Do you have problems with clogged drains? Do-it-yourself methods sometimes work, but amateur plumbing can also be dangerous and create even bigger problems. Things you can safely try yourself include pouring water and detergent, vinegar and baking soda or some mild chemicals that are commonly used in households. However, playing with professional tools, sharp objects and harmful substances is not recommended. To help you choose the right approach to dealing with the problem, we listed 5 DIY mistakes you should avoid and outlined the optimal strategy.

1 – Putting Too Much Pressure with the Outside Hose

Perhaps you have heard that pouring large amounts of water down the drain can unclog it? You might be brave enough to try a quick water blast with a bottle of water, but we certainly don’t recommend using the outside hose. Too much pressure can damage the pipes and still fail to remove the blockage. Additionally, large quantities of water that have nowhere to go can lead to flooding and damage to your floors and walls.

2 – Using Dangerous Chemicals

When you to your local hardware store, you will probably find a wide range of products for cleaning the drains and removing blockages. However, most of them are using chemicals that can be harmful to your health and our environment. It is better to try natural recipes first. One of them is a potent mix of white vinegar and baking soda.

3 – Damaging the Pipes with Sharp Tools

Bathroom sinks tend to get clogged because of human hair. This is very difficult to get out, especially when there are large quantities that have been building up over time. One of the common DIY solutions is using various metal objects to remove hair from sinks. This can be dangerous unless you are skillfully using the right tools. Knives, needles, and sharp wires can create more damage than good.

4 – Inexperienced Use of Drain Augers

Drain Augers are very efficient in removing hair and dirt from bathroom and kitchen sinks but you need to know how to use them properly. Unless you are trained to use them, it is best to avoid them altogether.

5 – Amateur Plumbing Works

Were you ever tempted to take your toolbox and start disassembling the pipes to fix them yourself? Perhaps you’ve seen a YouTube video with instructions on how to fix seemingly minor issues? These DIY attempts can be risky because one fatal mistake can cause severe damage. Moreover, you should know that only licenced plumbers are entitled to conduct works like that.

So, What Should I do?

While you can try fixing the problem using simple kitchen tricks, avoid doing anything risky such as using chemicals, sharp objects, professional tools or outdoor hoses. A professional plumber can give you an accurate diagnosis of the problem, detect the root cause, and provide an adequate solution. When choosing a service provider, remember that they need to have a proper licence, rich experience, skilled workers and a warranty.

GA Perry ticks all the boxes! We are Perth’s oldest and most reliable plumbers with years of experience!