Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help

Posted by Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber on 7 Feb 2026

Blocked drains are a regular issue that can cause disruption to our daily life. While most of us try to fix the issue on our own but there are certain blockages that require professional help. In this article we will look at the advantages and disadvantages of removing blocked drains on your own versus hiring a professional.

Key Takeaways

  • Some minor blockages can be removed with simple techniques at home
  • Before trying any of the solutions, make sure you have the right tools on your disposal: gloves, plunger, baking soda and vinegar/citric acid
  • DIY methods for clearing blocked drains include Boiling Wasser, Baking Soda

What is the best time to remove a blockage from a drain?

Certain minor blockages can be cleared with simple techniques at home. If you notice any of the following signs then you can try these techniques prior to calling professionals:

Slow draining sinks or bathtubs

If water isn’t going down the drain as fast like it ought to, there might be a minor blockage. Use a plunger to push out any debris that is clogging the pipe.

The smells are unpleasant

A sour smell coming from your sink or bathtub may indicate that food or hair that is causing the obstruction. Try pouring boiling water with vinegar in the bathtub or sink to dissolve any residue buildup.

Sounds of Gurgling

When air is trapped inside your pipes as a result of an obstruction, it can cause the sound of bubbling as water flows through into the drain. Baking soda and a hot water, as well as vinegar to unblock any accumulation of food particles and hair.

What are some common DIY methods to clear blocked drains?

Before attempting any solutions be sure that you have the proper tools at your disposal: gloves plunger, baking soda, vinegar/citric acid.

Here are some efficient ways to remove obstructions:

Boiling Water

The addition of hot water directly to the sink will help melt off solids such as soap and grease.

Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture

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

The Drain Snake or Auger

Use Snakes or Augers to prevent larger blockages if plungers and boiling water do not work.

Wet/Dry Vacuum

Make use of dry and wet vacuums for removing the blockage by suctioning this material from the drain directly.

Is it time to bring in experts?

If you’ve tried every DIY techniques but the blockage still persists you need to seek out professionals. Here are a few instances which require the assistance of a professional:

Blockages that recur

The root cause for the blockages might not have been dealt with correctly. The hiring of a professional team guarantees that they will be able to find and resolve any issues that are underlying.

Older Plumbing System

Older plumbing systems are vulnerable to damage due to wear and other external elements. The experts can help you determine whether your pipe requires replacement or if simpler options like the use of hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting service) will suffice.

Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials

Certain clogs are contaminated with hazardous substances like broken glass, chemicals or even broken glass that require special attention. If you do not want to cause injury or damage to your pipes, think about leaving this job to certified experts.

Prevention is always better than Cure

It is always better to keep drains clean rather than fix them. Routine maintenance will prevent clogs of a severe nature from forming. Making lifestyle changes like refraining from flushing hygiene products down the drain, putting grease substances leaking into sinks and regular CCTV inspection can prevent blockages altogether.

Why Should You Choose Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber for Professional Assistance?

Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber has years of experience in clearing blocked drains within Adelaide . We use advanced technology and techniques, including hydrojetting and CCTV camera inspections that ensure quality results with no future problems.

  • Hydrojetting makes use of high-pressure streams water at specific angles suitable for a variety of plumbing fixtures.
  • CCTV cameras give us an inside look at what’s causing the issue within pipes, which allows us to deal with specific issues effectively.

Our licensed professionals will be on-site quickly and efficiently, keeping a social distance throughout these Covid moments while cleaning up once the job 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

FAQ

How can I tell whether I require professional assistance to clear a blocked drain?

If you’ve tried basic DIY methods such as plunging and using drain cleaning products but have not had any success, then it’s time to seek professional help. Other signs include slow draining sinks or pipes, odors of foul-smelling coming from drains, noises of gurgling as well as water back-up.

Can you safely employ chemical drain cleaners in the removal of obstructions?

Chemical drain cleaners can be hazardous and harmful to both you as well as the environment. It is recommended to try other DIY techniques before using potentially harmful chemicals. Employing a professional plumber will ensure that you get secure and efficient solutions that aren’t exposing yourself or your environment to harm.

Can blocked drains cause any permanent damage to my home?

Yes, blocked drains could cause long-lasting damage including water damage, cracking pipes, growth of mold as well as sewage backup and foundation damage. Seeking professional help in good time can avoid costly damages.

What are the methods employed by plumbing professionals to clear blocked drains?

Professional plumbers employ a variety of methods like hydro jetting which utilizes high-pressure water streams as well as drain snakes that clear blockages by cutting through or breaking up debris.

What is the cost to contract a plumbing company similar to Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber for clearing blocked drains?

The cost to clear an obstruction in the drain is contingent on factors such as how severe the blockage is and what kind of process is needed for unblocking (e.g., the use of hydro jets or snakes), and how accessible the drainage device is. It is recommended to call our team at Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber for an initial assessment over the phone, or set up an appointment so that we know what alternatives are the most effective for your particular situation.

Don’t leave your clogged drain problem unsolved, call Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber 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 Plumber now and speak to one of our friendly team members.

8 Reasons To Hire Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber

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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 Plumber, 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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