DIY Drain Cleaning: When to Call a Professional
Clogged drains are a common problem for homeowners and can be caused by various things, like hair soap scum grease or even tree roots. Many people prefer solving the problem at home however, there are occasions that you should call professionals. In this article, we will discuss when you should DIY drain cleaning and when you should seek help from a professional plumber.
Key Takeaways
- A slow drain, gurgling sounds and odors that smell foul indicate that your drain is in need of cleaning.
- Boiling water, baking soda and vinegar, plunger, and drain snake are all DIY methods to unclog a blocked drain.
- Always read the directions and use gloves in attempting DIY methods.
- Get help from a professional Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing plumber if there are several clogs that do not show improvement after DIY attempts or unseen blockages caused by external factors like tree roots.
- Experts perform CCTV drainage inspections to pinpoint the exact blockage area, avoiding unnecessary repair expenses.
How to tell if your drain needs cleaning
Before you begin this cleaning procedure, you must to know if your drain needs to be cleaned in the first place. Here are some signs that show your drain requires attention:
Slow Draining
If you notice that your water is taking longer than normal to drain or does not drain at all, you need to look into. The slow draining of your sink or shower could be a sign of a blockage in your pipes.
Gurgling Noises
Gurgling sounds coming from drains are usually a sign of air that has gotten trapped in the plumbing system. This could lead to blockages, and must be looked at as soon as it’s possible.
Foul Odors
The buildup of organic matter may cause unpleasant odors to emanate from your drains. If you’re experiencing a strange smell coming from your sink or bathtub, it’s to be time to clean.
How to DIY Drain Cleaning
There are several methods of getting rid of a blocked drain, which you can try at your own pace:
Boiling Water
Boiling water can dissolve most organic matter, causing obstruction in the pipe, however it is not employed in conjunction with PVC pipes.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
A combination of baking soda and vinegar reacts to produce fizzing acid, causing any stubborn clogs to loosen up; pour boiling water in the following step for optimal results.
Plunger
Plungers are a great solution to minor obstructions, particularly for blocked toilets and sinks, but make sure that there’s no chemical residues present within the fixture prior use of a plunger.
Drain Snake
If the blockage seems to be stuck at a distance of a few inches the bowels, you may employ drain snakes; insert it and gradually rotate while pushing it forward until the obstruction disappears.
If you are attempting any DIY cleaning methods, always take the time to study the instructions carefully, and wear protective clothing like gloves whenever necessary.
When To Call for a Professional
While DIY methods may be effective in some cases but there are instances when you need assistance from an experienced Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing plumber:
Multiple Clogs
If you notice that multiple drains in your home back up with time, don’t try to fix the issue yourself. This could be due to issues with the main sewer line which require the expertise of a professional plumber.
No improvement after DIY tries
If you’ve tried everything there is no solution or if you’ve noticed persistent blockages, there could be underlying plumbing issues that require expert help before significant damages occur.
Unseen Blockages
External factors like tree roots could cause blockages, which go unnoticed until the problem gets serious. Professionals conduct CCTV drainage inspections to pinpoint the specific clog location to avoid costly repairs by directly tackling the problem without 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.
Common Questions and Answers
What do I do to determine whether I should call the services of a licensed plumber?
If you’ve tried numerous DIY methods but your drain still remains clogged and clogged, you need to call the experts in. Some signs that you need to contact a plumber include recurring obstructions, slow draining, bubbling in the toilet or sink when water is run from a different source, or unpleasant smells coming out of your drains.
Are there any risk involved in trying to clear the drain on my own?
If you try to clear your drain on your own can cause more harm than it is. Chemicals that are harsh and ineffective tools can cause pipe damage, leading to expensive repairs down the line. Furthermore, if a blocked pipe is not handled correctly it could 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 water down the drain, or making a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Although these techniques may work in cases of minor clogs it’s important to be careful in attempting them.
Can I use chemical drain cleaners on my own?
While chemical drain cleaners could be effective initially, they could damage older pipes over time and cause them to weaken. Furthermore, many chemical cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can cause harm to humans and pets.
Why should I select Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing for my blocked drains in Perth ?
At Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing , we specialize in unblocking blocked drains quickly and easily. Our team of trained professionals makes use of the latest techniques in surveillance cameras and hydro jetting equipment to identify and efficiently solve your problems and leave your property tidy and mess-free. Plus, as an local company that serves Perth , we’re always nearby if you encounter any plumbing problems!
Conclusion
There are times when the DIY approach is successful in cleaning the drains of clogs. But, professionals have experience and the tools to identify the root causes of issues, thus preventing any future problems and ensuring optimum cleanliness at all times. If the professionals you are looking for seem like the kind of service you need for the perfect sanitary environment and you are looking for their services, then contacting them could be your best bet. Reach out to one of our Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing plumbers for timely effective solutions without hassle or worries on your part.
Additional Information
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections: How Often Should You Carry Them Out?
- What to Know about Pipe Relining Services for Blocked Drains
- Save Money with These Simple Drain Maintenance Techniques
- Drains 101: Essential Tips for Keeping Your Pipes in Good Condition
- Powerful Guidance for Clearing a Blocked Drain
- Cut Costs and Hassle with Trenchless Pipe Replacement for Condos
- Your Ultimate Guide to Clearing and Unblocking Clogged Drains with Ease
- Saving Time and Money with CCTV Drain Inspection for Drain Clearing
- Understanding CCTV Drain Inspection and the Benefits for Your Home
- Everything You Need to Know About Unblocking Drains and Avoiding Plumbing Problems
