Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a common problem which can affect our daily life. While we tend to try to fix the issue on our own however, there are some blockages that require professional assistance. In this post we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of removing the drains that are blocked by yourself instead of hiring a professional.
Key Takeaways
- A few minor blockages are easily cleared by simple strategies at home
- Before beginning any work be sure to have the correct tools at disposal: gloves, plunger, baking soda, vinegar/citric acid
- DIY techniques for clearing drains that are blocked include Boiling Wasser, Baking Soda
When should you attempt to unblock a drain?
Some minor blockages can be removed using simple techniques at home. If you observe any of the signs below You can try these techniques prior to calling professionals:
Slow draining bathtubs or sinks
If the water isn’t moving down the drain in the same speed the way it is supposed to there might be a tiny blockage. You can try using a plunger eliminate any debris clogging up the pipe.
Unpleasant odors
The smell that is emanating from your sink or bathtub may indicate that food or hair causing the obstruction. Pour boiling water with vinegar in your sink or bathtub to eliminate any residue.
Gurgling noises
When air gets trapped in your pipes as a result of a clog, it causes bubbling sounds as water goes through in the drain. Using baking soda and hot water in conjunction with vinegar will help to remove any buildup around food particles and hair.
What are some common DIY methods for clearing blocked drains?
Before beginning any project be sure to are equipped with the appropriate tools at disposal: gloves, plunger baking soda, vinegar/citric acid.
Here are some effective ways to clear obstacles:
Boiling Water
The addition of hot water directly to your sink can aid in melting away solids such as soap as well as grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction caused by the mixture of Baking Soda along with Vinegar dislodges all sorts of gunk stuck in your pipes.
Drain Snake or Auger
Make use of Snakes or Augers to prevent obstructions that are more severe when plungers fail and boiling water fails.
Vacuum Cleaner Wet/Dry
Utilize dry or wet vacuums to clear the blockage by suctioning this material from the drain in a direct manner.
When is it time to engage professionals?
If you’ve tried every DIY techniques, but the problem persists the issue is time to engage the help of a professional. Here are a few scenarios where you need the help of a professional:
Blockages that recur
The root cause for your blockages might not have been addressed correctly. Employing a professional team will ensure that they are able to identify and correct any underlying problems.
The age of the Plumbing System
Older plumbing systems are vulnerable to damage due to wear and environmental factors. A professional can tell if the pipeline is in need of replacement or if simpler options like the use of hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting service) is sufficient.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Certain clogs are contaminated with hazardous substances like chemicals or broken glass that require specific care. If you don’t want to risk injury or damage to your pipes, you should consider confiding this task to qualified professionals.
Prevention is always better than Cure
It is always more beneficial to maintain drains than fixing them. Regular maintenance assists in preventing severe clogs from forming. Making changes to your lifestyle, such as eliminating the flushing of hygiene products into the toilet, not dumping greasy substances into sinks, or having regular CCTV examinations can stop blockages altogether.
Why Choose Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers for Professional Assistance?
Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers has years of experience in clearing blocked drains within Perth . We use advanced technology and methods such as hydrojetting and CCTV camera inspections that ensure high-quality results and will not cause issues.
- Hydrojetting is the process of delivering high-pressure streams water with specific angles that are suitable for various types of plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras offer us the insider’s view of what’s causing the issue within pipes, which allows us to address specific issues efficiently.
Our certified experts will be on-site quickly and efficiently, maintaining social distancing during these Covid times while cleaning up after the work is complete.
| 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 can I tell if I need professional help to unblock a blocked drain?
If you’ve tried the simplest DIY methods such as plunging and using drain cleaning solutions with no success It’s the time to call a professional for assistance. Other indicators include slow draining of sinks as well as odors of foul smells emanating from drains, gurgling sounds, and water backup.
Is it safe to use chemical drain cleaners for removing obstructions?
Chemical drain cleaners can be toxic and can be harmful to you as well as 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 receive reliable and safe solutions without exposing yourself or your environment to danger.
Can blocked drains cause any long-term damage to my property?
In fact, water drains that are blocked could result in long-term, serious damage like water damage, the growth of mold, burst pipes, sewage backup or even foundation damage. Getting help from a professional in the right time can avoid costly damages.
What are some of the methods employed by plumbing professionals to clear drains that are blocked?
Professional plumbers employ various techniques like hydro jetting which utilizes high-pressure water streams as well as drain snake machines that eliminate obstructions by cutting through or breaking up debris.
How much will it cost to engage a plumbing firm similar to Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers for clearing blocked drains?
The cost of clearing an obstruction in the drain is contingent on factors like how serious the blockage is, what kind of method is needed for unblocking (e.g., Snaking or hydro-jetting) and how easy access you are to the drain system. It’s best to contact our team at Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers for an initial assessment over the phone or make an appointment to ensure that we know what options will work best for your particular situation.
Don’t make your clogged drain issue untreated, call Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers today for quality service.
Additional Information
- Save Money with These Simple Drain Maintenance Techniques
- Identifying the Culprits of Drain Obstructions
- CCTV Drain Inspections: Why They are Crucial in Detecting Drain Blockages
- Protect Your Home Investment by Conducting A CCTV Drain Inspection Prior Purchase
- CCTV Drain Inspection: An Effective Way to Prevent Future Plumbing Issues
- Troubleshooting Blocked Drains Plumbing Tips and Solutions
- Inspecting Drains Using CCTV to Detect Root Infiltration: Benefits for Property Owners
- Start with Clean Plumbing for a Pristine Home: Essential Tips for Maintaining Your Plumbing
- CCTV Drain Inspections: The Key to Preventing Clogs and Other Plumbing Issues
- Say Goodbye to Messy Plumbing Repairs with Trenchless Pipe Relining