Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a common problem that can cause disruption to our daily lives. While most of us try to fix the issue on our own, some stubborn blockages need professional help. In this post, we will explore the pros and cons of clearing blockages on your own or seeking professional assistance.
Key Takeaways
- Certain minor blockages can be removed with simple home remedies
- Before attempting any solutions, make sure you have the right tools on fingertips: plunger, gloves, baking soda, vinegar/citric acid
- DIY methods for clearing drains that are blocked include Boiling water, Baking Soda
When should you attempt to clear a blocked drain?
A few minor blockages can be cleared using simple techniques at home. If you observe any of the following signs You can try these methods before calling in professionals:
Slow draining sinks or bathtubs
If water isn’t going down the drain as fast as it should, there might be a minor blockage. Use a plunger to push out any debris clogging up the pipe.
Infuriating odors
A bad smell emanating from your sink or bathtub may indicate that food or hair, causing the obstruction. Try pouring boiling water mixed with vinegar into the bathtub or sink to dissolve any residue buildup.
Noises of gurgling
If air becomes trapped in your pipes due to the blockage, it produces noises that bubble as water flows through the drain. By using baking soda in combination with hot water, followed by vinegar can unclog any accumulation of food particles and hair.
What are the most common DIY methods for clearing blocked drains?
Before trying any method be sure to have the proper tools at hand: gloves, plunger, baking soda vinegar/citric acid.
Here are some effective ways to help you clear obstacles:
Boiling Water
Pouring hot water directly in the sink will help melt away any solids, such as soap as well as grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction that occurs when the mixture of Baking Soda as well as Vinegar loosens up all sorts of gunk stuck to your pipes.
Snake or Auger Snake or Auger
Utilize Snakes or Augers to clear obstructions that are more severe when plungers or boiling water fail.
Vacuum Cleaner Wet/Dry
Use dry and wet vacuums to eliminate the obstruction by sucking the material out of the drain directly.
When is it time to bring in experts?
If you’ve tried every DIY techniques but your blockage is still there, then it’s time to seek out the help of a professional. Here are a few situations which require the assistance of a professional:
Recurring Blockages
The root of the blockages might not have been dealt with correctly. Engaging a team of experts ensures that they can uncover and fix any underlying issues.
Age of Plumbing System
The older plumbing systems are more susceptible to damage due to wear and other external elements. Experts can determine if your plumbing system requires replacement or more straightforward solutions such as the hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting service) can suffice.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Some clogs may contain dangerous materials such as broken glass or chemicals which require special care. If you don’t want put yourself at risk of damage or injury to your pipes the job being left to trained experts.
Prevention is always better than Cure
It is always better to keep drains clean rather than fix them. The regular maintenance helps prevent severe clogs from forming. Making changes in your lifestyle such as not flushing hygiene products in the toilet, putting greasy substances leaking into sinks and regular CCTV inspection can prevent 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 techniques and equipment, such as hydrojetting and CCTV camera inspections that ensure high-quality results and will not cause issues.
- Hydrojetting uses high-pressure streams of water with specific angles that are suitable for various types of plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras give us the insider’s view of the root of the problem within pipes, allowing us to address specific issues efficiently.
Our certified experts can be on site efficiently, while maintaining social distancing during these Covid times while cleaning up after the task 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 |
Common Questions and Answers
How do I determine when I’m in need of professional help to unblock a clogged drain?
If you’ve tried the simplest DIY methods such as plunging or using drain cleaning products but have not had any success, then it’s time to get professional assistance. Other indicators include slow draining sinks or pipes, odors of foul-smelling coming from the drains, sounds of gurgling, along with water backup.
Is it safe to make use of chemical drain cleaners for the removal of obstructions?
Chemical drain cleaners are harmful and dangerous to you as well as the environment. It is advisable to exhaust other DIY methods before chemical cleaners that could be harmful to the environment. Employing a professional plumber will ensure that you get safe and effective solutions without the risk of exposing yourself or your surroundings to risk.
Can blocked drains cause any long-term damage to my property?
Unblocking drains could cause long-lasting damage like water damage, cracking pipes, growth of mold and sewage backups, or even foundation damage. Getting help from a professional in the right time will avoid costly damages.
What are some of the techniques used by plumbers to unblock drains?
Professional plumbers use various methods like hydro jetting which utilizes high-pressure water streams as well as drain snakes that clear blockages by cutting through or breaking up debris.
How much will it cost to employ a plumbing service like 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 clear the blockage (e.g., the use of hydro jets or snakes), and how accessible to your drains are. Contact one of our representatives at Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers for an initial assessment over the phone, or schedule an appointment so we can figure out what alternatives are the most effective for your particular situation.
Don’t make your clogged drain problem unsolved, call Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers today for quality service.
Additional Information
- The Ultimate Checklist for a Smooth-flowing CCTV Drain Inspection Experience
- CCTV Drain Inspections: Why They are Crucial in Detecting Drain Blockages
- The Risks of Unclogging Your Drains Without Professional Help
- Clearing Clogged Drains: A Comprehensive Guide for Plumbers
- 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
- Try out these proven solutions for clearing your drain
- The Do's and Don'ts of Keeping Your Drains Free from Blockages
- What to Know about Pipe Relining Services for Blocked Drains
- Unblock Your Drains with This Amazing DIY Guide That's Simple to Use
