Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a common problem which can affect our daily life. Although most of us attempt to fix the issue by ourselves but some blocked drains require professional assistance. In this post we will look at the pros and cons of clearing the drains that are blocked by yourself instead of having professional help.
Key Takeaways
- A few minor blockages can be removed with simple methods at home
- Before you attempt any solution ensure you are equipped with the proper tools at your disposal: gloves, plunger, baking soda, vinegar/citric acid
- DIY techniques for clearing drains that are blocked include Boiling Water, Baking Soda
What is the best time to remove a blockage from a drain?
The majority of minor blockages can easily be eliminated using simple methods at home. If you are noticing any of the following symptoms, you could try using these methods before calling in professionals:
Slow draining bathtubs or sinks
If water isn’t going down the drain as fast as it should, there may be a slight blockage. Try using a plunger to get rid of any debris clogging up the pipe.
Odors that are unpleasant
A sour smell coming from your bathtub or sink could be a sign of food particles or hair causing the blockage. Try pouring boiling water mixed with vinegar into your bathtub or sink in order to break up any residue that has accumulated.
Noises of gurgling
When air gets trapped in your pipes due to obstruction, it creates the sound of bubbling as water flows through the drain. Utilizing baking soda and hot water, and vinegar, you can clear the food particles and hair.
What are some common DIY ways to clear blocked drains?
Before beginning any project, make sure you are equipped with the appropriate tools at your disposal: gloves plunger, baking soda vinegar/citric acid.
Here are some proven methods to clear obstacles:
Boiling Water
Pouring hot water directly into your sink can help melt away any solids, such as soap as well as grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction triggered by mix Baking Soda with Vinegar releases all kinds of gunk stuck in your pipes.
Discharge Snake or Auger
Utilize Snakes or Augers to remove more serious blockages when plungers and boiling water fail.
Wet/Dry Vacuum
Utilize dry or wet vacuums to clear the obstruction by sucking this material from the drain directly.
When is it time to bring in experts?
If you’ve tried every DIY techniques but the blockage still persists you need to engage a professional. Here are a few instances that need expert advice:
Blockages that recur
The root cause for the blockages could not have been properly addressed. Employing a professional team will ensure that they are able to identify and resolve any issues that are underlying.
Age of Plumbing System
older plumbing systems are prone to damage caused by wear and environmental factors. A professional can tell if your pipeline needs replacement or if simpler solutions such as Hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting service) is sufficient.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Some clogs contain hazardous materials like broken glass or chemicals that require specific care. If you don’t want risk injury or damage to your pipes leaving this job to certified professionals.
Prevention is more effective than Cure
It is better to keep drains clean rather than fix them. Routine maintenance can prevent clogs that are severe from developing. Making changes to your lifestyle, such as eliminating the flushing of hygiene products in the toilet, putting greasy substances into sinks, or having regular CCTV inspections, can avoid blocking completely.
Why Should You 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 technology and methods such as hydrojetting and CCTV camera inspections that ensure excellent results, with no issues.
- Hydrojetting uses high-pressure streams of water at specific angles suitable to various plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras provide us with the insider’s view of the issues that are causing problems in pipes, which allows us to deal with specific issues correctly.
Our licensed professionals will work on-site efficiently while keeping social distance during these Covid times, while cleaning up once 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 |
Common Questions and Answers
How do I determine that I require help from a professional to clear a blocked drain?
If you’ve tried basic DIY solutions like plunging and using drain cleaning products but have not had any success is it time to consult a professional. Other signs include slow draining of sinks and odors that smell foul coming from the drains, noises of gurgling and water backup.
Is it safe to employ chemical drain cleaners to removing blockages?
Chemical drain cleaners are hazardous and harmful to both you and the environment. It is advisable to exhaust other DIY methods before resorting to chemical cleaners that could be harmful to the environment. Employing a professional plumber will ensure that you receive secure and efficient solutions that aren’t placing yourself or the environment to risk.
Could blocked drains cause long-term damage to my home?
In fact, water drains that are blocked could result in long-term, serious damage like water damage, burst pipes, mold growth in the sewage system, and even foundation damage. Consulting a professional at the right time can prevent costly damage.
What are some methods used by plumbing professionals to clear blocked drains?
Professional plumbers utilize a variety of techniques like hydro jetting that utilizes high-pressure water streams as well as drain snake machines that eliminate blockages by cutting through or breaking down the debris.
How much is it to hire a plumbing company like Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing for clearing blocked drains?
The cost of clearing the drain that is blocked depends on aspects like how bad the obstruction is, what kind of technique is required to remove the blockage (e.g. Hydro jetting, or even snaking), and how accessible to your drains are. Contact one of our representatives at Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing for an initial assessment over the phone or book an appointment so we can figure out what options will work best for your particular situation.
Don’t let your drain clogged situation helpless, contact Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing today for quality service.
Additional Information
- The Importance of Professional Drain Cleaning for Your Family's Health and Safety
- Say Goodbye to Frequent Clogging: Reasons to Invest in Pipe Relining Services
- Discover the best blocked drain solution you should try today
- Keeping Costly Drain Repairs at Bay with Routine Inspections
- Saving Time and Money with CCTV Drain Inspection for Drain Clearing
- Why Condo Complexes are Switching to Trenchless Pipe Relining Methods
- The Advantage of CCTV Drain Inspection in Detecting Root Infiltration Early
- 10 Simple Ways for Fixing a Clogged Pipe
- CCTV Drain Inspections: Why They are Crucial in Detecting Drain Blockages
- Discover the optimal plumber for your backed up drain emergency
