DIY Drain Cleaning: When to Call a Professional

Posted by Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing on 1 Jan 2026

Clogged drains are an issue that is common to all households and can be caused by various items, such as hair soap scum grease or trees. Many people prefer solving the problem by themselves but there are instances that it is better to call professionals. In this post, we’ll talk about the times when you should DIY drain cleaning and when it is best to get help from professional plumber.

Key Takeaways

  • Gulping sounds, slow draining and a foul smell indicate the time to clean your drain.
  • Boiling baking soda, water, plunger and drain snake are all DIY ways to clear the drain.
  • Always read the directions and use gloves when attempting DIY methods.
  • Consult a licensed Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing plumber if there are several clogs that do not show improvement following DIY efforts or blocked drains that are not visible due to external factors such as tree roots.
  • Professionals conduct CCTV drainage inspections to find particular blockages and avoid unnecessary repair cost.

Signs Your Drain Needs Cleaning

Before beginning cleansing, it is important to identify if your drain should be cleaned up in the first place. Here are some indicators that tell you your drain is in need of attention:

Slow Draining

If you notice that water takes longer than usual to drain or isn’t draining at all, it’s time to look into. The slow draining of your sink or shower could be a sign of a blockage forming in your pipes.

Gurgling Noises

Sounds of gurgling coming from drains typically indicate air getting trapped in the plumbing system. This may result in blockages, and must be investigated as soon as it is possible.

Foul Odors

The accumulation of organic matter could cause unpleasant odors to emanate into your plumbing. If you’re smelling something strange emanating from your bathroom sink and shower area, then it’s likely the time to get your bathroom cleaned.

When to do your own drain cleaning

There are several methods of getting rid of a blocked drain, which you can try by yourself:

Boiling Water

Boiling water will dissolve a lot of organic matter, causing pipe blockage but cannot be employed with PVC pipes.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

A combination of vinegar and baking soda reacts, producing fizzing acids that cause any blockages that remain stubborn to fall away up; pour boiling water in the following step for optimal results.

Plunger

Plungers work wonders for small clogs, especially those that block toilets or sinks. But make sure that there isn’t any chemical residues in the fixture prior to using the plunger.

Drain Snake

If the blockage appears be lodged only a few inches deep the drain, employ drain snakes. Place it and gradually turn pushing it further until the obstruction is removed.

If you are attempting any DIY cleaning methods, always read the instructions carefully and wear protective gear like gloves where necessary.

When should you call to a Professional

While DIY methods may be effective in some cases but there are instances when you need the assistance of a licensed Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing plumber:

Multiple Clogs

If there are multiple drains that within your home have a tendency to overflow over time, don’t attempt to fix the issue yourself. It could be because of issues within your main sewer line that require the expert knowledge of a plumber.

No improvement after DIY tries

If you’ve tried everything nothing appears to work or you’re experiencing persistent blockages, there could be underlying plumbing problems that require professional assistance prior to causing major damage.

Unseen Blockages

Sometimes external entities like tree roots could cause blockages, which go unnoticed until the problem gets serious. Professionals perform CCTV drainage inspections pinpointing the precise location of the clog, eliminating unnecessary repair costs by directly tackling the problem 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.

Common Questions & Answers

How do I know if I need to call to a plumber who is reputable?

If you’ve tried various DIY ways but your drain remains blocked then it’s time to call in the professionals. Signs to contact a plumber include recurring blockages, slow drainage bubbling from the toilet or sink when water comes through a different source, and unpleasant smells coming from the drains.

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

If you try to clear the drain in your home can do more harm than the good. The use of harsh chemicals and a poor tool can cause pipe damage, leading to costly repairs down the line. In addition, if a blockage is not dealt with properly, it could lead to sewage backups and potential health risks.

What are some DIY methods for unclogging my drain?

Some DIY methods to clear drains are to use a plunger or plumbing snake pouring boiling hot waters down drains or making a mix of vinegar, baking soda, and baking soda. While these options may be effective for minor clogs, it’s important to be careful when attempting these methods.

Do I have to make use of chemical drain cleaners on my own?

While chemical drain cleaners could initially work, they may cause damage to older pipes and weaken them. In addition, many chemical cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to humans as well as pets.

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

We are Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing , we specialize in unblocking blocked drains quickly and cost-effectively. Our expert team employs only the most modern techniques in surveillance cameras and hydro jetting machines to diagnose and resolve your problems while leaving your property spotless and free of clutter. Plus, as a local company servicing Perth , we’re always nearby if you encounter any plumbing issues!

Conclusion

There are instances where the DIY approach is successful in cleaning drain clogs. However experts have the experience and equipment to evaluate the root causes of issues, thus preventing any future problems and ensuring optimum cleanliness at all times. If these professionals seem to be the perfect solution for your home and an ideal sanitary environment and their expertise, contacting them might be the best option. Call our Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing plumbers for timely effective solutions without hassle or worry on your part.

Additional Information

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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.

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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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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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