DIY Drain Cleaning: When to Call a Professional

Clogged drains are the most common issue in homes and can be caused by various things, such as hair soap scum grease, and even tree roots. Many people prefer fixing the issue by themselves but there are instances that you should call professionals. In this post, we’ll examine the best times to DIY drain cleaning and when to get help from a professional plumber.
Key Takeaways
- The slow draining, the gurgling sound and foul odors are indicators that your drain is in need of cleaning.
- Boiling water, baking soda and plunger along with drain snake, are DIY methods to unclog a blocked drain.
- Always follow the instructions and use gloves when attempting DIY methods.
- Seek help from a professional Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers plumber if there are several clogs that do not show improvement after DIY attempts, or unseen blockages caused by external factors such as tree roots.
- Experts perform CCTV drainage inspections to find an exact location of blockage, thus avoiding repair costs.
Signs Your Drain Needs Cleaning
Before starting your cleaning routine, be sure to know if your drain is in need of being cleaned at all. Here are some signs that tell you your drain is in need of attention:
Slow Draining
If you notice that your water takes longer than normal in time to drain or isn’t draining in any way, it’s time to look into. The slow draining of your sink or shower may indicate a blockage forming in your pipes.
Gurgling Noises
A gurgling sound emanating from drains typically indicate air being trapped inside the plumbing system. This may result in blockages, and must be investigated as soon as it’s possible.
Foul Odors
The buildup of organic matter can create unpleasant odors that emanate through your drainage. If you notice something odd coming from your kitchen sink or bath, it’s likely time for cleaning.
How to DIY Drain Cleaning
There are numerous methods for unclogging a blocked drain which you can try at your own pace:
Boiling Water
Boiling water dissolves most organic material causing pipe blockage but cannot be employed in conjunction with PVC pipes.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
A mixture of vinegar and baking soda reacts, producing fizzing acids that cause any clogs that have been causing problems to be loosened up; pour boiling water in the following step for flawless results.
Plunger
Plungers can work wonders with minor blockages, specifically for blocked toilets and sinks, but make sure that there isn’t any chemical residues within the fixture prior to using a the plunger.
Drain Snake
If you believe that the blockage may be lodged within a few inches the drain, use drain snakes; insert it and gradually rotate while pushing it further until the obstruction is removed.
When attempting any DIY cleaning methods, always be sure to read the directions carefully and wear protective equipment like gloves if needed.
When should you call a Professional
Although DIY solutions can be beneficial in certain circumstances but there are instances when you should consult an experienced Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers plumber:
Multiple Clogs
If multiple drains within your home are backed up in time, don’t try to solve the problem yourself. It could be because of problems within the main sewer line, which require the expert knowledge of a plumber.
No improvement after DIY tries
If you’ve tried everything, but there is no solution or you’re experiencing persistent blockages, there could be more significant plumbing issues requiring expert assistance prior to significant damage occurring.
Unseen Blockages
Sometimes external entities like tree roots could cause blockages, which go unnoticed until the problem becomes severe. Professionals conduct CCTV drainage inspections that pinpoint the precise location of the clog, eliminating unnecessary repair costs by solving the issue immediately without a 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.
Common Questions & Answers
How do I know when I’m required to contact a professional plumber?
If you’ve tried numerous DIY methods and your drain is still clogged and clogged, you need to call in the pros. Some signs that you need to contact an experienced plumber are frequent blockages, slow drainage bubbling in the sink or toilet when water is run through a different source, and unpleasant odors emanating out of your drains.
Are there any risks to trying to clean your own drainage?
It’s true that trying to unblock your drain on your own can create more harm than good. Chemicals that are harsh and ineffective tools can damage pipes, leading to expensive repairs down the line. Furthermore, if a blocked pipe is not properly handled, it could lead to sewage backups and potential health risks.
What are some DIY ways to unblock my drain?
Some DIY ways to unclog drains involve using a plunger or plumbing snake, pouring boiling water down the drain, or making a mix of baking soda and vinegar. While these strategies may work in cases of minor clogs it is important to exercise caution in attempting these methods.
Do I have to employ chemical drain cleaners at my own?
While chemical drain cleaners may perform initially, they may affect older pipes and weaken them. In addition, many chemical cleaners contain harsh chemicals that could be harmful to both people as well as pets.
Why should I select Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers for my blocked drains to Perth ?
At Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers , we specialize in clearing blocked drains efficiently and at a reasonable cost. Our staff of highly trained experts makes use of the latest technologies in the field of CCTV cameras and hydro jetting equipment to identify and resolve your problems and leave your property tidy and clutter-free. Additionally, since we’re a local company serving Perth , we’re always near if you have any plumbing issues!
Conclusion
There are instances when the DIY approach works effectively in cleaning drain clogs; however experts have the experience and tools to assess the root of the issue, thereby preventing further problems ensuring optimal cleanliness at all times. If these pros seem like the ideal solution for your home to have the best sanitary conditions, seeking out their services could be your best bet. Reach out to one of our Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers plumbers for timely efficient solutions that don’t require any effort or worry on your part.
Additional Information
- Unblocking Your Drainage Pipes: The Best Plumbing Solutions
- When Should You Call A Professional To Clear Your Blocked Drain?
- Start with Clean Plumbing for a Pristine Home: Essential Tips for Maintaining Your Plumbing
- Unclog Your Drains: Speedy Tips to Try Out Right Now
- Stop Blockages Before They Happen: 10 Ways to Prevent Clogged Drains
- Unblock Your Drains with Ease: Discover the Power of Blocked Drain Jetting
- What to Know about Pipe Relining Services for Blocked Drains
- Troubleshooting Blocked Drains Plumbing Tips and Solutions
- Protect Your Home Investment by Conducting A CCTV Drain Inspection Prior Purchase
- Try out these proven solutions for clearing your drain