Blocked drain on a Saturday arvo? You’re not alone. Most people find themselves struggling with a clogged drain at an odd time. And a DIY fix seems like the only way to go.
If you live in or around Adelaide, we could tell you a thing or two about the local plumbing. In this blog post, we’ve gathered a list of must-have tools for homeowners who want to unblock a drain the DIY way.
Essential Tools Every Household Should Have
Before you roll up your sleeves, here are the basic tools that make DIY drain unblocking a whole lot easier.
Plunger
Still the champion of DIY drain unblocking. A good-quality plunger works for most drains by creating suction to shift the blockage. Pro tip: keep one for the bathroom and another for the kitchen.
Drain Snake (Hand Auger)
Great for when a plunger isn’t enough. This flexible tool threads down the drain to pull out hair or debris.
A Bucket
Simple but essential. You’ll need it to catch dirty water when loosening pipes. Or, to carry away whatever you’ve pulled out of the drain.
Protective Gear
Rubber gloves and safety glasses keep you safe from splashes. Old towels on the floor don’t hurt either. Hygiene first, always.
Drain Cleaning Solution (used sparingly)
Hot water and detergent often do the trick. If you use a chemical cleaner, we advise exercising caution. Stick to gentle, enzyme-based products to avoid damaging pipes.
Nice-to-Haves for the More Serious DIYers
If you’re already a pro at DIY plumbing, you’ll know the hidden assets in your toolkit. We never underestimate the importance of:
- A Plumbing wrench
- Drain cleaning brush
- Covers/strainers
When DIY Drain Unblocking Methods Don’t Suffice
There are limits to what you can safely manage at home, right tools or not. You should call a plumber when:
- The same drain clogs repeatedly
- Multiple fixtures are blocked at once
- You hear gurgling noises
- There’s sewerage smell all over your home
- Water is overflowing
These signs usually mean the problem lies deeper in the pipes. Professionals use CCTV drain cameras to locate the blockage. And they have high-pressure hydro-jetters to clear it properly.
Why Keep DIY Limited?
It’s exciting to go all-in with tools and chemicals. But overdoing it can damage pipes or worse – mask the real problem. Many Adelaide homeowners end up calling a plumber after making things worse with quick fixes. Having the basics on hand is smart, but knowing when to stop is smarter.
Alpen Plumbing & Gas: Your Nearby Blocked Drain Experts
If your DIY efforts aren’t cutting it, Alpen Plumbing & Gas is ready to help. We bring:
- Advanced tools for drain unblocking
- Fast service across Adelaide suburbs
- Upfront pricing and guaranteed results
Drain cleaning surely isn’t pretty. But we make sure your property looks spotless once we’re done. And rest assured, we’ll give much less stress than a DIY drain unblocking.
Leave Expert Repairs to the Local Favourites
Blocked drains can be tricky. What looks like a simple clog in the sink might actually be a deeper blockage in your pipes. That’s why Adelaide homeowners let professionals handle things when DIY isn’t enough. With the right equipment and years of experience, an expert can get it right the first time.
What to Do When DIY Drain Unblocking Fails
Already too late for our warnings? Here’s what you can do to limit damage while your emergency plumber arrives:
- Stop using water fixtures connected to the blocked drain
- Turn off the mains water supply
- Avoid chemical drain cleaners
- Explain your situation to your plumber properly when you call
Choosing a local plumber also means quicker response times. At Alpen Plumbing & Gas, we know Adelaide’s plumbing systems like the back of our hand. We waste no time getting to the bottom of things – literally.
So, don’t let a blocked drain ruin your day. Call Alpen Plumbing & Gas for professional drain unblocking in Adelaide.