Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a typical issue that can disrupt our everyday life. Although most of us attempt to solve the problem on our own but some blocked drains need professional assistance. In this post we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of clearing blockages on your own or having professional help.
Key Takeaways
- The blockages that are not too severe can be eliminated using simple strategies at home
- Before trying any of the solutions ensure you have the appropriate tools at your disposal: gloves, plunger, baking soda and vinegar/citric acid
- DIY techniques for clearing drains that are blocked include Boiling Water, Baking Soda
When should you attempt to remove a blockage from a drain?
A few minor blockages can be cleared with simple techniques at home. If you observe any of the signs below You can try these methods prior to calling 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 tiny blockage. You can try using a plunger eliminate any debris that is clogging the pipe.
Odors that are unpleasant
A sour smell coming from your sink or bathtub could indicate food debris or hair causing the blockage. Try pouring boiling water mixed with vinegar in your sink or bathtub to break up any residue that has accumulated.
The sound of gurgling
When air gets trapped in your pipes due to an obstruction, it can cause bubbling sounds as water goes through into the drain. Utilizing baking soda and hot water, as well as vinegar to unblock any accumulation of food particles and hair.
What are some typical DIY methods to clear blocked drains?
Before attempting any solutions, make sure you have the proper tools at disposal: gloves, plunger, baking soda, vinegar or citric acid.
Here are some efficient ways to remove obstructions:
Boiling Water
Pouring hot water directly into your sink can help melt off solids such as soap as well as grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction triggered by mix Baking Soda with Vinegar releases all kinds of gunk that has accumulated in your pipes.
The Drain Snake or Auger
Use Snakes or Augers to clear more serious blockages when plungers or boiling water fail.
Dry Vacuum Wet
Utilize dry or wet vacuums to clear the blockage by suctioning the debris out of the drain in a direct manner.
When is it time to bring in experts?
If you’ve tried every DIY techniques but the problem persists you need to call in an expert. Here are some instances that require seeking professional expertise:
Blockages that recur
The root cause for the blockages might not have been dealt with correctly. Engaging a team of experts ensures that they can uncover the root of the problem and address it.
The age of the Plumbing System
Older plumbing systems are vulnerable to damage due to wear and environmental factors. A professional can tell if your plumbing system requires replacement, or if more simple solutions such as the use of hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting process) can suffice.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Certain clogs are contaminated with hazardous substances like chemicals or broken glass which require special care. If you don’t want to be at risk of injury or damage to your pipes, you should consider giving this task to certified professionals.
Prevention is Better Than Cure
It is always more beneficial to maintain drains rather than fixing them. A regular maintenance assists in preventing severe clogs from forming. Making lifestyle changes like not flushing hygiene products into the toilet, not dumping greasy substances in sinks, and having a regular CCTV inspections, can avoid blocking completely.
Why should you choose Local Sydney Blocked Drains for Professional Assistance?
Local Sydney Blocked Drains has years of experience in clearing blocked drains within Sydney . We use advanced technology and methods such as hydrojetting and CCTV camera inspections that ensure quality results with no future problems.
- Hydrojetting makes use of high-pressure streams water that are angled to be suitable to various plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras offer us an insight into the root of the problem within pipes, allowing us to tackle specific issues properly.
Our licensed professionals will be on-site quickly and efficiently, ensuring social distancing throughout these Covid moments, and 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 |
Common Questions and Answers
How do I know if I need professional help to unblock a drain?
If you’ve tried the simplest DIY techniques like plunging and 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 sinks and odors that smell foul coming from drains, sounds of gurgling, along with water backup.
Can you safely make use of chemical drain cleaners for getting rid of obstructions?
Chemical drain cleaners are hazardous and harmful to both you as well as the environment. It is recommended to try other DIY methods before chemical drain cleaners that can be harmful. Engaging a professional plumber guarantees that you get secure and efficient solutions that aren’t exposing yourself or your environment to danger.
Do blocked drains cause long-term damage to my property?
Unblocking drains could result in long-term, serious damage such as water damage, cracking pipes, 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 unblock drains?
Professional plumbers employ a variety of methods like hydro jetting that utilizes high-pressure water streams as well as drain snake machines, which eliminate obstructions by cutting through or cutting up obstructions.
What is the cost to hire a plumbing company like Local Sydney Blocked Drains for clearing blocked drains?
The cost to clear the drain that is blocked depends on the severity of the obstruction is, what kind of process is needed to clear the blockage (e.g. hydro jetting or snaking), and how accessible your drainage system is. It’s best to contact the team of Local Sydney Blocked Drains for an initial assessment over the phone, or book an appointment so we can figure out what methods are best suited to your situation.
Don’t make your clogged drain issue untreated, call Local Sydney Blocked Drains today for quality service.
Additional Information
- Dealing with Blocked Drains: DIY Techniques vs Professional Services
- Say Goodbye to Clogged Drains with These Effective Solutions
- Simple Ways to Clear a Clogged Pipe: Advice
- Resolve your clogged drain situation with the finest plumber available
- Try these solutions to unclog your drain now
- Speed Up Drain Cleaning with High Pressure Processes
- Understanding Issues with Blocked Drainage
- What You Need to Know About Blocked Drains and How to Resolve Them
- Don't Let Your Blocked Drains Cause You Trouble
- Examining and Confirming a Blocked Drain: Measures to Take
