Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a common problem which can affect our daily life. While most of us try to resolve the issue on our own however, there are some blockages that require professional assistance. In this post we will look at the pros and cons of clearing blocked drains by yourself versus getting help from a professional.
Key Takeaways
- Certain minor blockages can be eliminated using simple home remedies
- Before attempting any solutions be sure to have the correct tools at disposal: gloves, plunger baking soda, vinegar/citric acids, and baking soda
- DIY techniques for clearing drainage obstructions include Boiling water, Baking Soda
When should you attempt to clean a blocked drain?
The majority of minor blockages can easily be cleared using simple techniques at home. If you spot any of these signs then you can try these techniques before calling experts:
Sinks that drain slowly or bathtubs
If the water isn’t flowing down the drain as fast that it would, there may be a slight blockage. Try using a plunger to push out any debris blocking the drain.
Infuriating odors
A bad smell emanating from your sink or bathtub could be a sign of food particles or hair causing the obstruction. Try pouring boiling hot water with vinegar in your bathtub or sink in order to break up any residue that has accumulated.
Noises of gurgling
When air is trapped inside your pipes due to obstruction, it creates bubbling sounds as water goes down to the drain. Baking soda and a hot water followed by vinegar can unclog any buildup around food particles and hair.
What are the most common DIY ways to clear blocked drains?
Before you attempt any solution be sure that you have the correct tools at hand: gloves, plunger, baking soda, vinegar or citric acid.
Here are a few effective methods to help you 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 caused by the mixture of Baking Soda with Vinegar releases all kinds of gunk stuck in your pipes.
Drain Snake or Auger
Make use of Snakes or Augers to prevent obstructions that are more severe when plungers and boiling water do not work.
Vacuum Cleaner Wet/Dry
Use dry and wet vacuums to eliminate the obstruction by sucking the blockage material out of the drain in a direct manner.
When is the right time to call in professionals?
If you’ve tried every DIY techniques but your blockage is still there you need to involve the help of a professional. Here are a few instances which require the assistance of a professional:
Recurring Blockages
The cause of your blockages may not have been addressed correctly. Hiring a team of professionals guarantees that they will be able to find the root of the problem and address it.
Age of Plumbing System
older plumbing systems are prone to damage due to wear and external influences. Experts can determine if your pipeline needs replacement, or if more simple solutions like the use of hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting process) is enough.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Some clogs have hazardous materials such as broken glass or chemicals that require specialized care. If you don’t want to be at risk of injury or damage to your pipes, consider leaving this job to certified professionals.
Prevention is better than Cure
It is always more beneficial to prevent drains from becoming blocked rather than repair them. A regular maintenance will prevent clogs of a severe nature from developing. Making changes to your lifestyle, such as eliminating the flushing of hygiene products in the toilet, putting greasy substances in sinks, and having a regular CCTV inspection can prevent blockages 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 CCTV camera inspections that guarantee excellent results, with no problems.
- Hydrojetting uses high-pressure streams of water at specific angles suitable for a variety of plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras provide us with an inside view of what’s causing the issue within pipes, allowing us to tackle specific issues efficiently.
Our experts who are licensed will work on-site efficiently 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 & Answers
What can I do to determine whether I require professional assistance to unblock 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 Then it’s time to get professional assistance. Other indicators include sinks that don’t drain as quickly, foul odors coming from the drains, loud gurgling sounds as well as water back-up.
Is it safe to use chemical drain cleaners for getting rid of obstructions?
Chemical drain cleaners are toxic and can be harmful to you and the environment. It is recommended to try other DIY strategies before chemical drain cleaners that can be harmful. A professional plumber can ensure that you receive secure and efficient solutions that aren’t exposing yourself or your environment to danger.
Could blocked drains cause long-term damage to my property?
In fact, water drains that are blocked could cause serious damage over the long term such as water damage, burst pipes, mold growth in the sewage system, and even foundation damage. Consulting a professional at the right time can avoid costly damages.
What are the techniques used by plumbers to clear blocked drains?
Professional plumbers use various methods like hydro jetting that utilizes high-pressure water streams, as well as drain snake machines which clear obstructions by cutting or cutting up debris.
How much is it to employ a plumbing service like 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 and what kind of method is needed to clear the blockage (e.g. Snaking or hydro-jetting) and how accessible you are to the drain system. It’s best to contact the team of Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing for an initial assessment over the phone or make an appointment to ensure that we can determine what methods are best suited to your situation.
Don’t be apathetic and leave your drain issue untreated, call Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing today for quality service.
Additional Information
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes
- The Dangers of Neglecting a Blocked Drain and What You Should Do
- Cut Costs and Hassle with Trenchless Pipe Replacement for Condos
- Save Future Expenses with CCTV Drain Inspection for Home Buyers
- How CCTV Drain Inspections Help Avoid Water Damage and Health Hazards
- CCTV Drain Inspection: A Detailed Guide on What It Is and How It Works
- How CCTV Drain Inspection Helps in Saving Time and Money on Plumbing Repairs?
- Easy and Safe Ways to Get Rid of a Stubborn Shower Drain Blockage
- End Clogged Pipes Now: Professional Tips to Try Immediately
- Tips to Understand When it's Time to Pick Up the Phone for Professional Drain Cleaning
