Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a typical issue that can disrupt our daily lives. While many of us try to tackle the issue on our own but there are certain blockages that need professional assistance. In this post, we will explore the pros and cons of clearing blockages on your own or hiring a professional.
Key Takeaways
- Some minor blockages are easily cleared by simple techniques at home
- Before beginning any work, make sure you are equipped with the proper tools at fingertips: plunger, gloves or plunger, baking soda (baking soda), vinegar/citric Acid
- DIY methods for clearing drains that are blocked include Boiling Water, Baking Soda
When should you attempt to remove a blockage from a drain?
Some minor blockages can be eliminated using simple methods at home. If you spot any of these signs it is possible to try these methods prior to calling professionals:
Slow draining bathtubs or sinks
If water is not going through the drains as quickly that it would, there could be a small blockage. Try using a plunger to get rid of any debris that is clogging the pipe.
Infuriating odors
A bad smell emanating from your sink or bathtub can suggest trapped food or hair, causing the blockage. Try pouring boiling water mixed with vinegar in your bathtub or sink to remove any buildup of residue.
Sounds of Gurgling
When air gets trapped in your pipes because of an obstruction, it can cause noises that bubble as water flows down to the drain. Utilizing baking soda and hot water solution 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 you attempt any solution be sure to have the proper tools at hand: gloves, plunger baking soda, vinegar/citric acid.
Here are some effective ways to remove obstructions:
Boiling Water
Pouring hot water directly into your sink can help melt away solids like soap as well as grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction triggered by mixing Baking Soda along with Vinegar dislodges all sorts of gunk stuck to your pipes.
Discharge Snake or Auger
Utilize Snakes or Augers to prevent more serious blockages when plungers and boiling water do not work.
Vacuum Cleaner Wet/Dry
Make use of dry and wet vacuums for removing the obstruction by sucking this material from the drain in a direct manner.
When is the right time to get professional help?
If you’ve tried all DIY strategies, and the problem persists the issue is time to call in a professional. Here are some instances where you need the help of a professional:
Blockages that recur
The root cause of the blockages could not have been dealt with correctly. The hiring of a professional team ensures that they can uncover and correct any underlying problems.
Older Plumbing System
Older plumbing systems are susceptible to damage caused by wear and external influences. The experts can help you determine whether your plumbing system requires replacement or more straightforward solutions such as hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting process) is enough.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Some clogs may contain dangerous materials like broken glass, chemicals or even broken glass that require specific care. If you don’t want to cause injury or damage to your pipes, consider confiding this task to qualified experts.
Prevention is Better Than Cure
It is better to prevent drains from becoming blocked rather than repair them. A regular maintenance can prevent clogs that are severe from forming. Making changes to your lifestyle, such as not flushing toiletries into the toilet, not dumping greasy substances into sinks, or having regular CCTV inspection can prevent blocking completely.
Why choose Local Sydney Blocked Drains for Professional Assistance?
Local Sydney Blocked Drains has years of experience in clearing blocked drains in Sydney . We use the most modern equipment and techniques such as hydrojetting and cameras that are inspected by CCTV to guarantee high-quality results and will not cause issues.
- Hydrojetting uses high-pressure streams of water that are angled to be suitable to various plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras give us an insight into what’s causing the issue within pipes, which allows us to tackle specific issues properly.
Our certified experts will efficiently work on site while keeping social distance during these Covid moments, and cleaning up after 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I determine if I need professional help to unblock a drain?
If you’ve tried the simplest DIY techniques like plunging or using drain cleaning products but have not had any success It’s the time to call a professional for assistance. Other indicators include slow draining of sinks or pipes, odors of foul-smelling coming from drains, noises of gurgling along with water backup.
Can you safely employ chemical drain cleaners in removing blockages?
Chemical drain cleaners can be dangerous and hazardous to you as well as the environment. It is recommended to try other DIY methods before using potentially harmful chemicals. A professional plumber can ensure that you get reliable and safe solutions without placing yourself or the environment to risk.
Are blocked drains causing any permanent damage to my home?
The truth is that blocked drains can result in serious long-term damage including water damage, the growth of mold, burst pipes in the sewage system, and even foundation damage. Getting help from a professional in the right time will prevent costly damages.
What are the methods employed by plumbing professionals to get rid of blocked drains?
Professional plumbers employ a variety of methods like hydro jetting which utilizes high-pressure water streams and drain snake machines that eliminate blockages by cutting into or breaking up particles.
What is the cost to hire a plumbing company similar to Local Sydney Blocked Drains for clearing blocked drains?
The cost to clear a blocked drain depends on factors like how serious the blockage is and what type of procedure is required for clearing the obstruction (e.g. hydro jetting or snaking) and how easily to your drains are. Contact our team at Local Sydney Blocked Drains for an initial review over the phone or book an appointment so that we can decide which alternatives are the most effective for your situation.
Don’t be apathetic and leave your drain problem unsolved, call Local Sydney Blocked Drains today for quality service.
Additional Information
- Blockage of Drains: Plumber Tips and Solutions
- Why CCTV Drain Inspections Are Vital for Efficient Drainage Systems
- The Ultimate Guide to Prevent Drain Blockages
- What You Need to Know About Blocked Drains and How to Resolve Them
- The Ultimate Guide on How to Clear a Blocked Drain in Your Home
- Dealing with Blocked Drains: DIY Techniques vs Professional Services
- Letting You See What's Hiding Beneath Your Prospective Property: The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection
- Don't Let a Clogged Drain Put a Damper on Your Business: Get Regular Inspections
- Try these solutions to unclog your drain now
- Understanding Issues with Blocked Drainage
