With a number of popular renovation shows being aired on mainstream television networks, do-it-yourself (DIY) repairs are becoming increasingly common. This includes DIY plumbing repairs such as unclogging a blocked drain. A quick search on google or youtube will produce a plethora of DIY videos and instructions explaining how to fix a slow draining sink or unblock a toilet. Many plumbing issues are indeed an easy fix and homeowners can feel confident attempting repairs on their own. However, other jobs are much more complex and should be left to professional plumbers.
DIY blocked drains repairs that are safe for DIY'ers
As a general rule, homeowners can attempt DIY repairs on blocked drains if it doesn't require interference with the main plumbing infrastructure. If the blockage is located deep inside the pipes or the pipes/plumbing infrastructure is damaged, this is a job for a licensed professional. Here are some examples of safe DIY repairs:
Unblocking a clogged toilet with a plunger: Plunging is a great DIY method for unclogging minor blockages in the toilet. Plunging can dislodge local clogs including excess toilet paper or other debris that has been flushed down the toilet. Use a flange plunger when attempting to unblock a toilet as you will get a better seal around the drain opening. A tight seal will ensure enough suction and pressure is created to dislodge the clog.
Using a plunger to unclog sink drains, showers, bathtubs and laundry drains: A cup plunger (as opposed to a flange/toilet plunger) is simple to use and highly effective for unblocking minor clogged drains around the home. It should be the first port of call for DIY'ers. Again, ensuring there is a tight seal around the drain opening is the key to success.
Clearing out an S-bend underneath a sink drain: While technically this could be classified as interfering with the plumbing infrastructure, it’s a very basic method for unblocking a drain and most homeowners can safely attempt this. The most important thing to do when removing the S-bend is take note of how all the pieces come apart so that you can put it back together again afterwards. Place a bucket underneath the S-bend before you unscrew it. Once you have removed the S-bend clear out any gunk from inside the pipe. Take the pipe to another sink and thoroughly wash out any remaining debris. Carefully replace the S-bend and tighten it securely into place.
Removing hair from shower and bath drains: The most common cause of blocked shower drains and blocked bathtub drains is a buildup of hair, soap scum and skin cells. This hair clump is normally located just below the drain opening and can be removed by hand. All you need to do is remove the drain cover and reach down and pull it out by hand (wearing gloves). If you can’t reach down far enough, use a wire coat hanger or other piece of wire to remove the blockage.
Clearing leaves and sticks from stormwater grates and downpipes: If you notice water overflowing from stormwater grates when it rains, it could be due to a buildup of garden waste around the grate. Removing the debris could be all that’s required to free up the stormwater drain. If this doesn’t work and your property is becoming flooded with water, call a local plumber as soon as possible.
Natural blocked drain cleaners: In recent years, eco-friendly or natural drain cleaners have become increasingly popular. Brands such as actizym or bio-clean can provide homeowners with an affordable and safe method for unclogging minor blocked drains. These products work well on clogs caused by natural/organic substances such as hair, oil, toilet paper and food scraps. On the downside, they can take a long time to work and they have mixed reviews when it comes to their effectiveness.
What blocked drain repairs should be done by a professional plumber?
Blocked drain repairs that involve the major plumbing infrastructure on your property can only be performed by a licensed plumber. Plumbers train for many years to earn their qualifications. They have the skills, tools and technical know-how to repair major blocked drain issues in accordance with industry standards and regulations. Furthermore, plumbers are required by law to have insurance so if anything goes wrong you can rest assured that your home is protected.
Drain chemicals: Most plumbers advise homeowners against using chemical drain cleaners. Not only are drain chemicals highly corrosive and can damage pipes, they are also dangerous to use. Failure to read the safety instructions and take necessary precautions can result in injury caused by the toxic chemicals. Simply inhaling the fumes is harmful to your health.
High-pressure drain cleaning with a jet blaster: Plumbers specialising in drainage have access to advanced drain cleaning technology such as jet blasters. Jet blasting should only be attempted by a licensed plumber. Jet blasting can remove a large variety of clogs from blocked drain pipes of all sizes. The hose can be fixed with various nozzles designed for clearing different clogs including tree roots, grease and wet-wipes. Jet blasting is the fastest and safest method of drain cleaning on the market.
CCTV drain pipe inspections: In addition to jet blasters, drainage plumbers also own purpose-built plumbing cameras that are designed to inspect the inside of blocked drain pipes. If your DIY drain repairs are not working, it’s best to hire a professional plumber to conduct a CCTV pipe inspection. The plumber will get real-time footage of the issue fed back to a monitor. Using this video evidence the plumber can suggest the most appropriate repairs.
Blocked sewers: DIY repairs are not suitable for blockages in the main sewer line. These blockages are more serious in nature and require special equipment to repair. Sewers can become blocked from wet-wipes, tampons, grease, oil, tree roots and much more. High-pressure drain cleaning using a jet blaster is the best method to unclog a blocked sewer. Furthermore, blocked sewers pose a health risk if they are not repaired quickly. In the worst case scenario a blocked sewer can cause untreated sewage to overflow into your backyard and through drain openings in the home.
Blocked stormwater drains: similarly to sewers, blocked stormwater drains are much more serious than a simple clog in the kitchen sink. Stormwater drains get blocked from tree roots, garden debris, leaves, sticks and other sediment that gets washed down. Jet blasting is the most suitable method for clearing out clogs in stormwater drains.
Structural repairs to stormwater and sewer pipes: In some instances, the cause of blocked sewer and stormwater drains is damaged pipes. Any repairs to pipework must be performed by a licensed plumber. This is a requirement under the law. If you attempt DIY repairs on plumbing infrastructure none of the work will be covered by insurance. Damaged pipes may need to be excavated and replaced by a plumber. Pipe relining could be an alternative solution to a blocked sewer or stormwater drain but it all depends on the nature of the damage.
Get in touch with Sydney’s most respected blocked drain experts
JAB Plumbing Solutions specialise in drainage and can help with all your blocked drain needs. We carry the latest industry tools and offer free quotes and upfront pricing. If you need help with a blocked drain in Sydney give our friendly team a call on 1800 225 552.
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