Clearing Blocked Drains: DIY vs Professional Help
Blocked drains are a typical issue which can affect our daily life. Although most of us attempt to fix the issue on our own, some stubborn blockages require professional help. In this article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of removing blockages on your own or having professional help.
Key Takeaways
- Some minor blockages can be removed with simple strategies at home
- Before trying any of the solutions ensure you are equipped with the proper tools at your disposal: gloves, plunger baking soda, vinegar/citric acids, and baking soda
- DIY techniques for clearing drainage obstructions include Boiling water, Baking Soda
How do you clear a blocked drain?
A few minor blockages can be removed using simple techniques at home. If you observe any of these signs, you could try using these techniques before calling experts:
Sinks that drain slowly or bathtubs
If water isn’t going down the drain in the same speed that it would, there may be a slight blockage. Try using a plunger to push out any debris blocking the pipe.
Unpleasant odors
The smell that is emanating from your tub or sink could be a sign of food particles or hair that is causing the obstruction. Try pouring boiling water with vinegar in your bathtub or sink in order to dissolve any residue buildup.
Sounds of Gurgling
When air is trapped inside your pipes because of an obstruction, it can cause bubbling sounds as water goes down in the drain. Utilizing baking soda and hot water solution and vinegar, you can clear any buildup around food particles and hair.
What are some common DIY techniques for clearing blocked drains?
Before beginning any project be sure that you are equipped with the appropriate tools at hand: gloves, plunger, baking soda, vinegar or citric acid.
Here are some proven methods to help you clear obstacles:
Boiling Water
The addition of hot water directly to your sink can help melt off solids such as soap as well as grease.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture
The reaction caused by mix Baking Soda as well as Vinegar will loosen all sorts of gunk that has accumulated in your pipes.
Drain Snake or Auger
Use Snakes or Augers for obstructions that are more severe when plungers or boiling water fail.
Wet/Dry Vacuum
Use wet/dry vacuums to remove the blockage by suctioning the material out of the drain directly.
When is it the best time to bring in experts?
If you’ve tried all DIY strategies, and the problem persists the issue is time to call in a professional. Here are some instances where you need the help of a professional:
Blockages that recur
The cause of your blockages may not have been addressed correctly. The hiring of a professional team makes sure that they find the root of the problem and address it.
Older Plumbing System
Older plumbing systems are susceptible to damage due to wear and external influences. Professionals can assess whether your pipeline needs replacement, or if more simple solutions such as Hydro jetting (a high-pressure jetting process) will suffice.
Unsafe/ Hazardous Materials
Some clogs have hazardous materials such as broken glass or chemicals that require specific care. If you do not want to risk injury or damage to your pipes, think about leaving this job to certified professionals.
Prevention is more effective than Cure
It is always better to prevent drains from becoming blocked rather than repair them. Regular maintenance helps prevent severe clogs from developing. Making lifestyle changes such as not flushing hygiene products in the toilet, putting greasy substances into sinks, having regular CCTV examinations can stop obstructions completely.
Why Choose Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber for Professional Assistance?
Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber has years of experience in clearing blocked drains within Adelaide . We use the most modern technology and techniques, including hydrojetting and CCTV camera inspections that guarantee high-quality results and will not cause issues.
- Hydrojetting utilizes high-pressure streams of water angled at specific angles, which are ideal to various plumbing fixtures.
- CCTV cameras give us an inside view of what’s causing the issue within pipes, allowing us to fix specific problems properly.
Our certified experts will be on-site quickly and efficiently, keeping a social distance throughout these Covid moments 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 Questions
How do I determine if I need professional help to unblock a drain?
If you’ve tried the simplest DIY solutions like plunging the drain and using cleaning solutions with no success It’s time to seek professional help. Other indicators include sinks that aren’t draining as fast and odors that smell foul coming from drains, gurgling sounds, as well as water back-up.
Can you safely employ chemical drain cleaners to clearing obstructions?
Chemical drain cleaners are harmful and dangerous to you as well as the environment. It is recommended to try other DIY methods before chemical cleaners that could be harmful to the environment. A professional plumber can ensure that you receive secure and efficient solutions that aren’t you or your family members to harm.
Can blocked drains cause any lasting damage to my property?
In fact, water drains that are blocked can result in serious long-term damage like water damage, cracking pipes, growth of mold as well as sewage backup and foundation damage. A professional’s assistance in a timely time will avoid costly damages.
What are some techniques used by plumbers to get rid of blocked drains?
Professional plumbers utilize a variety of techniques such as hydro jetting, which makes use of high-pressure water streams as well as drain snakes that clear obstructions by cutting through or breaking down the obstructions.
How much will it cost to employ a plumbing service like Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber for clearing blocked drains?
The cost of clearing a blocked drain depends on factors like how serious the obstruction is, what kind of technique is required to clear the blockage (e.g. hydro jetting or snaking) and how easy access your drainage system is. It’s best to contact us at Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber for an initial review over the phone or set up an appointment so we can figure out what solutions are most appropriate for your particular situation.
Don’t make your clogged drain situation helpless, contact Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber today for quality service.
Additional Information
- Master How to Quickly Unclog Your Clogged Drains with the Do-It-Yourself Guide
- Everything You Need to Know About Unblocking Drains and Avoiding Plumbing Problems
- Preventing Clogs and Blockages: Best Practices for Maintaining Your Drains
- How to Fix a Shower Drain: The Step-by-Step Fix Necessary
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspection in Property Maintenance
- Unleashing the Power of High Pressure Drain Cleaning
- The Top Solution for Blocked Drains: Discover Jetting Your Way to a Clearer System
- 5 Factors That Are Clogging Your Drains and How to Avoid Them
- An All-Inclusive Handbook to Unclogging Pipes: What Plumbers Utilize
- Say hello to unclogged drains with effective remedies