Is it one of those days where one minute, everything’s fine, the next? Your sink won’t drain, the toilet gurgles, and worst of all, that awful smell starts creeping through the house.
If your main house drain is clogged, it can burst pipes and cost you a hefty amount to repair the damage. So, what’s the best way to tackle it? Can you DIY, or is it time to call in a pro? This blog has it all covered.
DIY Fixes vs. Professional Drain Cleaning—What Works Best?
The first step? Figure out how bad the blockage is. If it’s just a slow drain or a minor backup, you might be able to clear it yourself. But if every drain in your house is acting up, brace yourself—it’s likely a main drain clog, and that’s a whole different beast to tackle.
DIY Methods You Can Try First
Boiling Water & Dish Soap
Sometimes, grease buildup is the problem. Mix boiling water with dish soap and pour the solution down the drain to dissolve minor clogs.
Plunger
The good old plunger isn’t just for toilets. Use the plunger to create enough suction to dislodge the blockage.
Drain Snake (Auger)
If the clog is deeper in the pipes, use a drain snake to reach where plungers can’t.
Baking Soda & Vinegar
A natural solution that fizzes away grime (but won’t fix a serious blockage).
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve tried everything and water still won’t drain properly, don’t waste time; call in a licensed plumber. They clear the blockage with specialized methods using:
- High-pressure jetting equipment
- CCTV drain cameras
- Industrial-strength tools
Their methods go beyond any DIY hack circling on social media. Plus, if tree roots are the culprit, you’ll need a professional solution.
What’s Blocking Your Drains? Here Are the Usual Causes
Blocked drains don’t just happen out of nowhere. Most of the time, they’re caused by things getting into your pipes that really shouldn’t be there. The most common culprits?
- Tree Roots: These sneaky things love finding cracks in underground pipes and growing right inside them.
- Fat, Oil, & Grease: Pouring grease down the sink is a guaranteed way to clog your pipes over time.
- Hair & Soap Scum: You may not realize until it is too late but the soap and hair clog your drain overtime.
- Flushed “Unflushables”: Wet wipes, paper towels, and sanitary products don’t break down like toilet paper.
- Collapsed or Damaged Pipes: Older homes are more likely to have cracked or shifted pipes, one of the major causes of serious drainage problems.
How to Stop Blockages Before They Happen
Be Mindful of What Goes Down the Drain
Do you also throw coffee grounds or grease down the sink? That’s one of the fastest ways to clog your drains. Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper, and never pour grease or coffee grounds down the sink.
Install Drain Strainers
Cover the drains with a strainer to catch food scraps, hair, and debris before they enter the pipes.
Flush Drains Regularly
Pour hot water down the sink once a week to clear out minor buildup. Regular cleaning will keep the major drainage troubles away.
Get Regular Plumbing Maintenance
Every year, get a professional to inspect the main drains and catch any drainage problems that could turn into plumbing disasters later on.
For a Long-Term Solution, Call a Professional
If your drains are slow, smelly, or making weird noises, don’t ignore the signs. Try the DIY fixes first, but if they don’t work or if you’ve got water backing up into your home, it’s time to bring in a professional.
At Anytime Plumbing Adelaide, we’re experts at clearing stubborn drain blockages fast. Whether it’s tree roots, grease buildup, or something more serious, we’ve got the tools and expertise to get your drains cleared.
Got a blocked drain? Call Anytime Plumbing Adelaide today, and let’s get it sorted.