DIY Drain Cleaning: When to Call a Professional

Clogged drains are a common problem for homeowners and could be the result of a myriad of items, such as hair soap scum, soap grease and the roots of trees. Many people prefer solving the problem at home, there are times when it’s best to get help from a professional. In this article, we will talk about the times when you should DIY drain cleaning and when it is best to solicit help from a professional plumber.
Key Takeaways
- Gulping sounds, slow draining and a foul smell indicate the time to clean your drain.
- Boiling baking soda, water, plunger as well as drain snakes are all DIY techniques to open a blocked drain.
- Always read instructions and wear gloves if necessary while attempting DIY techniques.
- Get help from a professional Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing plumber if there are numerous clogs and no improvement following DIY efforts or unclear blockages caused due to external factors such as tree roots.
- Professionals conduct CCTV drainage inspections to find the exact blockage area, avoiding unnecessary repair costs.
A Sign Your Drain Needs Cleaning
Before diving into cleansing, you must to identify if your drain requires to be cleaned out in the first instance. Here are some indicators that indicate your drain needs attention:
Slow Draining
If you find that your water takes longer than normal to drain or does not drain at all, you need to look into. If your sink isn’t draining as fast as it should, or shower could indicate that there’s an obstruction forming within your pipes.
Gurgling Noises
The sounds of drains gurgling typically indicate air being trapped inside the plumbing system. It could cause blockages, and must be looked at as soon as it is possible.
Foul Odors
The buildup of organic matter may result in unpleasant smells emanating from your drains. If you’re experiencing a strange smell coming from your kitchen sink and shower area, then it’s to be time to clean.
Do-it-yourself drain cleaning is a good idea.
There are many methods for clearing a drain that you can try at your own pace:
Boiling Water
Boiling water is able to dissolve the majority of organic materials, which can cause blockages in pipes, but it cannot be employed with PVC pipes.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
A mixture of vinegar and baking soda reacts and produces fizzing acid that causes any blockages that remain stubborn to fall away up. Pour boiling water in the following step for perfect results.
Plunger
Plungers can be a boon for minor obstructions, particularly for blocked toilets or sinks. But make sure that there isn’t any chemical residues present within the fixture prior use of a plunger.
Drain Snake
If the blockage seems to be lodged within a few inches the drain, employ drain snakes. Place it and gradually rotate while pushing it outwards until the obstruction is removed.
If you’re attempting any DIY cleaning technique, take the time to study the instructions carefully, and wear protective gear like gloves when needed.
When to call to a Professional
While DIY methods may work in certain situations but there are instances when you need the assistance of a licensed Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing plumber:
Multiple Clogs
If multiple drains in your home back up over time, don’t attempt to address this issue on your own. This could be due to problems within your main sewer line that require the expert knowledge of a plumber.
No improvement after DIY tries
You’ve tried every option there is no solution or if you’ve noticed recurring blockages, there may be more significant plumbing issues requiring expert assistance prior to significant damage occurring.
Unseen Blockages
External entities such as tree roots can cause blockages that do not get noticed until the issue grows to be a major issue. Professionals conduct CCTV drainage inspections pinpointing the precise location of the clog, cutting down on repair costs by directly tackling the problem 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.
Frequently Asked Question
What do I do to determine what I should do if I have to call a professional plumber?
If you’ve tried a variety of DIY ways but your drain remains blocked and clogged, you need to call in the professionals. Signs to contact an experienced plumber are frequent obstructions, slow drainage, bubbling from the sink or toilet when water is run from a different source, or unpleasant odors emanating from your drains.
Are there any risk involved in attempting to unclog me own sewer?
Yes, attempting to unclog your own drain can actually do more harm than beneficial. Use of harmful chemicals and inadequate tools can harm pipes and lead to expensive repairs in the future. In addition, if a blockage is not handled correctly it could lead to sewage backups and potential health hazards.
What are some DIY methods for unclogging my drain?
Some DIY methods to clear drains include using plumbing snakes or a plunger pouring boiling hot drinking water into the drainage or creating a mixture of vinegar, baking soda, and baking soda. While these options may be effective for minor clogs, it’s important to be careful when trying these methods.
Can I make use of chemical drain cleaners on my own?
While chemical drain cleaners can be effective initially, they could harm older pipes and cause them to weaken. Additionally, many chemical cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to humans as well as pets.
Why should I pick Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing for my blocked drains needs located in Adelaide ?
We are Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing , we specialize in clearing blocked drains swiftly and at a reasonable cost. Our expert team uses only the latest technology in CCTV inspection cameras as well as hydro jetting machines to detect and effectively solve your problems whilst leaving your property clean and clutter-free. Furthermore, as an local company that serves Adelaide , we’re always near if you have any plumbing emergencies!
Conclusion
There are occasions when the DIY method can be effective in cleaning drain clogs; however professionals have experience and the tools to identify the root of the issue, thereby preventing further problems ensuring optimal cleanliness always. If these experts seem like what your home needs for an optimally clean environment getting their help might be the best option. Reach out to one of our Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing plumbers for timely efficient solutions that don’t require any effort or hassle on your behalf.
Additional Information
- 5 Factors That Are Clogging Your Drains and How to Avoid Them
- The Dangers of Using Chemical Drain Unblockers
- The Do's and Don'ts of Keeping Your Drains Free from Blockages
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspection in Commercial Properties
- Learn How to Effortlessly Clear Your Clogged Drains with the Do-It-Yourself Guide
- Do-It-Yourself Drain Cleaning: Helpful Tips for Preventing Clogs in Your House
- From Clearing Clutter to Securing Access Points: The Preparations You Need for a Successful CCTV Drain Inspection
- Saving Time and Money with CCTV Drain Inspection for Drain Clearing
- Don't Let These Common Mistakes Clog Your Pipes