DIY Drain Cleaning: When to Call a Professional

Posted by Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing on 1 Jan 2026

Clogged drains are a common household problem that can be caused by various things, like hair soap scum grease and the roots of trees. Although many individuals opt for fixing the issue at home, there are times that you should contact a professional. In this article, we’ll discuss when you should DIY drain cleaning and when to consult professional plumber.

Key Takeaways

  • Gulping sounds, slow draining and odors that smell foul indicate when your drain needs cleaning.
  • Boiling water, baking soda and plunger or drain snakes, can be all DIY methods for clearing a blocked drain.
  • Always read through the instructions and wear a pair of gloves while attempting DIY methods.
  • Ask for help from a professional Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing plumber if there are several clogs that do not show improvement after DIY attempts or blocked drains that are not visible due to external factors like tree roots.
  • The experts conduct CCTV drainage inspections to pinpoint an exact location of blockage, thus avoiding repair cost.

A Sign Your Drain Needs Cleaning

Before starting your cleaning routine, it is important to determine if your drain should be cleaned in the first place. Here are some indications that show your drain requires attention:

Slow Draining

If you’re noticing that water is taking longer than normal for it to drain or does not drain completely, it’s time to look into. If your sink isn’t draining as fast as it should, or shower could mean there is a clog forming in your pipes.

Gurgling Noises

Gurgling sounds coming from drains can be a sign of air getting trapped in the plumbing system. This may result in blocking and needs to be investigated as soon as it is possible.

Foul Odors

The accumulation of organic matter can cause unpleasant odors to emanate into your plumbing. If you smell something funky emanating from your bathroom sink or shower, it’s to be time to clean.

How to DIY Drain Cleaning

There are a variety of methods for unclogging a blocked drain which you can attempt at your own pace:

Boiling Water

Boiling water is able to dissolve the majority of organic matter, causing blockages to pipes but is not employed in conjunction with PVC pipes.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

The combination of vinegar and baking soda reacts to produce fizzing acid, causing any stubborn clogs to loosen up. Pour boiling water through afterward for perfect results.

Plunger

Plungers are a great solution to minor blockages, specifically for blocked sinks or toilets but ensure that there’s no chemical residues present within the fixture prior to using a the plunger.

Drain Snake

If the blockage seems to be wedged just only a few inches deep, you can use drain snakes; insert it into the drain and slowly turn while pushing it further until the obstruction disappears.

When you attempt any DIY cleaning methods, always read the instructions carefully and wear protective equipment like gloves whenever necessary.

When should you call for a Professional

Although DIY methods can work in certain situations, there are situations when you should seek help from a professional Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing plumber:

Multiple Clogs

If multiple drains within your home have a tendency to overflow at regular intervals, don’t try to fix the issue yourself. This could be due to issues with your main sewer line that require the expert knowledge of a plumber.

No Improvement After DIY Attempts

You’ve tried every option but it’s not working, or if you’ve noticed persistent blockages, there could be more critical underlying plumbing issues that require expert help before major damages are caused.

Unseen Blockages

External factors like tree roots can cause blockages which remain unnoticed until the issue gets serious. Professionals conduct CCTV drainage inspections that pinpoint the location of the clog and cutting down on repair costs through tackling the issue without any guesswork.

Signs Your Drain Needs Cleaning When To DIY Drain Cleaning When To Call a Professional
Slow Draining Boiling water Multiple Clogs
Gurgling Noises Baking Soda and Vinegar No Improvement After DIY Attempts
Foul Odors Plunger Unseen Blockages
Drain Snake

Note: Always read the instructions carefully and wear protective gear where necessary while attempting any DIY cleaning methods.

FAQs

How can I tell what I should do if I have to call a professional plumber?

If you’ve tried several DIY ways but the drain is still blocked It’s time to call an expert in. Signs to contact a plumber include recurring obstructions, slow draining, bubbling in the toilet or sink when water comes from another source, and unpleasant smells coming from the drains.

Are there any dangers to trying to unblock me own sewer?

Yes, attempting to unclog your drain could do more harm than good. Use of harmful chemicals and inadequate tools can cause pipe damage, leading to expensive repairs in the future. Additionally, if a blockage is not handled correctly it can lead to sewage backups and potential health hazards.

Are there any DIY ways to unblock my drain?

A few DIY methods for clearing drains involve using the plunger or plumbing snake pouring boiling hot liquid down the drain or creating a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. While these strategies may work to clear minor blockages, it’s important to be careful in attempting them.

Can I employ chemical drain cleaners at my own?

Although chemical drain cleaners might be effective initially, they could harm older pipes and cause them to weaken. Furthermore, many chemical cleaners contain harsh chemicals that could cause harm to humans as well as pets.

Why should I pick Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing for my blocked drains needs to Perth ?

At Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing , we specialize in clearing blocked drains fast and at a reasonable cost. Our team of trained professionals employs only the most modern techniques in surveillance cameras as well as hydro jetting equipment to identify and efficiently solve your problems and leave your property tidy and mess-free. Furthermore, as an local company that serves Perth , we’re always near if you have any plumbing issues!

Conclusion

There are instances where the DIY method can be effective in cleaning drain clogs. However professionals have experience and equipment to evaluate the root of the issue, thereby preventing further problems and ensuring optimum cleanliness every time. If these experts seem like what your home needs for the best sanitary conditions getting their help is a good option. Call the Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing plumbers for timely efficient solutions that don’t require any effort or worries on your part.

Additional Information

Our 5 Star Service Promise to You

Perth 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 Perth cleared today, contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing now and speak to one of our friendly team members.

8 Reasons To Hire Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing

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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 Perth Blocked Drains 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.

Identify tree roots in your pipes with our cctv inspections and nabish them from your drains with our pip repairs and pipe relining.

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