DIY Drain Cleaning: When to Call a Professional

Posted by Perth Blocked Drains Plumber on 30 Nov 2025

Clogged drains are the most common issue in homes and could be the result of a myriad of items, such as hair soap scum grease and even tree roots. While many people opt for solving the problem on their own however, there are occasions that you should call a professional. In this article, we’ll examine the best times to DIY drain cleaning and when it is best to seek help from a professional plumber.

Key Takeaways

  • The slow draining, the gurgling sound and a foul smell indicate the time to clean your drain.
  • Boiling water, baking soda and plunger as well as drain snakes are all DIY methods to unclog a blocked drain.
  • Always read the directions and wear gloves in attempting DIY methods.
  • Ask for help from a professional Perth Blocked Drains Plumber plumber if there are numerous clogs and no improvement following DIY efforts or blocked drains that are not visible due to external factors like tree roots.
  • Professionals conduct CCTV drainage inspections in order to determine the particular blockages and avoid unnecessary repair cost.

A Sign Your Drain Needs Cleaning

Before starting the cleaning process, you need to know if your drain requires to be cleaned at all. Here are some indicators that indicate your drain needs attention:

Slow Draining

If you notice that water takes longer than usual in time to drain or does not drain completely, it’s time to examine. The slow draining of your sink or shower could be a sign of a blockage in your pipes.

Gurgling Noises

Sounds of gurgling coming from drains are often an indication of air being trapped inside the plumbing system. This could lead to blocking and needs to be looked at as soon as it’s possible.

Foul Odors

The buildup of organic matter can create unpleasant odors that emanate out of your pipes. If you’re experiencing a strange smell coming from your kitchen sink or bath, it’s likely to be time to clean.

When To DIY Drain Cleaning

There are a variety of methods for getting rid of a blocked drain, which you can try on your own:

Boiling Water

Boiling water can dissolve most organic material causing obstruction in the pipe, however it is not used in conjunction with PVC pipes.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

The combination of baking soda and vinegar reacts to produce fizzing acid, causing any stubborn clogs to loosen up. Pour boiling water in the following step for the best results.

Plunger

Plungers can be a boon for minor clogs especially for blocked toilets or sinks. However, make sure that there’s no chemical residues within the fixture prior to using a the plunger.

Drain Snake

If the blockage seems to be lodged a few inches in the bowels, you may employ drain snakes. Place it, and slowly rotate while pushing it outwards until the obstruction disappears.

If you’re attempting any DIY cleaning technique, be sure to read the directions carefully and wear protective clothing like gloves when needed.

When To Call a Professional

Although DIY solutions can be beneficial in certain circumstances however, there are times when you need the assistance of a licensed Perth Blocked Drains Plumber plumber:

Multiple Clogs

If several drains within your home are backed up with time, don’t try to address this issue on your own. This could be due to issues with your main sewer line that require the expert knowledge of a plumber.

There is no improvement after DIY attempts.

When you’ve attempted everything nothing appears to work or if you’ve noticed recurring blockages, there may be more serious plumbing issues that require expert help before significant damages occur.

Unseen Blockages

Sometimes external entities like tree roots may cause blockages that do not get noticed until the issue grows to be a major issue. Professionals carry out CCTV drainage inspections, which pinpoint the specific clog location to avoid costly repairs by directly tackling the problem without guesswork.

Signs Your Drain Needs Cleaning When To DIY Drain Cleaning When To Call a Professional
Slow Draining Boiling water Multiple Clogs
Gurgling Noises Baking Soda and Vinegar No Improvement After DIY Attempts
Foul Odors Plunger Unseen Blockages
Drain Snake

Note: Always read the instructions carefully and wear protective gear where necessary while attempting any DIY cleaning methods.

FAQ

What can I do to tell if I need to call to a plumber who is reputable?

If you’ve tried numerous DIY ways but your drain remains blocked, it’s time to bring an expert in. Some signs that you need to contact plumbing experts include repeated obstructions, slow drainage, bubbling in the toilet or sink in the event that water is coming through a different source, and unpleasant odors emanating out of your drains.

Are there any risk involved in attempting to unclog the drain on my own?

Yes, attempting to unclog the drain in your home can create more harm than good. Use of harmful chemicals and inadequate tools can damage pipes, leading to costly repairs later on. Additionally, if a blockage is not properly handled, it could cause water backups and health hazards.

Which are the best DIY methods for unclogging my drain?

A few DIY methods for unclogging drains include using a plunger or plumbing snake or pouring boiling liquid down the drain or mixing vinegar, baking soda, and baking soda. While these strategies may work in cases of minor clogs it is important to exercise caution when attempting these methods.

Do I have to employ chemical drain cleaners at my own?

Although chemical drain cleaners might work initially, they can affect older pipes and cause them to weaken. In addition, many chemical cleaners contain harsh chemicals that could be harmful to humans as well as pets.

Why should I select Perth Blocked Drains Plumber for my blocked drains requirements in Perth ?

We are Perth Blocked Drains Plumber , we specialize in unblocking blocked drains quickly and easily. Our professional team uses only the latest technological advances in cameras for CCTV as well as hydro jetting equipment to identify and resolve your problems while leaving your property clean and free of clutter. Furthermore, as a local company servicing Perth , we’re always near if you have any plumbing issues!

Conclusion

There are instances where the DIY method is effective in cleaning drain clogs; however, professionals have experience and tools to assess the root cause of problems, and prevent future issues to ensure optimal hygiene at all times. If these experts seem like the perfect solution for your home and an ideal sanitary environment and you are looking for their services, then contacting them might be the best option. Reach out to Our Perth Blocked Drains Plumber plumbers for timely efficient solutions that don’t require any effort or worries on your part.

Additional Information

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Perth Drain Plumbing Services

Are you experiencing a clogged toilet, blocked shower drain, overflowing drains or an issue with your kitchen sink? We can help you sort out your drain blockage problem quickly and provide the following services:

  • CCTV Drain Inspections
  • Drain Clearing & Drain Cleanin
  • Drain Repairs
  • Pipe Relining
  • Blocked Stormwater Drains
  • Blocked Sewer Drains & Blocked Pipes
  • Blocked Sinks & Blocked Toilets
  • Clogged or Blocked Shower Drain

Clearing blocked drains can be difficult and it’s best to get a professional plumbing service involved to tackle it for you, To get your blocked drain in Perth cleared today, contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumber now and speak to one of our friendly team members.

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No one ever expects to experience a plumbing emergency, but when it does happen, you need a reliable plumbing service that can help you resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

At Perth Blocked Drains Plumber, we are always here for our customers, day or night, weekends or holidays. We understand that plumbing emergencies can happen at any time, and we are always prepared to help.

If you are experiencing a plumbing emergency, please do not hesitate to call us. We will dispatch one of our experienced plumbers to your home or business as soon as possible.

We will work diligently to resolve the issue and get your life back to normal as quickly as possible, contact us today.

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When it comes to plumbing, you want to make sure you’re working with a qualified professional. At our company, we are licensed and insured professionals who are dedicated to providing quality plumbing services.

We’re here to help with all of your plumbing needs, such as blocked drains, CCTV drain inspections, drain repairs and pipe relining.

We understand that plumbing problems can be disruptive and expensive. That’s why we offer 24×7 emergency service, so you can get the help you need when you need it most.

We also have a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our work, so you can be confident that you’re making the best decision for your home.

Identify tree roots in your pipes with our cctv inspections and nabish them from your drains with our pip repairs and pipe relining.

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