Should I Hire a Plumber to Unblock a Drain?

Blocked drains are often a sign that something is wrong with your home’s plumbing system. If left unattended, a blockage can burst pipes and cause serious damage. 

Plumbers are trained to identify the source of a blocked drain and find a solution. They have a range of soft skills, including critical thinking and verbal communication. There are many ways to find reputable ones. Sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-geelong/ can give a lot of resourceful information regarding plumbing services. 

Cost 

The cost of a plumber to snake a drain depends on the location and difficulty of the clog. The average cost to clear a simple kitchen or bathroom clog is $250, while more complicated clogs can cost up to $360. 

If multiple drains become clogged at the same time, it’s usually a sign of a blockage in your home’s main sewer line. This requires a more thorough inspection and may require digging up part of your property’s slab to access the clogged line. 

Some clogs are too severe for snaking alone, especially if they involve a lot of grime and grease or other material like tree roots that have grown into pipes. This calls for a more powerful auger that’s used by professional plumbers. You can create your own makeshift auger by unwinding a wire coat hanger and keeping the hooked end. This will help you remove tough materials without damaging your pipes. You can also hire a plumber to use hydro jetting, which involves sending a high-pressure jet of water through your pipes. 

Safety 

When gurgling sounds echo through the house, water pools in your sink or shower and smells are coming back up, it’s a sign that you may have a blocked drain. These problems are caused by displaced wastewater that can’t get to the main pipe. If you’re having these issues, it’s important to call a plumber as soon as possible to prevent a costly burst pipe and flooded home. 

A plunger can clear most minor blockages, and a plumbing snake can deal with larger ones. Avoid chemical drain cleaners, though, as they are difficult to work with and can corrode your pipes. 

If you’re dealing with an outside kitchen drain, it may be easier to rent a power auger than a plumbing snake. These machines find the clog and, through a spiraling drill-like action, break it apart so that water can flow away. These machines are also more effective on larger clogs than plastic snakes. They can reach further down pipes and can also clear out long sewer lines. 

Time 

If the blockage is minor, you can often clear it yourself. For example, you might need to remove a u-bend or unscrew a drain cover to clear the blockage. This may require

gloves and a face mask to protect you from the dirt and grime. 

For a more stubborn blockage, you might need to use a drain snake. These devices are designed to break up and pull out toilet paper, hair, food, and other solid debris. The best way to use a snake is to feed it into the drain, gently pushing it in a few feet at a time. Keep pushing until you feel the tip hit the clog. 

If you can’t clear a blocked drain, consider calling a plumber. Remember that you are responsible for all internal drains and the outside kitchen drain – but your local water sewerage company is responsible for lateral drains and sewage pipes. You should also find out who is responsible for a drain cover. 

Experience 

One of the best ways to prevent drain blockages is to schedule regular plumbing maintenance. This includes drain cleaning and flushing. This helps keep drains clear and can also detect small issues before they turn into major problems. 

Blocked drains are a common problem and can be quite troublesome. If you notice unpleasant smells coming from your kitchen or bathroom, rising water levels in toilets, or gurgling noises when operating appliances, it’s time to call a plumber. 

While there are many DIY methods for unblocking a drain, it’s best to leave this job to a professional plumber. They have the tools and experience to safely remove even the most stubborn clogs without damaging your pipes. Attempting to remove a large clog yourself could result in expensive, and potentially dangerous, damage. Also, if you’re not sure what caused the blockage, a professional plumber will be able to determine the cause and recommend any necessary fixes. This will ensure that the problem won’t recur in the future.