Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a frequent issue which can affect our daily lives. While many of us try to fix the issue by ourselves however, there are some blockages that need professional assistance. In this post we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of clearing blockages on your own or seeking professional assistance.
Key Takeaways
- A few minor blockages are easily cleared by simple methods at home
- Before beginning any work ensure you have the appropriate tools at disposal: gloves, plunger or plunger, baking soda (baking soda), vinegar/citric Acid
- DIY techniques for clearing obstructions in drains are Boiling the water Baking Soda
How do you clean a blocked drain?
The majority of minor blockages can easily be removed using simple techniques at home. If you spot any of the following signs, you could try using these methods before calling in professionals:
Slow draining sinks or bathtubs
If the water isn’t flowing down the drain as fast the way it is supposed to there could be a small blockage. Make use of a plunger push out any debris that is clogging the pipe.
Odors that are unpleasant
A sour smell coming from your tub or sink may indicate that food or hair, causing the obstruction. Pour boiling water with vinegar in your sink or bathtub to break up any residue that has accumulated.
Noises of gurgling
If air becomes trapped in your pipes as a result of a clog, it causes noises that bubble as water flows down to the drain. Baking soda and a hot water, in conjunction with vinegar will help to remove any food particles that have accumulated around and hair.
What are some common DIY techniques for clearing blocked drains?
Before you attempt any solution ensure you have the correct tools at your disposal: gloves plunger baking soda, vinegar or citric acid.
Here are some proven methods to remove obstructions:
Boiling Water
Pouring hot water directly into the sink will aid in melting away solids such as soap, or grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction that occurs when the mixture of Baking Soda along with Vinegar loosens up all sorts of gunk stuck to your pipes.
Discharge 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 wet/dry vacuums to remove the blockage by suctioning the debris out of the drain in a direct manner.
When is it time to engage professionals?
If you’ve tried every DIY techniques, but the issue persists, then it’s time to engage the help of a professional. Here are a few scenarios that require seeking professional expertise:
Recurring Blockages
The root cause of the blockages might not have been addressed correctly. Hiring a team of professionals ensures that they can uncover and fix any underlying issues.
Age of Plumbing System
The older plumbing systems are more susceptible to damage caused by wear and environmental factors. The experts can help you determine whether your pipeline needs replacement or whether simpler solutions such as Hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting process) can suffice.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Some clogs have hazardous materials like broken glass or chemicals that require specialized care. If you don’t want to be at risk of injury or damage to your pipes, you should consider confiding this task to qualified professionals.
Prevention is better than Cure
It is always more beneficial to maintain drains than fixing them. Regular maintenance assists in preventing severe clogs from forming. Making lifestyle changes like eliminating the flushing of hygiene products down the toilet, greasy substances into sinks, having regular CCTV examinations can stop blocking completely.
Why Should You Choose Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing for Professional Assistance?
Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing has years of experience in clearing blocked drains within Sydney . We utilize the latest technology and methods such as hydrojetting and CCTV camera inspections that ensure excellent results, with no issues.
- Hydrojetting utilizes high-pressure streams of water at specific angles suitable for various types of plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras provide an insight into what’s causing the issue within pipes, which allows us to address specific issues effectively.
Our certified experts will efficiently work on site while maintaining social distancing during these Covid moments, and cleaning up after the job 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 |
Common Questions and Answers
How can I tell whether I require professional assistance to unblock a clogged drain?
If you’ve tried the simplest DIY methods such as plunging or using drain cleaning solutions with no success It’s the time to call a professional for assistance. Other indicators include slow draining sinks, foul odors coming from the drains, sounds of gurgling, as well as water back-up.
Is it safe to employ chemical drain cleaners to clearing obstructions?
Chemical drain cleaners are toxic and can be harmful to you as well as the environment. It is recommended to try other DIY methods before resorting to making use of potentially harmful chemicals. Employing a professional plumber will ensure that you are getting reliable and safe solutions without the risk of exposing yourself or your surroundings to risk.
Can blocked drains cause any lasting damage to my property?
Yes, blocked drains can cause serious damage over the long term like water damage, cracking pipes, growth of mold as well as sewage backup and foundation damage. Seeking professional help in good time can prevent costly damage.
What are some of the methods used by plumbing professionals to get rid of blocked drains?
Professional plumbers use various methods such as hydro jetting, which makes use of high-pressure water streams, as well as drain snake machines, which eliminate obstructions by cutting or breaking up pieces of debris.
How much does it cost to contract a plumbing company like Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing for clearing blocked drains?
The cost of clearing of a drain that has become blocked is contingent upon aspects like how bad the blockage is and what kind of method is needed for unblocking (e.g., hydro jetting or snaking) and how accessible to your drains are. Contact us at Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing for an initial review over the phone or book an appointment so that we can decide which methods are best suited to your situation.
Don’t let your drain clogged problem unsolved, call Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing today for quality service.
Additional Information
- Plumbing Tips to Keep Your Pipes Running Smoothly
- CCTV Drain Inspection: A Detailed Guide on What It Is and How It Works
- How CCTV Drain Inspections Help Avoid Water Damage and Health Hazards
- 5 Factors That Are Clogging Your Drains and How to Avoid Them
- Troubleshooting Blocked Drains Plumbing Tips & Solutions
- Welcome to clear drains with these powerful remedies
- Why You Need CCTV Drain Inspection Services
- Quickly and Efficiently Clear Your Pipes with the Do-It-Yourself Guide
- Discover the Best Pipe Relining Materials for Your Plumbing Needs
- DIY Methods for Clearing Blocked Drains at Home
