The gurgle is followed by a trickle. Your sinks suddenly fill at a slow pace, and the sudsy bubbles hang out for too long. It’s definitely a blocked drains Sydney, one household nuisance that can be very annoying.
Many homeowners try to clear clogged drains themselves when they become obstructed. Is DIY drain cleaning really effective? Is it best to hire a professional?
This guide will walk you on how to clear your blocked drains in Sydney (and when to call the pros) through the most common DIY methods to clear blocked drains at Sydney homes. Learn what to do first, how to progress to more powerful solutions and when it’s best to call in a professional. Let’s get the water flowing and go down the drain.
Baking Soda & Vinegar: First Line of Defense
Try this homemade drain cleaner before you reach for the heavy equipment:
- Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda into the blocked drain.
- Add 1/2 cup of white vinegar and stir. It will bubble up from the chemical reaction.
- Rinse with hot water after 5-10 minutes.
Baking soda and vinegar combined with alkalinity will help to dissolve some clogs, including organic gunk and grease. This is also very affordable and non-toxic.
Chemical Drain Cleaners: Step it Up
If you are unable to clear your drains using the DIY combination, visit your local hardware store and purchase a drain cleaning chemical product. You should look for:
- Formulations that work quickly with sulfuric acid and lye to remove clogs.
- Draino is a brand that has been specially designed to fit kitchen and bathroom drains.
- Use only the product as directed to prevent chemical burns.
Be sure to:
- Use chemical cleaners with gloves and eye protection.
- Do not use the entire bottle at once.
- Do not mix drain cleaners with toxic chemicals.
Commercial drain cleaners, when used properly, can remove grease, hair, soap scum and other common blockages. Take the proper safety precautions.
Get Physical with Drain Snakes and Pliers
It’s time to go physical if chemicals aren’t cutting through the blockage. Hand augers and plungers are DIY drain tools that can be used to mechanically remove or break up blockages.
Drain Snakes
- A coil-shaped auger can be fed down the drain, and then manually twisted to remove debris.
- Take care not to puncture or scratch drain walls.
- Use both metal and plastic snakes to clear different types of blockages.
Plungers:
- Place the plunger firmly on the drain opening. Plunge vigorously 10-15 times.
- It creates pressure and suction to remove clogs.
- Use a plunger with a bell shape or a cup-shaped plunger that is specifically designed for drains.
These devices are easy to use and can be used to remove tough blockages such as hair, soap, grease, etc.
Electric Drain Augers: Power it Up.
Use an electric power auger to tackle the most difficult DIY drain cleaning. Power augers are more powerful than hand snakes.
- You can reach deeper into the drain lines up to 10 feet.
- Sharper drill bits can be used at high speeds for removing major obstructions.
- Bend the cable in order to reach difficult angles or branches on pipes.
They still need to be operated with care and in the correct manner. Always follow safety precautions and instructions.
It’s time to call in reinforcements: The signs that it is.
No matter how hard you try, some drain clogs will not move. If:
- Even after DIY methods, water drains slowly or does not drain at all.
- Blockage of multiple drains at once
- Sewer odors are present or you can see water bubbling up from drains and manholes.
- After using a drain snake, you feel a significant amount of resistance.
- Access to pipes or roof vents under your home is necessary.
- After multiple attempts over several days, chemical cleaners failed to remove the clog.
If you are unable to solve the problem with simpler methods, do not keep using harsh chemicals. Sewage backups or plumbing leaks may cause significant damage to your home. When to call in the professionals and admit defeat when DIY fails.
Conclusion
Many simple drain blockages can be resolved at home with a little elbow grease, the right tools and a strategy. Don’t just dive into the DIY drain hole. Keep your head, stay within your limits and ask for help when necessary. You’ll be grateful for your drains and wallet.