Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a regular issue that can disrupt our everyday life. Although most of us attempt to solve the problem by ourselves, some stubborn blockages need professional assistance. In this article we’ll look at the advantages and disadvantages of removing blocked drains by yourself versus getting help from a professional.
Key Takeaways
- The blockages that are not too severe can be eliminated using simple strategies at home
- Before trying any of the solutions make sure you have the right tools on your disposal: gloves, plunger, baking soda, vinegar/citric acid
- DIY methods to clear drains that are blocked include Boiling Water, Baking Soda
How do you unblock a drain?
Some minor blockages can be cleared with simple techniques at home. If you notice any of the signs below You can try these methods before calling in professionals:
Slow draining sinks or bathtubs
If the water isn’t flowing down the drain in the same speed as it should, there may be a slight blockage. You can try using a plunger push out any debris blocking the drain.
The smells are unpleasant
A strong smell 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.
Noises of gurgling
If air is trapped in your pipes as a result of an obstruction, it can cause noises that bubble as water flows down in the drain. Using baking soda and hot water solution as well as vinegar to unblock any accumulation of food particles and hair.
What are some common DIY ways to clear blocked drains?
Before attempting any solutions, make sure you have the correct tools at disposal: gloves, plunger, baking soda vinegar or citric acid.
Here are some effective ways to remove obstructions:
Boiling Water
The addition of hot water directly to your sink can help melt away any solids, such as soap, or grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction caused by mixing Baking Soda and Vinegar dislodges all sorts of gunk stuck in your pipes.
Snake or Auger Snake or Auger
Use Snakes or Augers to clear more severe blockages when plungers fail and boiling water fails.
Wet/Dry Vacuum
Use wet/dry vacuums to remove the obstruction by sucking the debris out of the drain directly.
When is it the best time to call in professionals?
If you’ve tried every DIY methods, and the blockage still persists the issue is time to seek out an expert. Here are a few scenarios that need expert advice:
Recurring Blockages
The cause of the blockages might not have been fixed correctly. Engaging a team of experts makes sure that they find and fix any underlying issues.
Age of Plumbing System
Older plumbing systems are vulnerable to damage due to wear and external factors. A professional can tell if your pipeline needs replacement or more straightforward solutions such as the use of hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting process) can suffice.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Some clogs contain hazardous materials like broken glass, chemicals or even broken glass that require special attention. If you don’t want put yourself at risk of damage or injury to your pipes, consider the job being left to trained experts.
Prevention is Better Than Cure
It is always more beneficial to maintain drains rather than fixing them. A regular maintenance will prevent clogs of a severe nature from forming. Making lifestyle changes like not flushing toiletries down the drain, putting grease substances in sinks, and having a regular CCTV examinations can stop blocking completely.
Why choose Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers for Professional Assistance?
Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers has years of experience in clearing blocked drains in Melbourne . We use advanced technology and methods such as hydrojetting and CCTV camera inspections that ensure top-quality results without issues.
- Hydrojetting makes use of high-pressure streams water at specific angles suitable for a variety of plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras provide the insider’s view of the issues that are causing problems in pipes, which allows us to tackle specific issues effectively.
Our licensed professionals will be on-site quickly and efficiently, keeping a social distance throughout these Covid moments, and cleaning up once the job is done.
| 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
What can I do to determine whether I require professional assistance to unblock a drain?
If you have tried basic DIY techniques like plunging the drain and using cleaning products but have not had any success is it time to consult a professional. Other indicators include sinks that aren’t draining as fast, foul odors coming from drains, loud gurgling sounds or water back up.
Is it safe to use chemical drain cleaners for removing blockages?
Chemical drain cleaners are toxic and can be harmful to you and the environment. It is advisable to exhaust other DIY methods before resorting to chemical cleaners that could be harmful to the environment. Engaging a professional plumber guarantees that you get reliable and safe solutions without the risk of exposing yourself or your surroundings to danger.
Can blocked drains cause any long-term damage to my home?
Unblocking drains can cause serious damage over the long term including water damage, the growth of mold, burst pipes in the sewage system, and even foundation damage. A professional’s assistance in a timely time will avoid costly damages.
What are some 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 snakes that clear obstructions by cutting through or breaking down the pieces of debris.
How much is it to hire a plumbing company similar to Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers for clearing blocked drains?
The cost of clearing an obstruction in the drain is contingent on factors such as how severe the obstruction is, what kind of process is needed for unblocking (e.g. Snaking or hydro-jetting) and how easy access your drainage system is. It is recommended to call us at Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers for an initial assessment over the phone, or set up an appointment so we can figure out what options will work best for your specific situation.
Don’t let your drain clogged situation helpless, contact Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers today for quality service.
Additional Information
- DIY Drain Cleaning: How to Safely Tackle Clogged Drains
- Why Your Business Needs Periodic Drain Inspection and Cleaning
- Clearing Blocked Pipes: An Exhaustive Guide for Plumbers
- Easy and Safe Ways to Get Rid of a Stubborn Shower Drain Blockage
- The Do's and Don'ts of Keeping Your Drains Free from Blockages
- Efficiently Handle Drain Cleaning with High Pressure Solutions
- Get rid of clogged drains with these amazing remedies
- Avoid Expensive Repairs with Regular CCTV Drain Inspections
- Detecting and Identifying a Blocked Drain: Tricks & Techniques
- Prevent Expensive Repairs with Regular Drain Maintenance
