Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a typical issue which can affect our daily lives. While we tend to try to resolve the issue by ourselves, some stubborn blockages need professional assistance. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of clearing blocked drains by yourself versus getting help from a professional.
Key Takeaways
- Certain minor blockages can be removed with simple techniques at home
- Before you attempt any solution be sure to have the correct tools at fingertips: plunger, gloves, baking soda, vinegar/citric acid
- DIY techniques for clearing blocked drains include Boiling the water Baking Soda
What are the ideal times to remove a blockage from a drain?
The majority of minor blockages can easily be removed using simple techniques at home. If you spot any of the following signs then you can try these techniques prior to calling professionals:
Slow draining bathtubs or sinks
If water isn’t going through the drains as quickly the way it is supposed to there might be a minor blockage. Use a plunger to get rid of any debris that is clogging the pipe.
Infuriating odors
A strong smell emanating from your bathtub or sink may indicate that food or hair that is causing the obstruction. Try pouring boiling water mixed with vinegar into the bathtub or sink to eliminate any residue.
Noises of gurgling
If air is trapped in your pipes because of an obstruction, it can cause the sound of bubbling as water flows through the drain. Using baking soda and hot water solution in conjunction with vinegar will help to remove any accumulation of food particles and hair.
What are the most common DIY methods for clearing blocked drains?
Before you attempt any solution be sure that you have the correct tools at your disposal: gloves plunger baking soda, vinegar or citric acid.
Here are some proven methods to help you clear obstacles:
Boiling Water
Pouring hot water directly in your sink can aid in melting away solids such as soap as well as grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction that occurs when mix Baking Soda as well as Vinegar loosens up all sorts of gunk stuck in your pipes.
Drain Snake or Auger
Use Snakes or Augers to clear more serious blockages when plungers fail and boiling water fails.
Dry Vacuum Wet
Utilize dry or wet vacuums to clear the blockage by suctioning this material from the drain directly.
When is it time to get professional help?
If you’ve tried all DIY strategies, and the issue persists you need to involve professionals. Here are a few situations that require seeking professional expertise:
Recurring Blockages
The root cause of your blockages might not have been dealt with correctly. Employing a professional team ensures that they can uncover and correct any underlying problems.
Age of Plumbing System
Older plumbing systems are vulnerable to damage due to wear and environmental factors. Experts can determine if your plumbing system requires replacement, or if more simple options like the hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting service) will suffice.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Some clogs have hazardous materials like chemicals or broken glass that require specific care. If you don’t want to risk injury or damage to your pipes, think about 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. The regular maintenance will prevent clogs of a severe nature from forming. Making changes to your lifestyle, such as not flushing hygiene products into the toilet, not dumping greasy substances leaking into sinks and regular CCTV inspections can help prevent obstructions completely.
Why Should You Choose Perth Blocked Drains Plumber for Professional Assistance?
Perth Blocked Drains Plumber has years of experience in clearing blocked drains within Perth . We use the most modern equipment and techniques such as hydrojetting and CCTV camera inspections that ensure high-quality results and will not cause issues.
- Hydrojetting uses high-pressure streams of water angled at specific angles, which are ideal for a variety of plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras offer us an insight into what’s causing the problems within pipes, which allows us to tackle specific issues correctly.
Our fully licensed experts can be on site efficiently, while maintaining social distancing during these Covid moments, and 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 |
Common Questions and Answers
How can I tell that I require help from a professional to unblock a clogged drain?
If you have tried basic DIY solutions like plunging the drain and using cleaning solutions with no success It’s the time to call a professional for assistance. Other signs include sinks that don’t drain as quickly and odors that smell foul coming from drains, noises of gurgling and water backup.
Is it safe to make use of chemical drain cleaners for getting rid of blockages?
Chemical drain cleaners can be toxic and can be harmful to you and the environment. It is best to test other DIY methods before resorting to chemical drain cleaners that can be harmful. Engaging a professional plumber guarantees that you receive the most effective and safe solutions, without you or your family members to danger.
Are blocked drains causing any long-term damage to my property?
Unblocking drains could cause serious damage over the long term including water damage, leaky pipes, the growth of mold as well as sewage backup and foundation damage. A professional’s assistance in a timely time will avoid costly damages.
What are the techniques used by plumbers to unblock drains?
Professional plumbers utilize a variety of techniques such as hydro jetting, which makes use of high-pressure water streams as well as drain snakes that clear obstructions by cutting or breaking up debris.
How much will it cost to hire a plumbing company like Perth Blocked Drains Plumber for clearing blocked drains?
The cost to clear an obstruction in the drain is contingent on the severity of the blockage is, which kind of technique is required for clearing the obstruction (e.g., Snaking or hydro-jetting), and how accessible the drainage device is. Contact our team at Perth Blocked Drains Plumber for an initial review over the phone or make an appointment to ensure that we can decide which alternatives are the most effective for your situation.
Don’t leave your clogged drain situation helpless, contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumber today for quality service.
Additional Information
- DIY Plumber - An Easy Guide to Unclog Your Shower Drain
- Require help with your backed up drain? Find the best plumber
- How to Choose between Different Types of Pipe Relining Materials (And Which One Is Right for You)
- Tips to Understand When it's Time to Pick Up the Phone for Professional Drain Cleaning
- The Ultimate Checklist for a Smooth-flowing CCTV Drain Inspection Experience
- DIY Drain Cleaning: How to Safely Tackle Clogged Drains
- Don't Panic: Tips for Handling a Blocked Toilet
- Top Reasons to Avoid DIY Drain Unblocking
- Don't Let These Common Mistakes Clog Your Pipes
- Say Goodbye to Blocked Drains: A Decade of Preventive Steps for Your Home
