Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a common problem that can disrupt our everyday lives. While many of us try to tackle the issue on our own however, there are some blockages that require professional assistance. In this article we’ll look at the advantages and disadvantages of removing blocked drains on your own versus getting help from a professional.
Key Takeaways
- The blockages that are not too severe are easily cleared by simple home remedies
- Before attempting any solutions ensure you have the appropriate tools at disposal: gloves, plunger, baking soda and vinegar/citric acid
- DIY methods to clear drains that are blocked include Boiling water, Baking Soda
What is the best time to remove a blockage from a drain?
Certain minor blockages can be cleared using simple techniques at home. If you observe any of the following signs You can try these methods before calling in professionals:
Slow draining sinks or bathtubs
If water is not going down the drain in the same speed that it would, then there might be a minor blockage. Use a plunger to remove any debris blocking the pipe.
Odors that are unpleasant
A bad smell emanating from your sink or bathtub could be a sign of food particles or hair, causing the obstruction. Try pouring boiling hot water with vinegar in your sink or bathtub to eliminate any residue.
Noises of gurgling
If air becomes trapped in your pipes as a result of obstruction, it creates bubbling sounds as water goes through into the drain. Utilizing baking soda and hot water solutions, as well as vinegar to unblock the food particles and hair.
What are some common DIY methods for clearing blocked drains?
Before trying any method, make sure you have the right tools on disposal: gloves, plunger baking soda, vinegar or citric acid.
Here are a few effective methods to remove obstructions:
Boiling Water
Pouring hot water directly into the sink will aid in melting away solids such as soap and grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction that occurs when mixing Baking Soda and Vinegar will loosen all sorts of gunk stuck in your pipes.
Drain Snake or Auger
Use Snakes or Augers for more severe blockages when plungers fail and boiling water fails.
Dry and Wet Vacuum
Use dry and wet vacuums to eliminate the blockage by suctioning the debris out of the drain directly.
When is it time to get professional help?
If you’ve tried every DIY techniques but the issue persists the issue is time to involve an expert. Here are a few instances where you need the help of a professional:
Blockages that recur
The root cause for the blockages might not have been fixed correctly. The hiring of a professional team ensures that they can uncover and fix any underlying issues.
Age of Plumbing System
Older plumbing systems are susceptible to damage due to wear and environmental factors. Professionals can assess whether your pipe requires replacement, or if more simple options like the hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting service) is sufficient.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Some clogs contain hazardous materials like broken glass or chemicals that require specific care. If you do not want to risk injury or damage to your pipes, think about confiding this task to qualified professionals.
Prevention is Better Than Cure
It is better to prevent drains from becoming blocked rather than repair them. Regular maintenance will prevent clogs of a severe nature from forming. Making changes in your lifestyle such as eliminating the flushing of hygiene products down the drain, putting grease substances leaking into sinks and regular CCTV inspection can prevent obstructions completely.
Why choose Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing for Professional Assistance?
Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing has years of experience in clearing blocked drains within Perth . We use the most modern techniques and equipment, such as hydrojetting and CCTV camera inspections that ensure high-quality results and will not cause problems.
- Hydrojetting is the process of delivering high-pressure streams water that are angled to be suitable for a variety of plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras offer us an inside look at what’s causing the problems within pipes, which allows us to fix specific problems correctly.
Our certified experts can be on site efficiently, while maintaining social distancing during these Covid times while cleaning up after the work 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 |
Frequently Asked Question
How can I tell that I require help from a professional to clear a blocked drain?
If you’ve tried basic DIY techniques like plunging and using drain cleaning solutions with no success It’s time to consult a professional. Other signs include slow draining sinks as well as odors of foul smells emanating from the drains, gurgling sounds, and water backup.
Is it safe to employ chemical drain cleaners to the removal of obstructions?
Chemical drain cleaners can be hazardous and harmful to both you as well as the environment. It is best to test other DIY techniques before making use of potentially harmful chemicals. Hiring a professional plumber ensures that you receive the most effective and safe solutions, without the risk of exposing yourself or your surroundings to harm.
Can blocked drains cause any lasting damage to my property?
Unblocking drains could cause serious damage over the long term like water damage, the growth of mold, burst pipes and sewage backups, or even foundation damage. A professional’s assistance in a timely time will avoid costly damages.
What are some of the techniques used by plumbers to get rid of blocked drains?
Professional plumbers employ various techniques such as hydro jetting, which makes use of high-pressure water streams as well as drain snake machines, which eliminate obstructions by cutting through or breaking up debris.
How much is it to hire a plumbing company similar to Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing for clearing blocked drains?
The cost to clear a blocked drain depends on factors like how serious the blockage is, which type of procedure is required to clear the blockage (e.g. the use of hydro jets or snakes), and how accessible your drainage system is. It is recommended to call our team at Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing for an initial review over the phone or set up an appointment so that we can decide which methods are best suited to your specific situation.
Don’t leave your clogged drain situation in the dark, contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing today for quality service.
Additional Information
- Avoid Common Mistakes: Expert Tips on Choosing the Best Pipe Relining Material
- Clear Your Drains with This Amazing DIY Guide Which is Effortless to Implement
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspections in Preventing Expensive Property Damage
- Powerful Guidance for Clearing a Blocked Drain
- Benefits of Pipe Relining for Your Blocked Drains Problem
- Plumbing Tips to Maintain Your Pipes Flowing Smoothly
- The Pros and Cons of DIY Drain Cleaning vs. Hiring a Professional
- Discovering the Reasons Causes Blocked Drainage Systems
- The Advantage of CCTV Drain Inspection in Detecting Root Infiltration Early
- Preventing Clogs and Blockages: Best Practices for Maintaining Your Drains
