Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help

Posted by Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing on 20 Dec 2025

Blocked drains are a frequent issue which can affect our daily life. Although most of us attempt to tackle the issue by ourselves but some blocked drains need professional help. In this article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of clearing blockages on your own or seeking professional assistance.

Key Takeaways

  • Certain minor blockages can be eliminated using simple strategies at home
  • Before beginning any work make sure you are equipped with the proper tools at your disposal: gloves, plunger, baking soda and vinegar/citric acid
  • DIY techniques for clearing obstructions in drains are Boiling water, Baking Soda

When should you attempt to clear a blocked drain?

A few minor blockages can be cleared with simple techniques at home. If you notice any of the signs below You can try these techniques prior to calling experts:

Sinks and bathtubs that are slow draining

If water is not going through the drains as quickly like it ought to, there could be a small blockage. Make use of a plunger remove any debris clogging up the pipe.

The smells are unpleasant

A sour smell coming from your tub or sink could be a sign of food particles or hair that is causing the obstruction. Try pouring boiling water mixed with vinegar in your bathtub or sink in order to remove any buildup of residue.

The sound of gurgling

If air becomes trapped in your pipes because of the blockage, it produces noises that bubble as water flows down the drain. Using baking soda and hot water solution in conjunction with vinegar will help to remove any food particles that have accumulated around and hair.

What are some typical DIY ways to clear blocked drains?

Before trying any method ensure you have the right tools on fingertips: gloves, plunger, baking soda, vinegar/citric acid.

Here are some efficient ways to clear obstacles:

Boiling Water

Pouring hot water directly into the sink will help melt away solids like soap as well as grease.

Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture

The reaction caused by mix Baking Soda along with Vinegar will loosen all sorts of gunk stuck to your pipes.

Drain Snake or Auger

Make use of Snakes or Augers for more serious blockages when plungers fail and boiling water fails.

Dry Vacuum Wet

Use dry and wet vacuums to eliminate the blockage by suctioning the debris out of the drain directly.

Is it time to get professional help?

If you’ve tried all DIY strategies, and your blockage is still there It’s time to involve professionals. Here are a few instances where you need the help of a professional:

Recurring Blockages

The cause of your blockages might not have been fixed correctly. Hiring a team of professionals will ensure that they are able to identify the root of the problem and address it.

Older Plumbing System

Older plumbing systems are vulnerable to damage caused by wear and external factors. Professionals can assess whether the pipeline is in need of replacement or whether simpler solutions like hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting service) is enough.

Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials

Some clogs have hazardous materials like chemicals or broken glass which require special care. If you do not want to be at risk of injury or damage to your pipes, you should consider giving this task to certified experts.

Prevention is always better than Cure

It is better to keep drains clean rather than fix them. The regular maintenance assists in preventing severe clogs from developing. Making lifestyle changes such as eliminating the flushing of hygiene products into the toilet, not dumping greasy substances in sinks, and having a regular CCTV inspections, can avoid blockages altogether.

Why choose Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing for Professional Assistance?

Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing has years of experience in clearing blocked drains within Adelaide . We employ the most advanced techniques and equipment, such as hydrojetting and CCTV camera inspections to ensure top-quality results without issues.

  • Hydrojetting is the process of delivering high-pressure streams water angled at specific angles, which are ideal for different types of plumbing fixtures.
  • CCTV cameras give us the insider’s view of what’s causing the issue within pipes, which allows us to tackle specific issues properly.

Our fully licensed experts will efficiently work on site while keeping social distance during these Covid moments while cleaning up after the job 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

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I determine if I need professional help to clear a blocked drain?

If you’ve tried the basic DIY techniques like plunging and using drain cleaning solutions with no success It’s time to seek professional help. Other indicators include sinks that don’t drain as quickly, foul odors coming from the drains, gurgling sounds, or water back up.

Can you safely use chemical drain cleaners for clearing obstructions?

Chemical drain cleaners are dangerous and hazardous to you and the environment. It is advised to explore other DIY strategies before chemical drain cleaners that can be harmful. Engaging a professional plumber guarantees that you receive reliable and safe solutions without you or your family members to danger.

Do blocked drains cause long-term damage to my home?

The truth is that blocked drains can result in serious long-term damage such as water damage, the growth of mold, burst pipes and sewage backups, or even foundation damage. A professional’s assistance in a timely time can avoid costly damages.

What are some methods used by plumbing professionals to clear blocked drains?

Professional plumbers employ a variety of methods like hydro jetting that utilizes high-pressure water streams as well as drain snake machines, which eliminate obstructions by cutting or breaking down particles.

How much will it cost to hire a plumbing company similar to Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing for clearing blocked drains?

The cost to clear the drain that is blocked depends on factors like how serious the blockage is, what type of procedure is required for clearing the obstruction (e.g. Hydro jetting, or even snaking) and how easily to your drains are. Contact our team at Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing for an initial review over the phone or book an appointment so that we can determine what methods are best suited to your situation.

Don’t let your drain clogged problem unsolved, call Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing today for quality service.

Additional Information

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Adelaide 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 Adelaide cleared today, contact Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing now and speak to one of our friendly team members.

8 Reasons To Hire Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing

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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 Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing, 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.

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