DIY Drain Cleaning: When to Call a Professional

Clogged drains are an issue that is common to all households and is caused by many things, such as hair soap scum, soap grease and the roots of trees. Many people prefer fixing the issue on their own, there are times when it is best to contact professionals. In this post, we’ll discuss when you should DIY drain cleaning and when to seek help from an experienced plumber.
Key Takeaways
- The slow draining, the gurgling sound and a foul smell indicate that your drain is in need of cleaning.
- Boiling baking soda, water, vinegar, plunger, or drain snakes, can be DIY methods for clearing the drain.
- Always read the directions and wear gloves if necessary in attempting DIY techniques.
- Get help from a professional Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber plumber if there are several clogs that do not show improvement after DIY attempts, or blocked drains that are not visible due to external factors like tree roots.
- The experts conduct CCTV drainage inspections to find an exact location of blockage, thus avoiding repair expenses.
The Signs that Your Drain Needs To Be Clean
Before beginning the cleaning process, it is important to determine if your drain requires to be cleaned at all. Here are some indicators that indicate your drain needs attention:
Slow Drainage
If you find that your water is taking longer than usual or is taking longer to drain or isn’t draining in any way, it’s time to look into. If your sink isn’t draining as fast as it should, or shower could mean there is a blockage in your pipes.
Gurgling Noises
The sounds of drains gurgling are often an indication of air trapped within the plumbing system. This could lead to blockages and should be looked at as soon as is possible.
Foul Odors
The buildup of organic matter may create unpleasant odors that emanate through your drainage. If you smell something funky emanating from your bathroom sink and shower area, then it’s the time to get your bathroom cleaned.
When To DIY Drain Cleaning
There are numerous methods for clearing a drain that you can try by yourself:
Boiling Water
Boiling water will dissolve a lot of organic materials, which can cause pipe blockage but cannot be used in conjunction with PVC pipes.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
A mixture of vinegar and baking soda reacts, producing fizzing acids that cause any blockages that remain stubborn to fall away up. Pour boiling water into the clogs afterward to get perfect results.
Plunger
Plungers can be a boon for minor clogs especially for blocked toilets and sinks, but make sure that there’s no chemical residue in the fixture before using plunger.
Drain Snake
If you believe that the blockage may be stuck a few inches in it, you could employ drain snakes. Simply insert it, and slowly rotate while pushing it outwards until the obstruction is removed.
When attempting any DIY cleaning method, be sure to follow the instructions thoroughly and wear protective equipment like gloves when needed.
When To Call for a Professional
While DIY methods may be beneficial in certain circumstances but there are instances when you need assistance from a professional Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber plumber:
Multiple Clogs
If multiple drains within your home have a tendency to overflow at regular intervals, don’t try to address this issue on your own. It could be because of problems within the main sewer line which require the skills of a professional plumber.
There is no improvement after DIY attempts.
If you’ve tried everything and it’s not working, or if you’re seeing frequent blockages, it could be more significant plumbing issues that require expert advice before major damages are caused.
Unseen Blockages
External factors like tree roots could cause blockages, which remain unnoticed until the issue becomes severe. Professionals conduct CCTV drainage inspections to pinpoint the exact location of the blockage, eliminating unnecessary repair costs by tackling the issue directly without a 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.
FAQs
How do I know whether I should call an experienced plumber?
If you’ve tried numerous DIY methods but the drain is still blocked and clogged, you need to call an expert in. Signs that you should call plumbing experts include repeated blockages, slow drainage, bubbling from the toilet or sink when water is run from another source, and unpleasant odors emanating from the drains.
Are there any risks to trying to clear your own drainage?
It’s true that trying to unblock the drain in your home can cause more harm than beneficial. Harsh chemicals and improper tools can damage pipes, leading to costly repairs down the line. If a blockage is not handled correctly it could result in sewer backups, which could pose health risks.
Which are the best DIY techniques to free my drain?
Some DIY ways to unclog drains include using the plunger or plumbing snake, pouring boiling liquid down the drain, or creating a mixture of baking soda with vinegar. While these options may be effective for minor clogs, you should be cautious in attempting them.
Can I utilize chemical drain cleaners on my own?
Although chemical drain cleaners might be effective initially, they could harm older pipes and cause them to weaken. Additionally, many chemical cleaners contain harsh substances that can cause harm to humans as well as pets.
Why should I select Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber for my blocked drainage needs to Melbourne ?
The team at Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber , we specialize in clearing blocked drains fast and at a reasonable cost. Our professional team makes use of the latest technological advances in cameras for CCTV as well as hydro jetting machines to diagnose and solve your issues and leave your property tidy and tidy. Plus, as an local company that serves Melbourne , we’re always available should you face any plumbing emergency!
Conclusion
There are instances where the DIY method can be effective in cleaning drainage clogs. However, professionals have experience and tools to determine underlying problems preventing future troubles making sure that your home is clean every time. If these pros seem like the ideal solution for your home to have an optimally clean environment, seeking out their services is a good option. Call our Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber plumbers for timely efficient solutions that don’t require any effort or stress on your part.
Additional Information
- Understanding CCTV Drain Inspection and the Benefits for Your Home
- A Hassle-Free Detailed Manual to Unclog Your Jammed Shower Drain
- The Ultimate Guide to Unclogging Your Drain Without Professional Help
- How to Tell You Need Drain Clearing Services for Your Business
- Discover Why Jetting is the Best Solution for Your Blocked Drain Woes
- Natural Methods for Keeping Your Shower Drain Free of Blockages
- Why Trenchless Pipe Relining is the Future of Condominium Plumbing
- Say farewell to clogged drains with these most effective solutions
- The Pros and Cons of Clearing Blocked Drains Yourself or Hiring a Professional
- Tips and Tricks for Clearing a Blocked Pipe with Ease