Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help

Blocked drains are a regular issue that can cause disruption to our daily lives. While most of us try to resolve the issue on our own but there are certain blockages that require professional assistance. In this article we will look at the advantages and disadvantages of removing blocked drains by yourself versus hiring a professional.
Key Takeaways
- Certain minor blockages can be cleared with simple home remedies
- Before beginning any work, make sure you have the correct tools at hand: gloves, plunger or plunger, baking soda (baking soda), vinegar/citric Acid
- DIY methods to clear obstructions in drains are Boiling Water, Baking Soda
How do you unblock a drain?
The majority of minor blockages can easily be eliminated using simple methods at home. If you observe any of these signs it is possible to try these methods prior to calling professionals:
Sinks that drain slowly or bathtubs
If water isn’t going through the drains as quickly as it should, then there may be a slight blockage. Make use of a plunger push out any debris blocking the pipe.
The smells are unpleasant
A sour smell coming from your sink or bathtub may indicate that food or hair causing the obstruction. Try pouring boiling water mixed with vinegar in your bathtub or sink in order to remove any buildup of residue.
Gurgling noises
If air becomes trapped in your pipes due to the blockage, it produces popping sounds as water flows down into the drain. By using baking soda in combination with hot water, in conjunction with vinegar will help to remove any food particles that have accumulated around and hair.
What are some typical DIY methods to clear blocked drains?
Before trying any method be sure to are equipped with the appropriate tools at disposal: gloves, plunger, baking soda vinegar/citric acid.
Here are some efficient ways that can help clear obstructions:
Boiling Water
Pouring hot water directly into your sink can help melt off solids such as soap and grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction triggered by mix Baking Soda and Vinegar loosens up all sorts of gunk that has accumulated in your pipes.
Snake or Auger Snake or Auger
Use Snakes or Augers to clear larger blockages if plungers and boiling water do not work.
Vacuum Cleaner Wet/Dry
Use wet/dry vacuums to remove the obstruction by sucking the blockage material out of the drain in a direct manner.
When is it the best time to engage professionals?
If you’ve tried every DIY techniques but the blockage still persists you need to seek out a professional. Here are a few situations which require the assistance of a professional:
Blockages that recur
The cause of your blockages might not have been fixed correctly. Employing a professional team will ensure that they are able to identify and fix any underlying issues.
The age of the Plumbing System
older plumbing systems are prone to damage due to wear and external factors. Professionals can assess whether your pipe requires replacement, or if more simple solutions such as 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 specific care. If you don’t want to cause injury or damage to your pipes, you should consider leaving this job to certified experts.
Prevention is always better than Cure
It is always better to prevent drains from becoming blocked rather than repair them. Routine maintenance can prevent clogs that are severe from developing. Making lifestyle changes like not flushing hygiene products down the toilet, greasy substances into sinks, or having regular CCTV inspection can prevent blockages altogether.
Why Should You Choose Perth Blocked Drains Plumber for Professional Assistance?
Perth Blocked Drains Plumber has years of experience in clearing blocked drains in Perth . We use advanced equipment and techniques such as hydrojetting and CCTV camera inspections that guarantee excellent results, with no issues.
- Hydrojetting utilizes high-pressure streams of water angled at specific angles, which are ideal for different types of plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras provide an insight into what’s causing the problems within pipes, allowing us to tackle specific issues effectively.
Our certified experts will efficiently work on site while ensuring social distancing throughout these Covid moments, and cleaning up after 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 |
Common Questions and Answers
What can I do to determine if I need professional help to clear a blocked drain?
If you’ve tried the basic DIY solutions like plunging or using drain cleaning solutions with no success Then it’s time to consult a professional. Other signs include sinks that aren’t draining as fast, foul odors coming from drains, noises of gurgling along with water backup.
Is it safe to make use of chemical drain cleaners for the removal of obstructions?
Chemical drain cleaners are hazardous and harmful to both you and the environment. It is best to test other DIY strategies before chemical drain cleaners that can be harmful. A professional plumber can ensure that you get reliable and safe solutions without the risk of exposing yourself or your surroundings to danger.
Do blocked drains cause permanent damage to my home?
In fact, water drains that are blocked could cause serious damage over the long term including water damage, leaky pipes, the growth of mold in the sewage system, and even foundation damage. Seeking professional help in good time will prevent costly damages.
What are some of the methods that plumbers employ to unblock 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 cutting up obstructions.
What is the cost to hire a plumbing company like Perth Blocked Drains Plumber for clearing blocked drains?
The cost of clearing a blocked drain depends on aspects like how bad the blockage is, which kind of process is needed to clear the blockage (e.g., the use of hydro jets or snakes) and how accessible your drainage system is. Contact one of our representatives at Perth Blocked Drains Plumber for an initial assessment over the phone or schedule an appointment so that we can decide which alternatives are the most effective for your situation.
Don’t leave your clogged drain problem unsolved, call Perth Blocked Drains Plumber today for quality service.
Additional Information
- Ways to Find & Verify a Obstruction in Your Drain
- Avoiding Clogged Drains: Tips for Homeowners
- Save Money and Time with Preventative Drain Care Practices
- Why You Need CCTV Drain Inspection Services
- Keeping Costly Drain Repairs at Bay with Routine Inspections
- Tips to Understand When it's Time to Pick Up the Phone for Professional Drain Cleaning
- Investigating the Primary Causes of Drain Blockages
- Unblock Your Drains with Ease: The Power of Blocked Drain Jetting
- Expert Manual to Plumbing Cleaning for a Blockage-Free Home
- Reasons Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Must Before Purchasing a Property