Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a typical issue which can affect our daily lives. While we tend to try to fix the issue by ourselves, some stubborn blockages need professional assistance. In this article we will look at the pros and cons of clearing the drains that are blocked by yourself instead of having professional help.
Key Takeaways
- Some minor blockages can be removed with simple methods at home
- Before attempting any solutions ensure you are equipped with the proper tools at your disposal: gloves, plunger, baking soda, vinegar/citric acid
- DIY methods for clearing obstructions in drains are Boiling water, Baking Soda
What is the best time to remove a blockage from a drain?
A few minor blockages can be cleared using simple techniques at home. If you spot any of the following signs then you can try these techniques prior to calling experts:
Slow draining bathtubs or sinks
If water is not going down the drain as fast like it ought to, there could be a small blockage. Use a plunger to push out any debris clogging up the pipe.
Infuriating odors
A sour smell coming from your tub or sink may indicate that food or hair causing the blockage. Try pouring boiling water with vinegar into the bathtub or sink to dissolve any residue buildup.
Gurgling noises
When air is trapped inside your pipes due to the blockage, it produces noises that bubble as water flows down in the drain. By using baking soda in combination with hot water solutions, and vinegar, you can clear any accumulation of food particles and hair.
What are some of the most popular DIY methods for clearing blocked drains?
Before attempting any solutions be sure to have the correct tools at disposal: gloves, plunger, baking soda vinegar/citric acid.
Here are some proven methods to help you clear obstacles:
Boiling Water
The addition of hot water directly to your sink can help melt off solids such as soap as well as grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction triggered by mix Baking Soda with Vinegar dislodges all sorts of gunk stuck to your pipes.
The Drain Snake or Auger
Make use of Snakes or Augers for larger blockages if plungers or boiling water fail.
Vacuum Cleaner Wet/Dry
Make use of dry and wet vacuums for removing the obstruction by sucking the debris out of the drain directly.
Is it time to engage professionals?
If you’ve tried every DIY techniques, but the blockage still persists It’s time to engage an expert. Here are a few situations that require seeking professional expertise:
Recurring Blockages
The root cause of your blockages might not have been fixed correctly. Engaging a team of experts ensures that they can uncover and fix any underlying issues.
The age of the Plumbing System
older plumbing systems are prone to damage caused by wear and external influences. Professionals can assess whether the pipeline is in need of replacement, or if more simple options like the use of hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting service) is sufficient.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Some clogs may contain dangerous materials like chemicals or broken glass that require special attention. If you don’t want risk injury or damage to your pipes the job being left to trained experts.
Prevention is Better Than Cure
It is better to keep drains clean rather than fix them. The regular maintenance helps prevent severe clogs from developing. Making lifestyle changes like refraining from flushing hygiene products in the toilet, putting greasy substances into sinks, or having regular CCTV inspections can help prevent blockages altogether.
Why should you choose Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing for Professional Assistance?
Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing has years of experience in clearing blocked drains in Melbourne . We use the most modern equipment and techniques such as hydrojetting and CCTV camera inspections to ensure excellent results, with no issues.
- Hydrojetting is the process of delivering high-pressure streams water with specific angles that are suitable to various plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras provide an inside look at what’s causing the issue within pipes, allowing us to fix specific problems efficiently.
Our certified experts will be on-site quickly and efficiently, maintaining social distancing during these Covid moments while cleaning up after the task 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 |
FAQs
How do I determine when I’m in need of professional help to clear a blocked drain?
If you’ve tried basic DIY methods like plunging and using drain cleaning solutions with no success is it time to seek professional help. Other signs include slow draining of sinks or pipes, odors of foul-smelling coming from the drains, loud gurgling sounds along with water backup.
Can you safely employ chemical drain cleaners to clearing blockages?
Chemical drain cleaners are harmful and dangerous to you and the environment. It is advised to explore other DIY techniques before chemical drain cleaners that can be harmful. Employing a professional plumber will ensure that you get secure and efficient solutions that aren’t placing yourself or the environment to danger.
Could blocked drains cause lasting damage to my property?
Yes, blocked drains could result in long-term, serious damage including water damage, leaky pipes, the growth of mold in the sewage system, and even foundation damage. Seeking professional help in good time will avoid costly damages.
What are the methods employed by plumbing professionals to clear drains that are blocked?
Professional plumbers utilize a variety of techniques like hydro jetting that utilizes high-pressure water streams as well as drain snake machines that eliminate obstructions by cutting or breaking down the particles.
How much is it to hire a plumbing company like Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing for clearing blocked drains?
The cost to clear the drain that is blocked depends on aspects like how bad the blockage is and what kind of process is needed for unblocking (e.g. the use of hydro jets or snakes) and how easily you are to the drain system. Contact one of our representatives at Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing 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 leave your clogged drain situation in the dark, contact Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing today for quality service.
Additional Information
- Discover the best clogged drain solution you need today
- CCTV Drain Inspection: The Key to Resolving Blocked Drains Quickly
- Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Cost-Effective Solution for Your Plumbing Needs
- From A to Z Tips for Cleaning Your Drains and Maintaining a Clog-Free House
- Uncovering the Root Causes of Blocked Drains
- Why Trenchless Pipe Relining is the Future of Condominium Plumbing
- The Definitive Handbook to Getting Rid of Clogged Pipes: Which Plumbers Use
- The Ultimate Guide to Drain Clearing Services
- Put an End to Clogged Drains Now: Expert Tips to Experiment with Today
- 5 Tips to Keep Your Drains Flowing
