Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a common problem that can cause disruption to our daily life. Although most of us attempt to fix the issue by ourselves, some stubborn blockages require professional help. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of clearing the drains that are blocked by yourself instead of hiring a professional.
Key Takeaways
- Some minor blockages can be eliminated using simple home remedies
- Before attempting any solutions ensure you are equipped with the proper tools at hand: gloves, plunger, baking soda and vinegar/citric acid
- DIY methods to clear obstructions in drains are Boiling Water, Baking Soda
What is the best time to unblock a drain?
Some minor blockages can be cleared with simple techniques at home. If you observe any of these signs then you can try these techniques before calling experts:
Slow draining sinks or bathtubs
If water isn’t going down the drain in the same speed the way it is supposed to then there might be a tiny blockage. Use a plunger to push out any debris clogging up the pipe.
Infuriating odors
The smell that is emanating from your sink or bathtub can suggest trapped food or hair causing the obstruction. Try pouring boiling hot water with vinegar into your bathtub or sink to remove any buildup of residue.
Sounds of Gurgling
When air is trapped inside your pipes due to the blockage, it produces bubbling sounds as water goes through in the drain. Utilizing baking soda and hot water solutions, followed by vinegar can unclog any buildup around food particles and hair.
What are some of the most popular DIY methods to clear blocked drains?
Before beginning any project be sure to have the right tools on disposal: gloves, plunger, baking soda, vinegar or citric acid.
Here are some efficient ways that can help clear obstructions:
Boiling Water
Injecting hot water directly into the sink will help melt off solids such as soap and grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction triggered by mixing Baking Soda with Vinegar dislodges all sorts of gunk stuck to your pipes.
Snake or Auger Snake or Auger
Utilize Snakes or Augers for more severe blockages when plungers fail and boiling water fails.
Wet/Dry Vacuum
Use wet/dry vacuums to remove the blockage by suctioning the debris out of the drain in a direct manner.
When is it the best time to get professional help?
If you’ve tried every DIY strategies, and the blockage still persists the issue is time to engage professionals. Here are some instances that need expert advice:
Recurring Blockages
The root cause of your blockages may not have been addressed correctly. The hiring of a professional team ensures that they can uncover and fix any underlying issues.
Older Plumbing System
older plumbing systems are prone to damage due to wear and external influences. A professional can tell if the pipeline is in need of replacement or more straightforward options like the use of hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting service) can suffice.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Some clogs may contain dangerous materials like broken glass, chemicals or even broken glass which require special care. If you don’t want to put yourself at risk of damage or injury to your pipes, think about giving this task to certified professionals.
Prevention is better than Cure
It is always more beneficial to maintain drains than fixing them. Routine maintenance helps prevent severe clogs from forming. Making changes to your lifestyle, such as not flushing hygiene products down the toilet, greasy substances in sinks, and having a 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 utilize the latest technology and techniques, including hydrojetting and CCTV camera inspections that guarantee quality results with no future issues.
- Hydrojetting makes use of high-pressure streams water with specific angles that are suitable for a variety of plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras give us an inside view of the issues that are causing problems in pipes, which allows us to tackle specific issues correctly.
Our licensed professionals can be on site efficiently, while ensuring social distancing throughout 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need professional help to unblock a blocked drain?
If you’ve tried the simplest DIY methods like plunging or using drain cleaning products but have not had any success is it time to seek professional help. Other signs include sinks that don’t drain as quickly as well as odors of foul smells emanating from the drains, noises of gurgling or water back up.
Can you safely use chemical drain cleaners for the removal of 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 methods before resorting to using potentially harmful chemicals. Hiring a professional plumber ensures that you are getting safe and effective solutions without you or your family members to harm.
Do blocked drains cause long-term damage to my property?
The truth is that blocked drains could result in serious long-term damage including water damage, cracking pipes, growth of mold in the sewage system, and even foundation damage. Consulting a professional at the right time can prevent costly damage.
What are the methods used by plumbing professionals to unblock drains?
Professional plumbers employ a variety of methods including hydro jetting which uses high-pressure water streams and drain snake machines which clear blockages by cutting through or cutting up obstructions.
How much does it cost to contract a plumbing company similar to Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers for clearing blocked drains?
The cost to clear the drain that is blocked depends on the severity of the obstruction is, what kind of technique is required to remove the blockage (e.g. hydro jetting or snaking), and how accessible you are to the drain system. It is recommended to call one of our representatives at Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers for an initial review over the phone or schedule an appointment so that we can determine what methods are best suited to your particular situation.
Don’t make your clogged drain situation in the dark, contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers today for quality service.
Additional Information
- Choosing the Right Service Provider for Your CCTV Drain Inspection Needs
- Keep Your Home Safe by Hiring a Professional Drain Cleaning Service
- Keeping Costly Drain Repairs at Bay with Routine Inspections
- Simple Solutions for Clearing Out Clogged Drains at Home
- Identifying the Culprits of Drain Obstructions
- The Ultimate Checklist for a Smooth-flowing CCTV Drain Inspection Experience
- CCTV Drain Inspections: Why They are Crucial in Detecting Drain Blockages
- Try out these proven solutions for clearing your drain
- Inspecting Drains Using CCTV to Detect Root Infiltration: Benefits for Property Owners
- Save Money with These Simple Drain Maintenance Techniques
