Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a typical issue which can affect our daily life. While most of us try to resolve the issue on our own but some blocked drains need professional help. In this post we will discuss the pros and cons of clearing blockages on your own or hiring a professional.
Key Takeaways
- Certain minor blockages can be eliminated using simple strategies at home
- Before beginning any work make sure you have the correct tools at fingertips: plunger, gloves, baking soda and vinegar/citric acid
- DIY techniques for clearing drainage obstructions include Boiling the water Baking Soda
What is the best time to clear a blocked drain?
A few minor blockages can be removed using simple techniques at home. If you observe any of the following symptoms then you can try these methods before calling in professionals:
Sinks and bathtubs that are slow draining
If water isn’t going through the drains as quickly the way it is supposed to there might be a minor blockage. Make use of a plunger get rid of any debris that is clogging the pipe.
Unpleasant odors
A bad smell emanating from your bathtub or sink could indicate food debris or hair which is causing the blockage. Try pouring boiling hot water with vinegar in the bathtub or sink to break up any residue that has accumulated.
The sound of gurgling
If air becomes trapped in your pipes because of the blockage, it produces popping sounds as water flows through to the drain. Baking soda and a hot water solutions, as well as vinegar to unblock any buildup around food particles and hair.
What are some typical DIY ways to clear blocked drains?
Before trying any method be sure to have the correct tools at hand: gloves, plunger, baking soda vinegar or citric acid.
Here are some efficient ways to remove obstructions:
Boiling Water
Injecting hot water directly into the sink will help melt off solids such as soap, or grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction caused by mixing Baking Soda along with Vinegar will loosen all sorts of gunk stuck to your pipes.
Discharge Snake or Auger
Use Snakes or Augers to clear more severe blockages when plungers and boiling water do not work.
Vacuum Cleaner Wet/Dry
Use wet/dry vacuums to remove the obstruction by sucking the debris out of the drain in a direct manner.
When is the right time to bring in experts?
If you’ve tried every DIY techniques but your blockage is still there, then it’s time to involve an expert. Here are a few scenarios that require seeking professional expertise:
Blockages that recur
The root cause of your blockages might not have been fixed correctly. Employing a professional team ensures that they can uncover and fix any underlying issues.
Age of Plumbing System
older plumbing systems are prone to damage caused by wear and other external elements. Experts can determine if your pipe requires replacement or if simpler options like the use of hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting process) can suffice.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Some clogs have hazardous materials such as broken glass or chemicals that require special attention. If you do not want to be at risk of injury or damage to your pipes, consider leaving this job to certified experts.
Prevention is Better Than Cure
It is better to maintain drains rather than fixing them. The regular maintenance helps prevent severe clogs from developing. Making changes to your lifestyle, such as not flushing hygiene products down the toilet, greasy substances leaking into sinks and regular CCTV inspections, can avoid obstructions completely.
Why Should You Choose Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers for Professional Assistance?
Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers has years of experience in clearing blocked drains in Melbourne . We utilize the latest equipment and techniques such as hydrojetting and CCTV camera inspections that guarantee quality results with no future issues.
- Hydrojetting is the process of delivering high-pressure streams water that are angled to be suitable for different types of plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras provide us with an insight into what’s causing the issue within pipes, which allows us to deal with specific issues effectively.
Our fully licensed experts can be on site efficiently, while keeping social distance during these Covid moments while cleaning up once the job has been 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 |
FAQ
How can I tell if I need professional help to clear a blocked drain?
If you’ve tried the simplest DIY methods such as plunges and drain cleaning products but have not had any success It’s time to get professional assistance. Other indicators include sinks that don’t drain as quickly, foul odors coming from the drains, sounds of gurgling, as well as water back-up.
Can you safely employ chemical drain cleaners to removing blockages?
Chemical drain cleaners can be harmful and dangerous to you and the environment. It is recommended to try other DIY methods before resorting to chemical drain cleaners that can be harmful. Engaging a professional plumber guarantees that you receive the most effective and safe solutions, without the risk of exposing yourself or your surroundings to danger.
Are blocked drains causing any permanent damage to my home?
In fact, water drains that are blocked could result in serious long-term damage such as water damage burst pipes, mold growth and sewage backups, or even foundation damage. Seeking professional help in good time can avoid costly damages.
What are some methods that plumbers employ to get rid of blocked drains?
Professional plumbers use various methods like hydro jetting which utilizes high-pressure water streams as well as drain snake machines that eliminate obstructions by cutting through or breaking down the obstructions.
What is the cost to contract a plumbing company like Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers for clearing blocked drains?
The cost to clear an obstruction in the drain is contingent on aspects like how bad the blockage is, what kind of method is needed to remove the blockage (e.g. Snaking or hydro-jetting), and how accessible you are to the drain system. Contact us at Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers for an initial assessment over the phone or make an appointment to ensure that we know what solutions are most appropriate for your situation.
Don’t let your drain clogged situation helpless, contact Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers today for quality service.
Additional Information
- Instant Fixes for a Clogged Drain: Tips and Tricks
- Prevent Expensive Repairs with Regular Drain Maintenance
- Future-Proofing Your Plumbing System with CCTV Drain Inspection
- Unblock Your Drains with This Do-It-Yourself Guide That is Simple to Follow
- Why Trenchless Pipe Relining is the Future of Condominium Plumbing
- Detecting and Identifying a Blocked Drain: Tricks & Techniques
- DIY Drain Cleaning: How to Safely Tackle Clogged Drains
- Top Ways to Avoid Drain Cleaning Emergencies
- Common Causes of Drain Blockages and How to Avoid Them
- Get rid of clogged drains with these amazing remedies
