Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a typical issue that can disrupt our everyday lives. While many of us try to fix the issue by ourselves but there are certain blockages that need professional assistance. In this post we’ll look at the advantages and disadvantages of clearing blocked drains on your own versus having professional help.
Key Takeaways
- Certain minor blockages can be removed with simple techniques at home
- Before trying any of the solutions make sure you have the appropriate tools at disposal: gloves, plunger or plunger, baking soda (baking soda), vinegar/citric Acid
- DIY methods for clearing drains that are blocked include Boiling the water Baking Soda
What is the best time to clean a blocked drain?
The majority of minor blockages can easily be eliminated using simple methods at home. If you notice any of the following symptoms, you could try using these techniques prior to calling experts:
Slow draining bathtubs or sinks
If the water isn’t moving down the drain as fast the way it is supposed to there might be a tiny blockage. Try using a plunger to remove any debris clogging up the pipe.
Odors that are unpleasant
A bad smell emanating from your sink or bathtub may indicate that food or hair, causing the obstruction. Try pouring boiling water with vinegar in your sink or bathtub to eliminate any residue.
Sounds of Gurgling
If air becomes trapped in your pipes because of the blockage, it produces noises that bubble as water flows down in the drain. Utilizing baking soda and hot water, in conjunction with vinegar will help to remove any accumulation of food particles and hair.
What are some of the most popular DIY techniques for clearing blocked drains?
Before trying any method be sure to have the correct tools at disposal: gloves, plunger baking soda, vinegar or citric acid.
Here are some proven methods to clear obstacles:
Boiling Water
The addition of hot water directly to the sink will help melt away any solids, such as soap and grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction triggered by mix Baking Soda with Vinegar releases all kinds of gunk stuck in your pipes.
Snake or Auger Snake or Auger
Use Snakes or Augers to prevent more severe blockages when plungers and boiling water do not work.
Dry and Wet Vacuum
Use wet/dry vacuums to remove the blockage by suctioning the debris out of the drain in a direct manner.
When is it time to bring in experts?
If you’ve tried every DIY methods, and the blockage still persists It’s time to engage the help of a professional. Here are some instances where you need the help of a professional:
Recurring Blockages
The root of your blockages might not have been fixed correctly. Employing a professional team ensures that they can uncover the root of the problem and address it.
Older Plumbing System
older plumbing systems are prone to damage caused by wear and external influences. A professional can tell if the pipeline is in need of replacement, or if more simple solutions like the hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting service) is sufficient.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Certain clogs are contaminated with hazardous substances such as broken glass or chemicals which require special care. If you do not want to cause injury or damage to your pipes, think about giving this task to certified professionals.
Prevention is more effective than Cure
It is always better to maintain drains rather than fixing them. The regular maintenance helps prevent severe clogs from developing. Making changes to your lifestyle, such as refraining from flushing hygiene products in the toilet, putting greasy substances into sinks, having regular CCTV examinations can stop blocking completely.
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 techniques and equipment, such as hydrojetting and CCTV camera inspections that ensure high-quality results and will not cause problems.
- Hydrojetting utilizes high-pressure streams of water at specific angles suitable for a variety of plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras provide an inside view of the issues that are causing problems in pipes, which allows us to tackle specific issues properly.
Our certified experts will efficiently work on site while maintaining social distancing during these Covid times while cleaning up after the job 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 |
Frequently Asked Question
How can I tell if I need professional help to unblock a blocked drain?
If you have tried basic DIY techniques like plunges and drain cleaning solutions with no success, then it’s time to seek professional help. Other indicators include sinks that aren’t draining as fast or pipes, odors of foul-smelling coming from drains, gurgling sounds, and water backup.
Is it safe to employ chemical drain cleaners to the removal of blockages?
Chemical drain cleaners are hazardous and harmful to both you as well as the environment. It is best to test other DIY methods before using potentially harmful chemicals. Employing a professional plumber will ensure that you are getting safe and effective solutions without you or your family members to danger.
Do blocked drains cause long-term damage to my home?
Unblocking drains could result in long-term, serious damage such as water damage, cracking pipes, growth of mold in the sewage system, and even foundation damage. Seeking professional help in good time can prevent costly damage.
What are the techniques used by plumbers to unblock drains?
Professional plumbers employ a variety of methods including hydro jetting which uses high-pressure water streams, as well as drain snakes that clear obstructions by cutting or breaking down the obstructions.
How much will it cost to employ a plumbing service similar to Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing for clearing blocked drains?
The cost of clearing a blocked drain depends on factors like how serious the blockage is, which kind of process is needed to remove the blockage (e.g., Snaking or hydro-jetting) and how accessible to your drains are. 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 can decide which options will work best for your situation.
Don’t make your clogged drain situation helpless, contact Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing today for quality service.
Additional Information
- High Pressure Drain Cleaning: The Key to a Robust Plumbing System
- Uncovering the Root Causes of Blocked Drains
- Problems with Blocked Drains: Plumbing Solutions and Tips
- Put an End to Clogged Drains Now: Expert Tips to Experiment with Today
- Maximizing the Long-Term Benefits of Pipe Relining by Picking the Ideal Material
- Methods for Spot and Verify a Blockage in Your Drain
- The Ultimate Drain Unblocker: Why Jetting is the Way to Go
- Don’t Get Caught Unprepared! What You Need to Do Before a CCTV Drain Inspection
- From A to Z Tips for Cleaning Your Drains and Maintaining a Clog-Free House
- Drain Maintenance 101: A Decade of Simple Methods to Prevent Clogs in Your Home
