Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a regular issue which can affect our daily life. While we tend to try to solve the problem by ourselves but some blocked drains require professional help. In this article we’ll look at the advantages and disadvantages of clearing the drains that are blocked by yourself instead of getting help from a professional.
Key Takeaways
- Some minor blockages are easily cleared by simple home remedies
- Before attempting any solutions ensure you have the appropriate tools at disposal: gloves, plunger, baking soda, vinegar/citric acid
- DIY methods for clearing drains that are blocked include Boiling water, Baking Soda
How do you unblock a drain?
A few minor blockages can be eliminated using simple methods at home. If you spot any of the following symptoms, you could try using these techniques prior to calling experts:
Slow draining sinks or bathtubs
If water isn’t going down the drain as swiftly that it would, then there may be a slight blockage. Try using a plunger to push out any debris clogging up the pipe.
Infuriating odors
A strong smell emanating from your sink or bathtub can suggest trapped food or hair causing the blockage. Try pouring boiling hot water with vinegar into your sink or bathtub to remove any buildup of residue.
Sounds of Gurgling
If air becomes trapped in your pipes because of a clog, it causes bubbling sounds as water goes down to the drain. Using baking soda and hot water solution followed by vinegar can unclog the food particles and hair.
What are some common DIY methods to clear blocked drains?
Before attempting any solutions be sure to are equipped with the appropriate tools at disposal: gloves, plunger, baking soda vinegar/citric acid.
Here are some proven methods to help you 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 that occurs when the mixture of Baking Soda along with Vinegar releases all kinds of gunk stuck in your pipes.
Snake or Auger Snake or Auger
Make use of Snakes or Augers to clear obstructions that are more severe when plungers fail and boiling water fails.
Dry Vacuum Wet
Make use of dry and wet vacuums for removing the blockage by suctioning the material out of the drain in a direct manner.
Is it time to bring in experts?
If you’ve tried all DIY techniques but your blockage is still there you need to involve the help of a professional. Here are some instances that require seeking professional expertise:
Blockages that recur
The root of your blockages may not have been addressed correctly. Engaging a team of experts makes sure that they find and resolve any issues that are underlying.
Older Plumbing System
older plumbing systems are prone to damage due to wear and external influences. Experts can determine if your pipe requires replacement, or if more simple solutions like the use of hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting service) can suffice.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Some clogs may contain dangerous materials like broken glass, chemicals or even broken glass that require specific care. If you don’t wish to put yourself at risk of damage or injury to your pipes confiding this task to qualified professionals.
Prevention is always better than Cure
It is always better to maintain drains rather than fixing them. A regular maintenance helps prevent severe clogs from developing. Making lifestyle changes like not flushing toiletries in the toilet, putting greasy substances into sinks, or having regular CCTV inspection can prevent blocking completely.
Why Choose Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber for Professional Assistance?
Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber has years of experience in clearing blocked drains within Melbourne . We use the most modern equipment and techniques such as hydrojetting and cameras that are inspected by CCTV to guarantee high-quality results and will not cause issues.
- Hydrojetting is the process of delivering high-pressure streams water with specific angles that are suitable to various 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 efficiently.
Our fully licensed experts can be on site efficiently, while keeping a social distance throughout these Covid moments while cleaning up after the task 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 |
FAQ
How do I determine whether I require professional assistance to unblock a clogged drain?
If you’ve tried the simplest DIY techniques like plunging the drain and using cleaning products but have not had any success is it the time to call a professional for assistance. Other signs include slow draining sinks or pipes, odors of foul-smelling coming from the drains, noises of gurgling and water backup.
Is it safe to use chemical drain cleaners for removing obstructions?
Chemical drain cleaners can be toxic and can be harmful to you as well as the environment. It is advisable to exhaust other DIY techniques before using potentially harmful chemicals. Hiring a professional plumber ensures that you will receive reliable and safe solutions without placing yourself or the environment to risk.
Are blocked drains causing any long-term damage to my home?
In fact, water drains that are blocked can result in serious long-term damage including water damage, cracking pipes, growth of mold, sewage backup or even foundation damage. Seeking professional help in good time will prevent costly damages.
What are some techniques used by plumbers to clear blocked drains?
Professional plumbers use various methods like hydro jetting which utilizes high-pressure water streams and drain snake machines, which eliminate blockages by cutting into or breaking up debris.
How much is it to employ a plumbing service like Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber for clearing blocked drains?
The cost to clear an obstruction in the drain is contingent on factors such as how severe the blockage is, what kind of process is needed to clear the blockage (e.g. Snaking or hydro-jetting) and how easy access to your drains are. We recommend contacting one of our representatives at Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber for an initial assessment over the phone or book an appointment so that we know what alternatives are the most effective for your specific situation.
Don’t make your clogged drain situation helpless, contact Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber today for quality service.
Additional Information
- Tips and Tricks for Clearing a Blocked Pipe with Ease
- Reasons Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Must Before Purchasing a Property
- The Ultimate Guide on How to Clear a Blocked Drain in Your Home
- Understanding the Technical Aspects of a CCTV Drain Inspection Report
- Why Trenchless Pipe Relining is the Future of Condominium Plumbing
- How to Prevent Your Drains from Getting Blocked
- Discover Why Jetting is the Best Solution for Your Blocked Drain Woes
- Easy Measures to Find & Identify a Blocked Pipe
- Your Ultimate Guide to Clearing and Unblocking Clogged Drains with Ease
- A Hassle-Free Detailed Manual to Unclog Your Jammed Shower Drain
