Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help

Blocked drains are a typical issue which can affect our daily life. While we tend to try to fix the issue on our own however, there are some blockages that need professional help. In this article we will discuss the pros and cons of clearing blockages on your own or having professional help.
Key Takeaways
- Certain minor blockages can be removed with simple techniques at home
- Before you attempt any solution make sure you have the correct tools at fingertips: plunger, gloves baking soda, vinegar/citric acids, and baking soda
- DIY methods for clearing drainage obstructions include Boiling Water, Baking Soda
What is the best time to unblock a drain?
Certain minor blockages can be removed using simple techniques at home. If you observe any of the following symptoms then you can try these methods before calling in professionals:
Slow draining sinks or bathtubs
If the water isn’t flowing down the drain in the same speed that it would, there may be a slight blockage. Use a plunger to remove any debris that is clogging the pipe.
Unpleasant odors
A bad smell emanating from your bathtub or sink may indicate that food or hair which is causing the obstruction. Try pouring boiling water mixed with vinegar in your bathtub or sink in order to remove any buildup of residue.
Noises of gurgling
When air gets trapped in your pipes due to obstruction, it creates the sound of bubbling as water flows down to the drain. Utilizing baking soda and hot water solutions, and vinegar, you can clear the food particles and hair.
What are some common DIY ways to clear blocked drains?
Before trying any method, make sure you have the proper tools at disposal: gloves, plunger baking soda, vinegar/citric acid.
Here are a few effective methods to remove obstructions:
Boiling Water
Pouring hot water directly in the sink will help melt away solids like soap as well as grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction triggered by mixing Baking Soda and Vinegar releases all kinds of gunk stuck in your pipes.
Drain Snake or Auger
Utilize Snakes or Augers to remove more serious blockages when plungers fail and boiling water fails.
Vacuum Cleaner Wet/Dry
Use wet/dry vacuums to remove the blockage by suctioning this material from the drain in a direct manner.
When is it the best time to bring in experts?
If you’ve tried all DIY strategies, and the issue persists It’s time to call in the help of a professional. Here are a few instances that need expert advice:
Recurring Blockages
The root of the blockages might not have been fixed correctly. The hiring of a professional team guarantees that they will be able to find and fix any underlying issues.
Age of Plumbing System
The older plumbing systems are more susceptible to damage caused by wear and environmental factors. A professional can tell if your pipeline needs replacement or more straightforward solutions like the use of hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting process) is enough.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Certain clogs are contaminated with hazardous substances such as broken glass or chemicals that require special attention. If you don’t want to cause injury or damage to your pipes, consider confiding this task to qualified experts.
Prevention is more effective than Cure
It is better to maintain drains rather than fixing them. The regular maintenance helps prevent severe clogs from forming. Making lifestyle changes such as refraining from flushing hygiene products down the toilet, greasy substances in sinks, and having a regular CCTV inspections, can avoid obstructions completely.
Why Should You 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 techniques, including hydrojetting and CCTV camera inspections that guarantee high-quality results and will not cause problems.
- Hydrojetting utilizes high-pressure streams of water that are angled to be suitable to various plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras give us the insider’s view of the root of the problem within pipes, which allows us to tackle specific issues properly.
Our certified experts will be on-site quickly and efficiently, ensuring social distancing throughout 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 |
FAQs
How do I know that I require help from a professional to unblock a clogged drain?
If you have tried basic DIY methods like plunging the drain and using cleaning solutions with no success is it the time to call a professional for assistance. Other indicators include slow draining of sinks, foul odors coming from drains, noises of gurgling along with water backup.
Is it safe to employ chemical drain cleaners to clearing blockages?
Chemical drain cleaners are toxic and can be harmful to you as well as the environment. It is best to test other DIY methods before chemical cleaners that could be harmful to the environment. Engaging a professional plumber guarantees that you will receive safe and effective solutions without exposing yourself or your environment to harm.
Could blocked drains cause lasting damage to my property?
The truth is that blocked drains could result in long-term, serious damage such as water damage, burst pipes, mold growth, sewage backup or even foundation damage. Getting help from a professional in the right time will prevent costly damages.
What are the techniques used by plumbers to clear blocked drains?
Professional plumbers utilize a variety of techniques like hydro jetting which utilizes high-pressure water streams, as well as drain snake machines that eliminate blockages by cutting into or cutting up debris.
How much will it cost to employ a plumbing service similar to Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing for clearing blocked drains?
The cost to clear a blocked drain depends on aspects like how bad the blockage is, what kind of method is needed for clearing the obstruction (e.g. hydro jetting or snaking), and how accessible the drainage device is. We recommend contacting the team of Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing for an initial assessment over the phone or make an appointment to ensure that we can decide which alternatives are the most effective for your specific situation.
Don’t let your drain clogged issue untreated, call Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing today for quality service.
Additional Information
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspections in Preventing Expensive Property Damage
- When to Call a Professional for Blocked Drains: A Guide
- Powerful Guidance for Clearing a Blocked Drain
- Troubleshooting Blocked Drains Plumbing Solutions and Tips
- Drains 101: Essential Tips for Keeping Your Pipes in Good Condition
- Avoid Drain Blockages: Tips to Steer Clear of These 5 Common Triggers
- Stop blockages easily with these incredible remedies
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections: How Often Should You Carry Them Out?
- Discovering the Reasons Causes Blocked Drainage Systems
- 10 Tricks for Keeping Your Drains Blockage-Free