Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a regular issue that can disrupt our everyday life. While most of us try to resolve the issue on our own but some blocked drains need professional assistance. In this post we’ll look at the advantages and disadvantages of removing blocked drains by yourself versus getting help from a professional.
Key Takeaways
- Some minor blockages are easily cleared by simple strategies at home
- Before attempting any solutions be sure to have the appropriate tools at hand: gloves, plunger, baking soda, vinegar/citric acid
- DIY techniques for clearing blocked drains include Boiling the water Baking Soda
What are the ideal times to clear a blocked drain?
The majority of minor blockages can easily be cleared using simple techniques at home. If you notice any of the following symptoms it is possible to try these methods prior to calling experts:
Sinks and bathtubs that are slow draining
If water is not going down the drain in the same speed that it would, there may be a slight blockage. You can try using a plunger eliminate any debris that is clogging the pipe.
The smells are unpleasant
A bad smell emanating from your sink or bathtub could be a sign of food particles or hair causing the blockage. Try pouring boiling hot water with vinegar in your sink or bathtub to remove any buildup of residue.
Sounds of Gurgling
When air gets trapped in your pipes as a result of an obstruction, it can cause noises that bubble as water flows through the drain. Baking soda and a hot water solutions, in conjunction with vinegar will help to remove any buildup around food particles and hair.
What are the most common DIY ways to clear blocked drains?
Before attempting any solutions, make sure you have the right tools on hand: gloves, plunger baking soda, vinegar or citric acid.
Here are some proven methods that can help clear obstructions:
Boiling Water
The addition of hot water directly to your sink can help melt away solids like soap or grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction caused by mixing Baking Soda and Vinegar dislodges all sorts of gunk stuck to your pipes.
Snake or Auger Snake or Auger
Utilize Snakes or Augers to prevent larger blockages if plungers or boiling water fail.
Dry Vacuum Wet
Make use of dry and wet vacuums for removing the obstruction by sucking this material from the drain in a direct manner.
Is it time to engage professionals?
If you’ve tried every DIY techniques but the problem persists the issue is time to call in a professional. Here are a few instances that require seeking professional expertise:
Blockages that recur
The root cause of the blockages might not have been dealt with correctly. Hiring a team of professionals will ensure that they are able to identify and fix any underlying issues.
Older Plumbing System
The older plumbing systems are more susceptible to damage due to wear and other external elements. A professional can tell if your plumbing system requires replacement or if simpler options like hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting process) will suffice.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Some clogs may contain dangerous materials like chemicals or broken glass that require specific care. If you don’t want to be at risk of injury or damage to your pipes, you should consider leaving this job to certified experts.
Prevention is more effective than Cure
It is better to maintain drains rather than fixing them. A regular maintenance will prevent clogs of a severe nature from forming. Making changes to your lifestyle, such as refraining from flushing hygiene products into the toilet, not dumping greasy substances leaking into sinks and regular CCTV inspections can help prevent blocking completely.
Why choose Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing for Professional Assistance?
Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing has years of experience in clearing blocked drains within Adelaide . We use advanced equipment and techniques such as hydrojetting and CCTV camera inspections that ensure quality results with no future problems.
- Hydrojetting uses high-pressure streams of water that are angled to be suitable for different types of plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras offer us the insider’s view of what’s causing the problems within pipes, which allows us to fix specific problems properly.
Our certified experts will efficiently work on site while maintaining social distancing during these Covid times while cleaning up after the work is 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 |
Common Questions and Answers
How do I determine when I’m in need of professional help to unblock a blocked drain?
If you’ve tried basic DIY methods such as plunging or using drain cleaning products but have not had any success, then it’s time to seek professional help. Other signs include slow draining of sinks as well as odors of foul smells emanating from drains, gurgling sounds, along with water backup.
Can you safely employ chemical drain cleaners in the removal of blockages?
Chemical drain cleaners can be harmful and dangerous to you and the environment. It is advised to explore other DIY techniques before making use of potentially harmful chemicals. Employing a professional plumber will ensure that you will receive safe and effective solutions without you or your family members to danger.
Could blocked drains cause long-term damage to my property?
Yes, blocked drains could result in long-term, serious damage including water damage, cracking pipes, growth of mold, sewage backup or even foundation damage. Seeking professional help in good time can avoid costly damages.
What are some methods that plumbers employ to clear drains that are blocked?
Professional plumbers employ various techniques like hydro jetting which utilizes high-pressure water streams and drain snake machines which clear blockages by cutting into or breaking up obstructions.
How much does it cost to hire a plumbing company similar to Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing for clearing blocked drains?
The cost to clear an obstruction in the drain is contingent on factors like how serious the blockage is, what kind of method is needed for clearing the obstruction (e.g. Snaking or hydro-jetting), and how accessible you are to the drain system. Contact one of our representatives at Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing for an initial assessment over the phone, or make an appointment to ensure that we can decide which methods are best suited to your situation.
Don’t be apathetic and leave your drain situation helpless, contact Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing today for quality service.
Additional Information
- Learn How to Effortlessly Clear Your Clogged Drains with the Do-It-Yourself Guide
- Methods for Finding & Diagnosing a Blocked Drain
- Understanding CCTV Drain Inspection and the Benefits for Your Home
- Reducing the Risks of Drainage Problems: How CCTV Drain Inspection Can Help
- DIY Tips for Unclogging Your Shower Drain Without Harsh Chemicals
- 5 Factors That Are Clogging Your Drains and How to Avoid Them
- How to Choose between Different Types of Pipe Relining Materials (And Which One Is Right for You)
- From Clearing Clutter to Securing Access Points: The Preparations You Need for a Successful CCTV Drain Inspection
- The Ultimate Guide to Drain Clearing Services
- Discover the optimal plumber for your backed up drain emergency
