Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a common problem that can cause disruption to our daily lives. While most of us try to fix the issue on our own but there are certain blockages that require professional assistance. In this post, we will explore the pros and cons of clearing blockages on your own or getting help from a professional.
Key Takeaways
- The blockages that are not too severe can be eliminated using simple methods at home
- Before trying any of the solutions ensure you have the right tools on hand: gloves, plunger, baking soda, vinegar/citric acid
- DIY methods for clearing drainage obstructions include Boiling Water, Baking Soda
When should you attempt to clear a blocked drain?
A few minor blockages can be eliminated using simple methods at home. If you observe any of the signs below then you can try these methods before calling in professionals:
Slow draining sinks or bathtubs
If the water isn’t flowing down the drain in the same speed like it ought to, there might be a minor blockage. Make use of a plunger eliminate any debris blocking the drain.
Unpleasant odors
A sour smell coming from your sink or bathtub could indicate food debris or hair causing the obstruction. Try pouring boiling water with vinegar in your bathtub or sink to dissolve any residue buildup.
Noises of gurgling
If air becomes trapped in your pipes because of the blockage, it produces bubbling sounds as water goes through into the drain. By using baking soda in combination with hot water solution followed by vinegar can unclog any food particles that have accumulated around and hair.
What are some common DIY methods for clearing blocked drains?
Before beginning any project, make sure you have the proper tools at fingertips: gloves, plunger, baking soda vinegar or citric acid.
Here are a few effective methods to clear obstacles:
Boiling Water
Pouring hot water directly into the sink will help melt off solids such as soap as well as grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction triggered by the mixture of Baking Soda along with Vinegar dislodges all sorts of gunk that has accumulated in your pipes.
The Drain Snake or Auger
Use Snakes or Augers to clear larger blockages if plungers and boiling water do not work.
Dry and Wet Vacuum
Utilize dry or wet vacuums to clear the obstruction by sucking 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 blockage still persists, then it’s time to involve the help of a professional. Here are some instances that need expert advice:
Blockages that recur
The root cause for the blockages could not have been addressed correctly. The hiring of a professional team makes sure that they find and resolve any issues that are underlying.
Age of Plumbing System
older plumbing systems are prone to damage caused by wear and external factors. Experts can determine if your pipeline needs replacement or more straightforward solutions such as hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting service) is sufficient.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Some clogs may contain dangerous materials like chemicals or broken glass that require special attention. If you don’t wish to risk injury or damage to your pipes, you should consider the job being left to trained experts.
Prevention is Better Than Cure
It is always better to prevent drains from becoming blocked rather than repair them. Routine maintenance assists in preventing severe clogs from developing. Making changes to your lifestyle, such as eliminating the flushing of hygiene products down the toilet, greasy substances into sinks, having regular CCTV examinations can stop blockages completely.
Why should you choose Local Sydney Blocked Drains for Professional Assistance?
Local Sydney Blocked Drains has years of experience in clearing blocked drains in Sydney . We employ the most advanced technology and methods such as hydrojetting and CCTV camera inspections that ensure quality results with no future issues.
- Hydrojetting utilizes high-pressure streams of water that are angled to be suitable to various plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras provide an inside view of what’s causing the problems within pipes, which allows us to tackle specific issues properly.
Our certified experts will efficiently work on site while maintaining social distancing during these Covid times, while cleaning up once the job 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 know if I need professional help to unblock a drain?
If you’ve tried the simplest DIY methods such as plunging or using drain cleaning solutions with no success is it time to seek professional help. Other signs include sinks that don’t drain as quickly or pipes, odors of foul-smelling coming from the drains, noises of gurgling along with water backup.
Is it safe to make use of chemical drain cleaners for the removal of obstructions?
Chemical drain cleaners are toxic and can be harmful to you and the environment. It is recommended to try other DIY methods before chemical cleaners that could be harmful to the environment. Hiring a professional plumber ensures that you are getting reliable and safe solutions without placing yourself or the environment to danger.
Could blocked drains cause permanent damage to my home?
The truth is that blocked drains can cause serious damage over the long term like water damage, the growth of mold, burst pipes as well as sewage backup and foundation damage. Getting help from a professional in the right time can prevent costly damage.
What are the methods used by plumbing professionals to clear blocked drains?
Professional plumbers employ a variety of methods such as hydro jetting, which makes use of high-pressure water streams and drain snake machines, which eliminate obstructions by cutting or breaking down the pieces of debris.
What is the cost to contract a plumbing company similar to Local Sydney Blocked Drains for clearing blocked drains?
The cost to clear a blocked drain depends on factors such as how severe the obstruction is, what type of procedure is required for unblocking (e.g. Snaking or hydro-jetting), and how accessible to your drains are. We recommend contacting us at Local Sydney Blocked Drains for an initial review over the phone or make an appointment to ensure that we can decide which solutions are most appropriate for your situation.
Don’t leave your clogged drain problem unsolved, call Local Sydney Blocked Drains today for quality service.
Additional Information
- Effortlessly and Without Effort Clear Your Drains with this Do-It-Yourself Guide
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspection in Commercial Properties
- Start with Clean Plumbing for a Spotless Home: Top Tips for Maintaining Your Plumbing
- Why Condo Complexes are Switching to Trenchless Pipe Relining Methods
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes
- Discover the Best Pipe Relining Materials for Your Plumbing Needs
- The Ultimate Guide on How to Clear a Blocked Drain in Your Home
- Stop Blocked Drains: Verified Tips You Can Try Immediately
- Don't Let Your Blocked Drains Cause You Trouble
- Try these solutions to unclog your drain now
