Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a regular issue that can disrupt our daily lives. Although most of us attempt to tackle the issue by ourselves, some stubborn blockages need professional assistance. In this post we will look at the advantages and disadvantages of clearing blocked drains by yourself versus having professional help.
Key Takeaways
- The blockages that are not too severe can be cleared with simple techniques at home
- Before attempting any solutions, make sure you have the correct tools at hand: gloves, plunger, baking soda, vinegar/citric acid
- DIY methods for clearing blocked drains include Boiling Wasser, Baking Soda
What are the ideal times to clean a blocked drain?
A few minor blockages can be cleared with simple techniques at home. If you observe any of the following symptoms, you could try using these methods before calling in experts:
Sinks and bathtubs that are slow draining
If the water isn’t moving down the drain in the same speed that it would, there might be a tiny blockage. You can try using a plunger push out any debris blocking the pipe.
The smells are unpleasant
A strong smell emanating from your tub or sink could indicate food debris or hair that is causing the obstruction. Try pouring boiling hot water with vinegar in the bathtub or sink to eliminate any residue.
Gurgling noises
When air is trapped inside your pipes due to the blockage, it produces the sound of bubbling as water flows down to the drain. Using baking soda and hot water solution in conjunction with vinegar will help to remove any food particles that have accumulated around and hair.
What are some of the most popular DIY ways to clear blocked drains?
Before attempting any solutions ensure you have the correct tools at your disposal: gloves plunger baking soda, vinegar or citric acid.
Here are some efficient ways to remove obstructions:
Boiling Water
The addition of hot water directly to your sink can help melt away any solids, such as soap as well as grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction caused by mixing Baking Soda and Vinegar will loosen all sorts of gunk stuck in your pipes.
Drain Snake or Auger
Use Snakes or Augers to remove more serious blockages when plungers or boiling water fail.
Dry and Wet Vacuum
Use wet/dry vacuums to remove the obstruction by sucking this material from the drain directly.
When is it time to call in professionals?
If you’ve tried all DIY methods, and the problem persists, then it’s time to involve the help of a professional. Here are a few instances that need expert advice:
Recurring Blockages
The cause of your blockages may not have been addressed correctly. Hiring a team of professionals ensures that they can uncover and correct any underlying problems.
Older Plumbing System
older plumbing systems are prone to damage caused by wear and external influences. A professional can tell if your pipeline needs replacement or if simpler solutions like the hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting process) is enough.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Some clogs contain hazardous materials like broken glass or chemicals which require special care. If you don’t wish 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 better to maintain drains rather than fixing them. A regular maintenance will prevent clogs of a severe nature from developing. Making changes in your lifestyle such as refraining from flushing hygiene products down the drain, putting grease substances leaking into sinks and regular CCTV examinations can stop blockages altogether.
Why Choose Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing for Professional Assistance?
Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing has years of experience in clearing blocked drains in Perth . We use advanced technology and methods such as hydrojetting and CCTV camera inspections to ensure top-quality results without problems.
- Hydrojetting utilizes high-pressure streams of water at specific angles suitable for various types of plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras provide us with an insight into the root of the problem within pipes, allowing us to address specific issues correctly.
Our fully licensed experts will work on-site efficiently while keeping a social distance throughout these Covid moments, and cleaning up once the job has been 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 Questions
How do I know that I require help from a professional to clear a blocked drain?
If you’ve tried the basic DIY techniques like plunging or using drain cleaning solutions, but you haven’t had success It’s time to consult a professional. Other signs include slow draining sinks or pipes, odors of foul-smelling coming from the drains, noises of gurgling along with water backup.
Is it safe to use chemical drain cleaners for the removal of blockages?
Chemical drain cleaners are harmful and dangerous to you and the environment. It is recommended to try other DIY methods before chemical cleaners that could be harmful to the environment. Hiring a professional plumber ensures that you are getting reliable and safe solutions without the risk of exposing yourself or your surroundings to risk.
Can blocked drains cause any lasting damage to my property?
The truth is that blocked drains could result in serious long-term damage like water damage, cracking pipes, growth of mold in the sewage system, and even foundation damage. Seeking professional help in good time will avoid costly damages.
What are some of the methods that plumbers employ to get rid of blocked drains?
Professional plumbers utilize a variety of techniques such as hydro jetting, which makes use of high-pressure water streams and drain snakes that clear blockages by cutting into or breaking down obstructions.
How much does it cost to hire a plumbing company similar to Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing for clearing blocked drains?
The cost of clearing a blocked drain depends on factors like how serious the obstruction is, what kind of process is needed to remove the blockage (e.g., Hydro jetting, or even snaking) and how accessible the drainage device is. Contact the team of Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing for an initial assessment over the phone or make an appointment to ensure that we know what methods are best suited to your situation.
Don’t leave your clogged drain situation helpless, contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing today for quality service.
Additional Information
- Saving Time and Money with CCTV Drain Inspection for Drain Clearing
- Fix your blocked drain crisis with the top plumber available
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspection in Commercial Properties
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspections in Preventing Expensive Property Damage
- End Blocked Drains Immediately: Professional Tips to Try Today
- Letting You See What's Hiding Beneath Your Prospective Property: The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection
- What to Know about Pipe Relining Services for Blocked Drains
- The Top Causes of Blocked Drains You Need to Know
- Measures to Spot & Confirm a Blocked Drain
- The Ultimate Guide to Drain Clearing Services
