DIY Drain Cleaning: When to Call a Professional

Posted by Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber on 3 Aug 2024

Clogged drains are a common household problem that could be caused by a variety of items, such as hair, soap scum, grease and trees. Although many prefer fixing the issue at home however, there are occasions that it is better to seek help from professionals. In this post, we’ll explain when it is best to DIY drain cleaning and when to consult a professional plumber.

Key Takeaways

  • Slow draining, gurgling noises and a foul smell indicate the need to wash your drain.
  • Boiling water, baking soda and plunger along with drain snake, are DIY ways to clear a blocked drain.
  • Always read instructions and wear gloves if necessary in attempting DIY techniques.
  • Ask for help from a professional Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber plumber if there are multiple clogs, no improvement following DIY efforts or blocked drains that are not visible due to external factors such as tree roots.
  • Professionals conduct CCTV drainage inspections to find particular blockages and avoid unnecessary repair costs.

Signs Your Drain Needs Cleaning

Before starting the cleaning process, you must to know if your drain is in need of being cleaned up in the first place. Here are some indications which indicate that your drain requires attention:

Slow Draining

If you notice that water will take longer usual in time to drain or doesn’t drain completely, it’s time to look into. If your sink isn’t draining as fast as it should, or shower could be a sign of a blockage in your pipes.

Gurgling Noises

A gurgling sound emanating from drains typically indicate air getting trapped in the plumbing system. This can lead to blockages and should be looked at as soon as possible.

Foul Odors

The buildup of organic matter could result in unpleasant smells emanating out of your pipes. If you notice something odd emanating from your sink or bathtub, it’s likely that it’s time to wash.

Do-it-yourself drain cleaning is a good idea.

There are several methods of getting rid of a blocked drain, which you can attempt on your own.

Boiling Water

Boiling water can dissolve most organic material, which causes blockages to pipes but is not used in conjunction with PVC pipes.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

The combination of vinegar and baking soda reacts, producing fizzing acids that cause any clogs that have been causing problems to be loosened up; pour boiling water through afterward for the best results.

Plunger

Plungers are a great solution to minor blockages, specifically for blocked sinks or toilets but ensure that there isn’t any chemical residue in the fixture before using the plunger.

Drain Snake

If the blockage appears to be stuck a few inches in the bowels, you may employ drain snakes. Insert it into the drain and slowly turn while pushing it outwards until the blockage is cleared.

When attempting any DIY cleaning methods, always read the instructions carefully and use protective equipment such as gloves whenever necessary.

When to call to a Professional

Although DIY methods can be beneficial in certain circumstances but there are instances when you need the assistance of an experienced Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber plumber:

Multiple Clogs

If you notice that multiple drains within your home are backed up at regular intervals, don’t try to address this issue on your own. It could be because of issues within your main sewer line and require the expertise of a professional plumber.

There is no improvement after DIY attempts.

You’ve tried every option, but nothing appears to work or if there is regular blockages, there may be more significant plumbing issues requiring expert assistance prior to causing major damage.

Unseen Blockages

External factors like tree roots could cause blockages, which are not noticed until the issue becomes severe. Professionals perform CCTV drainage inspections, which pinpoint the exact location of the blockage, eliminating unnecessary repair costs by directly tackling the problem without guesswork.

Signs Your Drain Needs Cleaning When To DIY Drain Cleaning When To Call a Professional
Slow Draining Boiling water Multiple Clogs
Gurgling Noises Baking Soda and Vinegar No Improvement After DIY Attempts
Foul Odors Plunger Unseen Blockages
Drain Snake

Note: Always read the instructions carefully and wear protective gear where necessary while attempting any DIY cleaning methods.

Common Questions & Answers

How can I tell if I need to call an experienced plumber?

If you’ve tried several DIY methods and the drain is still blocked, it’s time to bring an expert in. Signs that you should call the plumber include frequent blockages, slow drainage, bubbling from the sink or toilet when water is run through a different source, and unpleasant odors emanating from your drains.

Are there any risks to trying to clear my own drain?

Yes, attempting to unclog your own drain can actually cause more harm than beneficial. The use of harsh chemicals and a poor tool can cause pipe damage, leading to costly repairs in the future. In addition, if a blockage is not dealt with properly, it can lead to the occurrence of sewage backups as well as health hazards.

How can I make DIY ways to unblock my drain?

A few DIY methods to clear drains include using a plumbing snake or plunger pouring boiling liquid down the drain or making a mix of baking soda with vinegar. While these methods may work for small clogs, it is important to exercise caution in attempting them.

Can I employ chemical drain cleaners at my own?

While chemical drain cleaners may initially work, they may affect older pipes and weaken them. Additionally, many chemical cleaners contain harsh chemicals that could be harmful to both people as well as pets.

Why should I select Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber for my blocked drainage needs located in Melbourne ?

The team at Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber , we specialize in unblocking blocked drains quickly and cost-effectively. Our team of trained professionals uses only the latest techniques in surveillance cameras as well as hydro jetting machines to diagnose and effectively solve your problems while leaving your property spotless and free of clutter. Additionally, since we’re a local company servicing Melbourne , we’re always nearby if you encounter any plumbing problems!

Conclusion

There are instances when the DIY method can be effective in cleaning drain clogs. However experts have the experience and equipment to evaluate the root of the issue, thereby preventing further problems ensuring optimal cleanliness every time. If these pros seem like the ideal solution for your home to have an ideal sanitary environment and you are looking for their services, then contacting them might be the best option. Call the Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber plumbers for timely efficient solutions that don’t require any effort or hassle on your behalf.

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 Plumber now and speak to one of our friendly team members.

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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 Plumber, 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.

Identify tree roots in your pipes with our cctv inspections and nabish them from your drains with our pip repairs and pipe relining.

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