Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a regular issue that can cause disruption to our daily life. While many of us try to tackle the issue on our own but there are certain blockages that need professional help. In this article we will look at the pros and cons of clearing the drains that are blocked by yourself instead of seeking professional assistance.
Key Takeaways
- A few minor blockages can be cleared with simple methods at home
- Before beginning any work ensure you are equipped with the proper tools at disposal: gloves, plunger, baking soda, vinegar/citric acid
- DIY methods for clearing obstructions in drains are Boiling Wasser, Baking Soda
When should you attempt to remove a blockage from a drain?
Certain minor blockages can be cleared using simple techniques at home. If you spot any of the signs below, you could try using these techniques before calling professionals:
Sinks that drain slowly or bathtubs
If the water isn’t flowing through the drains as quickly as it should, then there might be a tiny blockage. Use a plunger to push out any debris blocking the drain.
The smells are unpleasant
A sour smell coming from your sink or bathtub may indicate that food or hair causing the blockage. Try pouring boiling water mixed with vinegar into your sink or bathtub to break up any residue that has accumulated.
Sounds of Gurgling
When air is trapped inside your pipes because of obstruction, it creates noises that bubble as water flows down into the drain. By using baking soda in combination with hot water solution as well as vinegar to unblock any food particles that have accumulated around and hair.
What are some of the most popular DIY techniques for clearing blocked drains?
Before you attempt any solution be sure to have the proper tools at disposal: gloves, plunger baking soda, vinegar/citric acid.
Here are some effective ways that can help clear obstructions:
Boiling Water
Injecting hot water directly into your sink can help melt away solids like soap and grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction triggered by the mixture of Baking Soda and Vinegar releases all kinds of gunk stuck in your pipes.
Discharge Snake or Auger
Utilize Snakes or Augers to prevent obstructions that are more severe when plungers and boiling water do not work.
Dry and Wet Vacuum
Utilize dry or wet vacuums to clear the blockage by suctioning this material from the drain directly.
Is it time to engage professionals?
If you’ve tried every DIY techniques but the blockage still persists you need to engage professionals. Here are a few situations which require the assistance of a professional:
Blockages that recur
The root of your blockages may not have been dealt with correctly. Engaging a team of experts will ensure that they are able to identify and resolve any issues that are underlying.
Age of Plumbing System
Older plumbing systems are susceptible to damage caused by wear and external influences. The experts can help you determine whether your plumbing system requires replacement or more straightforward solutions like hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting service) is enough.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Some clogs contain hazardous materials such as broken glass or chemicals which require special care. If you don’t want to be at risk of injury or damage to your pipes, consider confiding this task to qualified professionals.
Prevention is Better Than Cure
It is always more beneficial to prevent drains from becoming blocked rather than repair them. Regular maintenance helps prevent severe clogs from developing. Making lifestyle changes like not flushing toiletries down the toilet, greasy substances into sinks, having regular CCTV examinations can stop blockages completely.
Why Should You Choose Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber for Professional Assistance?
Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber has years of experience in clearing blocked drains in Adelaide . We employ the most advanced equipment and techniques such as hydrojetting and CCTV camera inspections that ensure excellent results, with no problems.
- Hydrojetting makes use of high-pressure streams water with specific angles that are suitable for various types of plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras provide us with the insider’s view of what’s causing the problems within pipes, which allows us to deal with specific issues effectively.
Our certified experts can be on site efficiently, while maintaining social distancing during these Covid times, while cleaning up after the work is complete.
| 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 Question
How can I tell whether I require professional assistance to unblock a blocked drain?
If you have tried basic DIY techniques like plunging and using drain cleaning solutions, but you haven’t had success Then it’s time to get professional assistance. Other indicators include sinks that aren’t draining as fast, foul odors coming from drains, sounds of gurgling, and water backup.
Can you safely employ chemical drain cleaners to clearing obstructions?
Chemical drain cleaners are dangerous and hazardous to you as well as the environment. It is advised to explore other DIY methods before resorting to chemical drain cleaners that can be harmful. Hiring a professional plumber ensures that you will receive secure and efficient solutions that aren’t the risk of exposing yourself or your surroundings to danger.
Do blocked drains cause lasting damage to my property?
Yes, blocked drains could result in serious long-term damage such as water damage, the growth of mold, burst pipes and sewage backups, or even foundation damage. Getting help from a professional in the right time will prevent costly damages.
What are some of the techniques used by plumbers to clear blocked drains?
Professional plumbers utilize a variety of techniques like hydro jetting which utilizes high-pressure water streams, as well as drain snake machines that eliminate obstructions by cutting through or breaking up obstructions.
How much is it to employ a plumbing service similar to Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber for clearing blocked drains?
The cost to clear a blocked drain depends on aspects like how bad the blockage is, which kind of technique is required to clear the blockage (e.g. hydro jetting or snaking), and how accessible to your drains are. Contact the team of Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber for an initial evaluation over the phone or book an appointment so that we know what alternatives are the most effective for your specific situation.
Don’t leave your clogged drain situation helpless, contact Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber today for quality service.
Additional Information
- The Benefits of Using CCTV Drain Inspection for Pipe Relining Services
- DIY Drain Cleaning: How to Safely Tackle Clogged Drains
- Say hello to unclogged drains with effective remedies
- Unleashing the Power of High Pressure Drain Cleaning
- How CCTV Drain Inspections Help Avoid Water Damage and Health Hazards
- Don't Let These Common Mistakes Clog Your Pipes
- Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Cost-Effective Solution for Your Plumbing Needs
- Master How to Quickly Unclog Your Clogged Drains with the Do-It-Yourself Guide
- Benefits of Pipe Relining for Your Blocked Drains Problem
- Avoiding Clogged Drains: Tips for Homeowners
