Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a typical issue that can cause disruption to our daily lives. While most of us try to resolve the issue by ourselves but some blocked drains require professional assistance. In this article we will discuss the pros and cons of clearing blocked drains on your own versus having professional help.
Key Takeaways
- Some minor blockages can be eliminated using simple home remedies
- Before attempting any solutions ensure you have the correct tools at your disposal: gloves, plunger or plunger, baking soda (baking soda), vinegar/citric Acid
- DIY methods for clearing blocked drains include Boiling Water, Baking Soda
How do you unblock a drain?
The majority of minor blockages can easily be removed using simple techniques at home. If you are noticing any of the following symptoms You can try these methods before calling in experts:
Sinks that drain slowly or bathtubs
If the water isn’t flowing through the drains as quickly that it would, there could be a small blockage. Try using a plunger to eliminate any debris blocking the pipe.
Unpleasant odors
A strong smell emanating from your sink or bathtub could be a sign of food particles or hair which is causing the blockage. Try pouring boiling hot water with vinegar in your sink or bathtub to dissolve any residue buildup.
Noises of gurgling
When air gets trapped in your pipes because of obstruction, it creates noises that bubble as water flows down the drain. Utilizing baking soda and hot water, followed by vinegar can unclog the food particles and hair.
What are some common DIY ways to clear blocked drains?
Before beginning any project be sure that you have the correct tools at hand: gloves, plunger, baking soda vinegar/citric acid.
Here are a few effective methods that can help clear obstructions:
Boiling Water
Pouring hot water directly into your sink can help melt off solids such as soap as well as grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction caused by the mixture of Baking Soda with Vinegar loosens up all sorts of gunk stuck to your pipes.
The Drain Snake or Auger
Utilize Snakes or Augers for obstructions that are more severe when plungers and boiling water do not work.
Wet/Dry Vacuum
Make use of dry and wet vacuums for removing the obstruction by sucking this material from the drain in a direct manner.
When is it the best time to call in professionals?
If you’ve tried every DIY techniques, but the blockage still persists, then it’s time to engage the help of a professional. Here are some instances that need expert advice:
Recurring Blockages
The root cause for the blockages might not have been fixed correctly. Hiring a team of professionals ensures that they can uncover and fix any underlying issues.
Age of Plumbing System
Older plumbing systems are susceptible to damage caused by wear and other external elements. Experts can determine if your pipeline needs replacement or more straightforward options like Hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting service) will suffice.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Some clogs may contain dangerous materials like broken glass or chemicals which require special care. If you don’t want to be at risk of injury or damage to your pipes, consider the job being left to trained experts.
Prevention is more effective than Cure
It is always better to keep drains clean rather than fix them. A regular maintenance can prevent clogs that are severe from forming. Making lifestyle changes like not flushing toiletries down the drain, putting grease substances leaking into sinks and regular CCTV inspections, can avoid blockages completely.
Why Should You Choose Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers for Professional Assistance?
Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers has years of experience in clearing blocked drains in Perth . We employ the most advanced technology and methods such as hydrojetting and CCTV camera inspections to ensure top-quality results without problems.
- Hydrojetting utilizes high-pressure streams of water at specific angles suitable for different types of plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras provide an insight into what’s causing the issue within pipes, allowing us to address specific issues effectively.
Our licensed professionals will efficiently work on site while maintaining social distancing during these Covid moments, and 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when I’m in need of professional help to unblock a blocked drain?
If you’ve tried the simplest DIY techniques like plunges and drain cleaning solutions, but you haven’t had success, then it’s time to consult a professional. Other indicators include slow draining sinks and odors that smell foul coming from drains, gurgling sounds, along with water backup.
Is it safe to employ chemical drain cleaners to removing obstructions?
Chemical drain cleaners are harmful and dangerous to you and the environment. It is recommended to try other DIY methods before using potentially harmful chemicals. Employing a professional plumber will ensure that you are getting secure and efficient solutions that aren’t placing yourself or the environment to danger.
Can blocked drains cause any long-term damage to my home?
In fact, water drains that are blocked can cause long-lasting damage such as water damage, burst pipes, mold growth in the sewage system, and even foundation damage. Getting help from a professional in the right time will prevent costly damages.
What are the methods used by plumbing professionals to unblock drains?
Professional plumbers utilize a variety of techniques including hydro jetting which uses high-pressure water streams and drain snake machines which clear obstructions by cutting through or breaking down the pieces of debris.
How much will it cost to employ a plumbing service similar to Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers for clearing blocked drains?
The cost to clear a blocked drain depends on the severity of the obstruction is, what kind of method is needed for unblocking (e.g. hydro jetting or snaking) and how easy access you are to the drain system. It is recommended to call us at Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers for an initial assessment over the phone or book an appointment so that we can determine what methods are best suited to your situation.
Don’t let your drain clogged situation helpless, contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers today for quality service.
Additional Information
- Investigating & Verifying a Blocked Drain: Measures to Take
- Inspecting Drains Using CCTV to Detect Root Infiltration: Benefits for Property Owners
- CCTV Drain Inspection: An Effective Way to Prevent Future Plumbing Issues
- Keeping Costly Drain Repairs at Bay with Routine Inspections
- Unblocking Your Drainage Pipes: The Best Plumbing Solutions
- Keep Your Home Safe by Hiring a Professional Drain Cleaning Service
- Need help with your blocked drain? Find the perfect plumber
- Simple Solutions for Clearing Out Clogged Drains at Home
- Stop Blockages Before They Happen: 10 Ways to Prevent Clogged Drains
- Identifying the Culprits of Drain Obstructions
