Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a common problem that can cause disruption to our daily lives. While many of us try to fix the issue by ourselves, some stubborn blockages require professional help. In this article we’ll look at the advantages and disadvantages of removing the drains that are blocked by yourself instead of having professional help.
Key Takeaways
- Certain minor blockages can be eliminated using simple strategies at home
- Before beginning any work make sure you have the appropriate tools at your disposal: gloves, plunger or plunger, baking soda (baking soda), vinegar/citric Acid
- DIY methods for clearing blocked drains include Boiling the water Baking Soda
When should you attempt to unblock a drain?
Certain minor blockages can be cleared using simple techniques at home. If you observe any of the following symptoms then you can try these techniques before calling professionals:
Slow draining bathtubs or sinks
If the water isn’t moving through the drains as quickly as it should, then there might be a tiny blockage. Use a plunger to eliminate any debris clogging up the pipe.
Odors that are unpleasant
A bad smell emanating from your tub or sink could be a sign of food particles or hair causing the blockage. Try pouring boiling water mixed with vinegar in your sink or bathtub to eliminate any residue.
The sound of gurgling
If air becomes trapped in your pipes as a result of a clog, it causes popping sounds as water flows down to the drain. Utilizing baking soda and hot water solutions, and vinegar, you can clear any food particles that have accumulated around and hair.
What are some typical DIY methods for clearing blocked drains?
Before trying any method ensure you have the right tools on disposal: gloves, plunger baking soda, vinegar or citric acid.
Here are some effective ways to help you clear obstacles:
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 that occurs when the mixture of Baking Soda with Vinegar releases all kinds of gunk that has accumulated in your pipes.
Drain Snake or Auger
Utilize Snakes or Augers for more severe blockages when plungers fail and boiling water fails.
Vacuum Cleaner Wet/Dry
Make use of dry and wet vacuums for removing the blockage by suctioning the blockage material out of the drain directly.
When is the right time to call in professionals?
If you’ve tried every DIY strategies, and the blockage still persists you need to call in a professional. Here are a few scenarios where you need the help of a professional:
Recurring Blockages
The root cause of the blockages might not have been dealt with correctly. Employing a professional team ensures that they can uncover and correct any underlying problems.
Older Plumbing System
The older plumbing systems are more susceptible to damage caused by wear and external factors. A professional can tell if your pipeline needs replacement or whether simpler solutions such as the hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting service) will suffice.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Certain clogs are contaminated with hazardous substances like broken glass or chemicals which require special care. If you don’t wish to put yourself at risk of damage or injury to your pipes, think about giving this task to certified professionals.
Prevention is Better Than Cure
It is better to maintain drains rather than fixing them. Regular maintenance assists in preventing severe clogs from developing. Making lifestyle changes such as refraining from flushing hygiene products down the toilet, greasy substances in sinks, and having a regular CCTV examinations can stop obstructions completely.
Why choose Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing for Professional Assistance?
Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing has years of experience in clearing blocked drains in Melbourne . We employ the most advanced technology and methods such as hydrojetting and CCTV camera inspections that ensure excellent results, with no problems.
- Hydrojetting uses high-pressure streams of water that are angled to be suitable for different types of plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras offer us an inside look at the issues that are causing problems in pipes, which allows us to tackle specific issues properly.
Our licensed professionals will be on-site quickly and efficiently, maintaining social distancing during these Covid moments while cleaning up once the job is 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 |
Common Questions and Answers
How do I know that I require help from a professional to unblock a clogged drain?
If you’ve tried basic DIY methods such as plunging and using drain cleaning solutions but aren’t getting results Then it’s time to get professional assistance. Other signs include slow draining sinks as well as odors of foul smells emanating from the drains, gurgling sounds, as well as water back-up.
Can you safely employ chemical drain cleaners in removing blockages?
Chemical drain cleaners are dangerous and hazardous to you and the environment. It is recommended to try other DIY strategies before using potentially harmful chemicals. Hiring a professional plumber ensures that you receive the most effective and safe solutions, without placing yourself or the environment to danger.
Do blocked drains cause long-term damage to my property?
The truth is that blocked drains can cause long-lasting damage such as water damage the growth of mold, burst pipes in the sewage system, and even foundation damage. Seeking professional help in good time will prevent costly damages.
What are some of the techniques used by plumbers to clear blocked drains?
Professional plumbers utilize a variety of techniques such as hydro jetting, which makes use of high-pressure water streams, as well as drain snake machines which clear obstructions by cutting or cutting up debris.
How much is it to employ a plumbing service like Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing for clearing blocked drains?
The cost to clear of a drain that has become blocked is contingent upon factors such as how severe the blockage is, which kind of technique is required to remove the blockage (e.g. the use of hydro jets or snakes), and how accessible your drainage system is. Contact us at Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing for an initial review over the phone or schedule an appointment so that we can decide which alternatives are the most effective for your specific situation.
Don’t leave your clogged drain issue untreated, call Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing today for quality service.
Additional Information
- Why Regular Drain Cleaning Should Be Part of Your Home Maintenance Routine
- The Dangers of Using Chemical Drain Unblockers
- Don�t Get Caught Unprepared! What You Need to Do Before a CCTV Drain Inspection
- High Pressure Drain Cleaning: The Key to a Robust Plumbing System
- Prevent Blocked Drains Now: Know the Common Causes
- CCTV Drain Inspection: Find Out How it Helps Pinpoint Root Infiltration in Your Pipes
- An Easy DIY Guide to Unblocking Your Clogged Drains
- Why Calling a Pro for Drain Cleaning is Safer and Smarter
- From A to Z Tips for Cleaning Your Drains and Maintaining a Clog-Free House
- Common Drain Cleaning Mistakes You Need to Avoid
