Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a typical issue that can disrupt our everyday life. While most of us try to tackle the issue by ourselves but there are certain blockages that require professional assistance. In this article we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of removing blockages on your own or hiring a professional.
Key Takeaways
- A few minor blockages can be cleared with simple methods at home
- Before trying any of the solutions, make sure you have the appropriate tools at your disposal: gloves, plunger or plunger, baking soda (baking soda), vinegar/citric Acid
- DIY techniques for clearing drainage obstructions include Boiling water, Baking Soda
When should you attempt to remove a blockage from a drain?
Certain 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 professionals:
Sinks and bathtubs that are slow draining
If water isn’t going down the drain as fast as it should, then there might be a tiny blockage. Try using a plunger to eliminate any debris clogging up the pipe.
Unpleasant odors
A bad smell emanating from your tub or sink may indicate that food or hair which is causing the blockage. Try pouring boiling hot water with vinegar into your bathtub or sink in order to dissolve any residue buildup.
Sounds of Gurgling
When air is trapped inside your pipes due to obstruction, it creates noises that bubble as water flows down in the drain. By using baking soda in combination with hot water, as well as vinegar to unblock any food particles that have accumulated around and hair.
What are some of the most popular DIY ways to clear blocked drains?
Before you attempt any solution ensure you have the right tools on your disposal: gloves plunger baking soda, vinegar or citric acid.
Here are some effective ways to remove obstructions:
Boiling Water
Injecting hot water directly into your sink can help melt off solids such as soap and grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction triggered by mixing Baking Soda and Vinegar will loosen all sorts of gunk stuck in your pipes.
Drain Snake or Auger
Use Snakes or Augers to prevent larger blockages if plungers and boiling water do not work.
Dry Vacuum Wet
Make use of dry and wet vacuums for removing the obstruction by sucking the blockage material out of the drain in a direct manner.
When is it the best time to engage professionals?
If you’ve tried all DIY methods, and the issue persists the issue is time to call in a professional. Here are a few situations which require the assistance of a professional:
Blockages that recur
The root cause of the blockages could not have been fixed correctly. Employing a professional team will ensure that they are able to identify and resolve any issues that are underlying.
Older Plumbing System
Older plumbing systems are susceptible to damage due to wear and environmental factors. A professional can tell if your pipeline needs replacement or if simpler solutions like the hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting service) is sufficient.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Some clogs may contain dangerous materials like broken glass or chemicals that require specific care. If you don’t want put yourself at risk of damage or injury to your pipes, think about confiding this task to qualified professionals.
Prevention is better than Cure
It is better 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 into the toilet, not dumping greasy substances into sinks, or having regular CCTV examinations can stop 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 various types of plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras provide us with an inside look at the issues that are causing problems in pipes, allowing us to tackle specific issues correctly.
Our fully licensed experts will work on-site efficiently while ensuring social distancing throughout these Covid times while cleaning up after the work 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 |
Common Questions & Answers
How do I determine that I require help from a professional to clear a blocked drain?
If you’ve tried the simplest DIY methods like plunging and using drain cleaning solutions but aren’t getting results is it time to seek professional help. Other indicators include slow draining sinks and odors that smell foul coming from the drains, sounds of gurgling, or water back up.
Is it safe to use chemical drain cleaners for the removal of obstructions?
Chemical drain cleaners can be dangerous and hazardous to you and the environment. It is advisable to exhaust other DIY strategies before chemical cleaners that could be harmful to the environment. Engaging a professional plumber guarantees that you are getting secure and efficient solutions that aren’t you or your family members to harm.
Can blocked drains cause any lasting damage to my property?
In fact, water drains that are blocked can cause long-lasting damage such as water damage, cracking pipes, growth of mold as well as sewage backup and foundation damage. A professional’s assistance in a timely time can avoid costly damages.
What are some techniques used by plumbers to get rid of blocked drains?
Professional plumbers employ a variety of methods like hydro jetting which utilizes high-pressure water streams as well as drain snake machines, which eliminate obstructions by cutting or breaking down pieces of debris.
How much does it cost to employ a plumbing service similar to Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers for clearing blocked drains?
The cost of clearing of a drain that has become blocked is contingent upon aspects like how bad the blockage is, which kind of technique is required to clear the blockage (e.g., Snaking or hydro-jetting) and how easy access you are to the drain system. We recommend contacting the team of 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 particular situation.
Don’t make your clogged drain situation in the dark, contact Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers today for quality service.
Additional Information
- Efficiently Handle Drain Cleaning with High Pressure Solutions
- The Do's and Don'ts of Keeping Your Drains Free from Blockages
- Investigating the Root Causes that Result in Blocked Drains
- Common Causes of Drain Blockages and How to Avoid Them
- Efficient Plumbing Techniques for Dealing with Blocked Pipes
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections for Blocked Drains and Corroded Pipes
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspection in Commercial Properties
- Tips on Keeping Your Drains Clear and Free From Blockages
- Choose the right plumber to repair your clogged drain crisis
- Say No to Chemical Drain Cleaners: How They Can Damage Your Pipes
