Unblocking Drains: To DIY or Call in a Professional?

Should you have a go at unblocking drains yourself, or is it something that is best left in the hands of a professional?

While in some cases blocked drains occur simply due to a build-up of drain sludge, often it’s an indication of a bigger underlying issue.

Here are some tips to help you determine what to do next if you suspect you have a blocked drain.

SIGNS OF A BLOCKED DRAIN

Chances are you’ve already noticed one or more of the following signs of a blocked drain:

  • Water draining slowly from the shower, bath or sink.
  • Toilet water levels rising.
  • Gurgling noises.
  • Unusual smells.
  • Overflowing drains (this one usually requires urgent attention!)

DIY STRATEGIES FOR UNBLOCKING DRAINS

If your blocked drain is in the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry, you could try the following:

  • Use a plunger to help shift build-ups of drain sludge.
  • Pour boiling water, or a commercial cleaning product down the drain.
  • Mix 1 cup of vinegar with ½ cup of bicarb soda and leave in drain overnight.
  • Unscrew the u-bend of the sink to see if a blockage can be removed from there.

if these attempts are not successful, it’s likely the issue is beyond your standard build-up of food, grease, hair, or lint. Time to call in a drainage specialist! Not only would it be time-consuming to continue investigating yourself; you could do further damage.

THE LONG TERM SOLUTION FOR UNBLOCKING DRAINS

An inspection by a plumbing professional specialising in repairing blocked or damaged pipes and drains – such as Nuflow Logan – is your next step.

The best part? Nuflow’s patented “no dig” technology, which utilises high definition CCTV cameras and existing plumbing access points to identify the problem – and then fix it – all without disrupting or damaging your home or business. Phew!

In some cases, the use of a drain snake or ‘eel,’ or a high pressure water jet may be enough to clear the blockage.

However, if invasive tree roots or cracked or deteriorating pipes are detected – pipe relining is often the best solution to prevent the problem from recurring down the track.

Our Nuflow team can seal and repair damaged pipes by inserting a liner which adheres to the original pipework, making it stronger than new – all backed by a 10 year installation warranty and up to a 50 year manufacturers’ product warranty!

When it comes to unblocking drains, we are the experts in Logan, offering long-term solutions through innovative technology and techniques. Contact us today for help with your blocked drains on (07) 3277 8401. 

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