Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help

Posted by Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing on 11 Oct 2025

Blocked drains are a typical issue which can affect our daily lives. Although most of us attempt to tackle the issue by ourselves but some blocked drains need professional help. In this post we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of removing the drains that are blocked by yourself instead of hiring a professional.

Key Takeaways

  • Some minor blockages can be removed with simple techniques at home
  • Before attempting any solutions make sure you have the correct tools at hand: gloves, plunger or plunger, baking soda (baking soda), vinegar/citric Acid
  • DIY methods to clear drainage obstructions include Boiling Water, Baking Soda

When should you attempt to unblock a drain?

The majority of minor blockages can easily be removed using simple techniques at home. If you are noticing any of the signs below it is possible to try these methods prior to calling experts:

Slow draining bathtubs or sinks

If the water isn’t flowing down the drain in the same speed that it would, then there might be a minor blockage. You can try using a plunger push out any debris clogging up the pipe.

The smells are unpleasant

A strong smell emanating from your sink or bathtub could indicate food debris or hair, causing the obstruction. Try pouring boiling water mixed with vinegar in your sink or bathtub to dissolve any residue buildup.

Gurgling noises

If air becomes trapped in your pipes as a result of a clog, it causes popping sounds as water flows down the drain. Using baking soda and hot water, in conjunction with vinegar will help to remove any accumulation of food particles and hair.

What are some typical DIY methods to clear blocked drains?

Before beginning any project ensure you have the correct tools at fingertips: gloves, plunger, baking soda, vinegar or citric acid.

Here are some efficient ways to clear obstacles:

Boiling Water

Pouring hot water directly into your sink can help melt off solids such as soap or grease.

Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture

The reaction triggered by mixing Baking Soda as well as Vinegar will loosen all sorts of gunk that has accumulated in your pipes.

Discharge Snake or Auger

Utilize Snakes or Augers to prevent larger blockages if plungers and boiling water do not work.

Dry and Wet Vacuum

Use dry and wet vacuums to eliminate the blockage by suctioning this material from the drain directly.

When is it time to bring in experts?

If you’ve tried all DIY techniques, but the problem persists It’s time to engage a professional. Here are a few situations that need expert advice:

Blockages that recur

The cause of your blockages may not have been dealt with correctly. Hiring a team of professionals makes sure that they find and resolve any issues that are underlying.

Older Plumbing System

The older plumbing systems are more susceptible to damage due to wear and other external elements. The experts can help you determine whether your plumbing system requires replacement, or if more simple solutions such as 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 do not want to be at risk of injury or damage to your pipes giving this task to certified experts.

Prevention is better than Cure

It is always better to maintain drains than fixing them. The regular maintenance will prevent clogs of a severe nature from forming. Making lifestyle changes such as not flushing toiletries down the drain, putting grease substances into sinks, 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 within Sydney . We use advanced technology and methods such as hydrojetting and CCTV camera inspections that guarantee quality results with no future issues.

  • Hydrojetting is the process of delivering high-pressure streams water angled at specific angles, which are ideal for various types of plumbing fixtures.
  • CCTV cameras offer us an insight into what’s causing the issue within pipes, which allows us to tackle specific issues effectively.

Our experts who are licensed will efficiently work on site while keeping a social distance throughout these Covid times, while cleaning up once the job is done.

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 Questions

What can I do to determine whether I require professional assistance to unblock a drain?

If you’ve tried basic DIY techniques like plunges and drain cleaning solutions but aren’t getting results, then it’s time to seek professional help. Other signs include slow draining sinks and odors that smell foul coming from the drains, loud gurgling sounds or water back up.

Can you safely employ chemical drain cleaners in the removal of obstructions?

Chemical drain cleaners can be hazardous and harmful to both you and the environment. It is advised to explore other DIY techniques before making use of potentially harmful chemicals. Employing a professional plumber will ensure that you are getting secure and efficient solutions that aren’t exposing yourself or your environment to risk.

Are blocked drains causing any lasting damage to my property?

The truth is that blocked drains could result in serious long-term damage like water damage, leaky pipes, the growth of mold as well as sewage backup and foundation damage. Seeking professional help in good time will prevent costly damages.

What are some of the techniques used by plumbers to clear drains that are blocked?

Professional plumbers utilize a variety of techniques such as hydro jetting, which makes use of high-pressure water streams and drain snake machines that eliminate blockages by cutting into or cutting up particles.

How much does it cost to engage a plumbing firm like 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 and what type of procedure is required for clearing the obstruction (e.g. Hydro jetting, or even snaking), and how accessible the drainage device is. Contact the team of Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing for an initial assessment over the phone, or set up an appointment so that we know what alternatives are the most effective for your specific situation.

Don’t make your clogged drain problem unsolved, call Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing today for quality service.

Additional Information

Our 5 Star Service Promise to You

Sydney Drain Plumbing Services

Are you experiencing a clogged toilet, blocked shower drain, overflowing drains or an issue with your kitchen sink? We can help you sort out your drain blockage problem quickly and provide the following services:

  • CCTV Drain Inspections
  • Drain Clearing & Drain Cleanin
  • Drain Repairs
  • Pipe Relining
  • Blocked Stormwater Drains
  • Blocked Sewer Drains & Blocked Pipes
  • Blocked Sinks & Blocked Toilets
  • Clogged or Blocked Shower Drain

Clearing blocked drains can be difficult and it’s best to get a professional plumbing service involved to tackle it for you, To get your blocked drain in Sydney cleared today, contact Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing now and speak to one of our friendly team members.

8 Reasons To Hire Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing

  • 24 Hours A Day, 7 Days A Week
  • Price Up-Front, No Hidden Fees
  • Prices You Can Trust
  • Quality Workmanship Guaranteed
  • Great Reviews & Reputation
  • We’re Personable & Friendly
  • Experienced & Licenced Team
  • Get a Quote With No Obligation

We Provide 24/7 Emergency Plumbing

No one ever expects to experience a plumbing emergency, but when it does happen, you need a reliable plumbing service that can help you resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

At Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing, we are always here for our customers, day or night, weekends or holidays. We understand that plumbing emergencies can happen at any time, and we are always prepared to help.

If you are experiencing a plumbing emergency, please do not hesitate to call us. We will dispatch one of our experienced plumbers to your home or business as soon as possible.

We will work diligently to resolve the issue and get your life back to normal as quickly as possible, contact us today.

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What We Do

When it comes to plumbing, you want to make sure you’re working with a qualified professional. At our company, we are licensed and insured professionals who are dedicated to providing quality plumbing services.

We’re here to help with all of your plumbing needs, such as blocked drains, CCTV drain inspections, drain repairs and pipe relining.

We understand that plumbing problems can be disruptive and expensive. That’s why we offer 24×7 emergency service, so you can get the help you need when you need it most.

We also have a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our work, so you can be confident that you’re making the best decision for your home.

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