our licensed professionals will be on-site quickly and efficiently, ensuring social distancing throughout these Covid times while cleaning up after the work is 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
How do I determine if I need professional help to unblock a clogged drain?
If you’ve tried the basic DIY methods like plunges and drain cleaning solutions, but you haven’t had success Then it’s time to seek professional help. Other indicators include sinks that don’t drain as quickly and odors that smell foul coming from drains, gurgling sounds, and water backup.
Is it safe to use chemical drain cleaners for clearing obstructions?
Chemical drain cleaners are harmful and dangerous to you and the environment. It is best to test other DIY strategies before using potentially harmful chemicals. Engaging a professional plumber guarantees that you will receive reliable and safe solutions without exposing yourself or your environment to harm.
Can blocked drains cause any long-term damage to my home?
Yes, blocked drains can cause long-lasting damage such as water damage, burst pipes, mold growth in the sewage system, and even foundation damage. Seeking professional help in good time will avoid costly damages.
What are some of the methods that plumbers employ to clear blocked drains?
Professional plumbers employ various techniques including hydro jetting which uses high-pressure water streams as well as drain snakes that clear blockages by cutting through or cutting up obstructions.
How much will it cost to employ a plumbing service similar to Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing for clearing blocked drains?
The cost to clear of a drain that has become blocked is contingent upon factors such as how severe the blockage is, which kind of method is needed to remove the blockage (e.g. Hydro jetting, or even snaking) and how accessible you are to the drain system. It’s best to contact us at Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing for an initial evaluation over the phone or schedule an appointment so that we can decide which methods are best suited to your particular situation.
Don’t leave your clogged drain problem unsolved, call Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing today for quality service.
Additional Information
- Delving into Reasons for Clogged Drains
- The Ultimate Guide on How to Clear a Blocked Drain in Your Home
- DIY Methods for Clearing Blocked Drains at Home
- Make Quick Work of Drain Cleaning with High Pressure Processes
- The Most Complete Guide to Clearing Clogged Drains: What Plumbers Utilize
- CCTV Drain Inspection: A Detailed Guide on What It Is and How It Works
- From A to Z Tricks for Cleaning Your Plumbing and Maintaining a Clog-Free House
- Tips to Understand When it's Time to Pick Up the Phone for Professional Drain Cleaning
- The Professional's Guide to Clearing Blocked Drains in Your Home
- 5 Factors That Are Clogging Your Drains and How to Avoid Them
