Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a regular issue which can affect our daily life. While most of us try to fix the issue on our own but some blocked drains need professional assistance. In this article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of removing blocked drains by yourself versus having professional help.
Key Takeaways
- A few minor blockages can be cleared with simple home remedies
- Before beginning any work be sure to have the appropriate tools at your disposal: gloves, plunger, baking soda, vinegar/citric acid
- DIY methods to clear blocked drains include Boiling Water, Baking Soda
How do you remove a blockage from a drain?
Some minor blockages can be eliminated using simple methods at home. If you notice any of the following signs it is possible to try these techniques prior to calling professionals:
Sinks and bathtubs that are slow draining
If the water isn’t flowing down the drain as swiftly that it would, then there might be a tiny blockage. Try using a plunger to eliminate any debris blocking the drain.
Unpleasant odors
A sour smell coming from your bathtub or sink could be a sign of food particles or hair that is causing the blockage. Try pouring boiling water mixed with vinegar into your sink or bathtub to dissolve any residue buildup.
Sounds of Gurgling
When air gets trapped in your pipes due to a clog, it causes bubbling sounds as water goes through into the drain. By using baking soda in combination with hot water and vinegar, you can clear the food particles and hair.
What are some typical DIY techniques for clearing blocked drains?
Before beginning any project be sure that you have the proper tools at fingertips: gloves, plunger, baking soda, vinegar or citric acid.
Here are a few effective methods to clear obstacles:
Boiling Water
Pouring hot water directly in your sink can help melt away any solids, such as soap or grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction triggered by mix Baking Soda and Vinegar loosens up all sorts of gunk that has accumulated in your pipes.
Snake or Auger Snake or Auger
Utilize Snakes or Augers to prevent larger blockages if plungers and boiling water fail.
Dry and Wet Vacuum
Make use of dry and wet vacuums for removing the obstruction by sucking the debris out of the drain directly.
Is it time to bring in experts?
If you’ve tried every DIY techniques but the blockage still persists you need to engage an expert. Here are a few scenarios that require seeking professional expertise:
Blockages that recur
The root cause for your blockages may not have been addressed correctly. Hiring a team of professionals ensures that they can uncover and fix any underlying issues.
Age of Plumbing System
Older plumbing systems are susceptible to damage caused by wear and external influences. Professionals can assess whether your pipeline needs replacement, or if more simple solutions like the hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting process) is enough.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Some clogs contain hazardous materials like broken glass, chemicals or even broken glass that require specialized care. If you don’t want be at risk of injury or damage to your pipes confiding this task to qualified professionals.
Prevention is always better than Cure
It is better to maintain drains than fixing them. Routine maintenance will prevent clogs of a severe nature from forming. Making lifestyle changes like not flushing toiletries into the toilet, not dumping greasy substances in sinks, and having a regular CCTV inspections can help prevent blockages altogether.
Why Should You Choose Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers for Professional Assistance?
Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers has years of experience in clearing blocked drains within Melbourne . We use the most modern technology and methods such as hydrojetting and CCTV camera inspections to ensure high-quality results and will not cause problems.
- Hydrojetting makes use of 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 root of the problem within pipes, allowing us to fix specific problems correctly.
Our fully licensed experts will be on-site quickly and efficiently, maintaining social distancing during these Covid times while cleaning up after the job 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 |
FAQ
How can I tell when I’m in need of professional help to clear a blocked drain?
If you have tried basic DIY solutions like plunging and using drain cleaning solutions, but you haven’t had success is it time to get professional assistance. Other indicators include sinks that aren’t draining as fast as well as odors of foul smells emanating from drains, noises of gurgling and water backup.
Is it safe to make use of chemical drain cleaners for removing blockages?
Chemical drain cleaners are dangerous and hazardous to you as well as the environment. It is best to test other DIY methods before chemical drain cleaners that can be harmful. A professional plumber can ensure that you are getting secure and efficient solutions that aren’t placing yourself or the environment to danger.
Could blocked drains cause long-term damage to my home?
Yes, blocked drains can cause long-lasting damage such as water damage leaky pipes, the growth of mold in the sewage system, and even foundation damage. Consulting a professional at the right time can prevent costly damage.
What are some of the methods that plumbers employ to get rid of blocked drains?
Professional plumbers employ various techniques like hydro jetting which utilizes high-pressure water streams and drain snake machines which clear blockages by cutting into or breaking up obstructions.
How much does it cost to employ a plumbing service 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. hydro jetting or snaking) and how easy access your drainage system is. It’s best to contact the team of Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers for an initial review over the phone or set up an appointment so that we know what methods are best suited to your situation.
Don’t make your clogged drain issue untreated, call Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers today for quality service.
Additional Information
- The Do's and Don'ts of Keeping Your Drains Free from Blockages
- The Advantage of CCTV Drain Inspection in Detecting Root Infiltration Early
- When to Schedule a Professional Drain Cleaning Service
- Detecting and Identifying a Blocked Drain: Tricks & Techniques
- Don't Let Your Drains Get You Down: 10 Methods to Prevent Clogs in Your Home
- The Ultimate Guide on How to Clear a Blocked Drain in Your Home
- End Clogged Drains Now: Specialist Hacks to Test Right Now
- Problems with Blocked Drains: Plumbing Tips and Solutions
- Dealing with Blocked Drains: DIY Techniques vs Professional Services
- Efficiently Handle Drain Cleaning with High Pressure Solutions
