Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help

Posted by Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing on 19 Nov 2025

Blocked drains are a typical issue that can disrupt our daily life. While we tend to try to solve the problem by ourselves but there are certain blockages that need professional assistance. In this post, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of clearing the drains that are blocked by yourself instead of hiring a professional.

Key Takeaways

  • A few minor blockages can be cleared with simple techniques at home
  • Before beginning any work be sure to have the appropriate tools at fingertips: plunger, gloves baking soda, vinegar/citric acids, and baking soda
  • DIY methods to clear drains that are blocked include Boiling water, Baking Soda

What are the ideal times to remove a blockage from a drain?

A few minor blockages can be removed using simple techniques at home. If you notice any of these signs, you could try using these methods prior to calling experts:

Slow draining bathtubs or sinks

If water is not going down the drain in the same speed that it would, there might be a minor blockage. Try using a plunger to push out any debris clogging up the pipe.

The smells are unpleasant

A strong smell emanating from your sink or bathtub may indicate that food or hair causing the obstruction. Pour boiling water with vinegar into your bathtub or sink in order to remove any buildup of residue.

Gurgling noises

When air gets trapped in your pipes as a result of a clog, it causes noises that bubble as water flows through in the drain. Baking soda and a hot water, and vinegar, you can clear any accumulation of food particles and hair.

What are some common DIY ways to clear blocked drains?

Before you attempt any solution be sure that you are equipped with the appropriate tools at fingertips: gloves, plunger, baking soda, vinegar/citric acid.

Here are some effective ways to clear obstacles:

Boiling Water

Injecting hot water directly into your sink can help melt away any solids, such as soap as well as grease.

Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture

The reaction caused by the mixture of Baking Soda along with Vinegar loosens up all sorts of gunk stuck to your pipes.

The Drain Snake or Auger

Make use of Snakes or Augers to clear larger blockages if plungers and boiling water fail.

Vacuum Cleaner Wet/Dry

Use wet/dry vacuums to remove the blockage by suctioning the blockage material out of the drain directly.

When is it time to bring in experts?

If you’ve tried every DIY techniques, but your blockage is still there It’s time to involve the help of a professional. Here are a few instances where you need the help of a professional:

Blockages that recur

The root cause of the blockages could not have been fixed correctly. Engaging a team of experts makes sure that they find and correct any underlying problems.

Age of Plumbing System

older plumbing systems are prone to damage due to wear and other external elements. The experts can help you determine whether the pipeline is in need of replacement or whether simpler solutions such as hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting service) is enough.

Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials

Certain clogs are contaminated with hazardous substances like broken glass or chemicals that require special attention. If you do not want to cause injury or damage to your pipes, think about giving this task to certified experts.

Prevention is more effective than Cure

It is always more beneficial to prevent drains from becoming blocked rather than repair them. The regular maintenance can prevent clogs that are severe from forming. Making lifestyle changes such as not flushing toiletries in the toilet, putting greasy substances in sinks, and having a regular CCTV inspections can help prevent blockages altogether.

Why Choose Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing for Professional Assistance?

Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing has years of experience in clearing blocked drains within Melbourne . We use advanced technology and techniques, including hydrojetting and CCTV camera inspections that guarantee excellent results, with no issues.

  • Hydrojetting is the process of delivering high-pressure streams water angled at specific angles, which are ideal for various types of plumbing fixtures.
  • CCTV cameras give us an inside view of the root of the problem within pipes, which allows us to deal with specific issues effectively.

Our licensed professionals will be on-site quickly and efficiently, keeping social distance during these Covid moments, and cleaning up after the work 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

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I determine that I require help from a professional to unblock a clogged drain?

If you’ve tried the basic DIY solutions like plunging the drain and using cleaning products but have not had any success Then it’s the time to call a professional for assistance. Other signs include sinks that don’t drain as quickly as well as odors of foul smells emanating from the drains, noises of gurgling as well as water back-up.

Can you safely use chemical drain cleaners for getting rid of blockages?

Chemical drain cleaners are harmful and dangerous to you and the environment. It is advised to explore other DIY methods before chemical cleaners that could be harmful to the environment. Employing a professional plumber will ensure that you will receive secure and efficient solutions that aren’t placing yourself or the environment to risk.

Can blocked drains cause any long-term damage to my property?

The truth is that blocked drains can result in serious long-term damage like water damage, the growth of mold, burst pipes as well as sewage backup and foundation damage. Seeking professional help in good time will avoid costly damages.

What are some methods used by plumbing professionals to unblock drains?

Professional plumbers employ a variety of methods like hydro jetting that utilizes high-pressure water streams as well as drain snake machines which clear obstructions by cutting or breaking down pieces of debris.

How much is it to hire a plumbing company like Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing for clearing blocked drains?

The cost of clearing a blocked drain depends on the severity of the blockage is, which kind of method is needed for clearing the obstruction (e.g., hydro jetting or snaking) and how easily your drainage system is. It’s best to contact our team 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 situation.

Don’t let your drain clogged issue untreated, call Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing today for quality service.

Additional Information

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Melbourne Drain Plumbing Services

Are you experiencing a clogged toilet, blocked shower drain, overflowing drains or an issue with your kitchen sink? We can help you sort out your drain blockage problem quickly and provide the following services:

  • CCTV Drain Inspections
  • Drain Clearing & Drain Cleanin
  • Drain Repairs
  • Pipe Relining
  • Blocked Stormwater Drains
  • Blocked Sewer Drains & Blocked Pipes
  • Blocked Sinks & Blocked Toilets
  • Clogged or Blocked Shower Drain

Clearing blocked drains can be difficult and it’s best to get a professional plumbing service involved to tackle it for you, To get your blocked drain in Melbourne cleared today, contact Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing now and speak to one of our friendly team members.

8 Reasons To Hire Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing

  • 24 Hours A Day, 7 Days A Week
  • Price Up-Front, No Hidden Fees
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We Provide 24/7 Emergency Plumbing

No one ever expects to experience a plumbing emergency, but when it does happen, you need a reliable plumbing service that can help you resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

At Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing, we are always here for our customers, day or night, weekends or holidays. We understand that plumbing emergencies can happen at any time, and we are always prepared to help.

If you are experiencing a plumbing emergency, please do not hesitate to call us. We will dispatch one of our experienced plumbers to your home or business as soon as possible.

We will work diligently to resolve the issue and get your life back to normal as quickly as possible, contact us today.

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When it comes to plumbing, you want to make sure you’re working with a qualified professional. At our company, we are licensed and insured professionals who are dedicated to providing quality plumbing services.

We’re here to help with all of your plumbing needs, such as blocked drains, CCTV drain inspections, drain repairs and pipe relining.

We understand that plumbing problems can be disruptive and expensive. That’s why we offer 24×7 emergency service, so you can get the help you need when you need it most.

We also have a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our work, so you can be confident that you’re making the best decision for your home.

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