If you’ve tried plunging and liquid drain cleaner but are still experiencing clogged drains, it may be time to call in a professional. A plumber can use mechanical augers or hydro jetting technology to clear your drains.

The location and severity of the clog will determine how much it costs to have a plumber clear your blocked drains. The following are some ways to reduce the cost:

1. Hot Water

Clogged drains are a frequent nuisance. Most often, they form when strands of hair or soap gunk combine with grease to create a sticky, solid mass that blocks the pipe opening. Luckily, there are many DIY solutions that can help clear blocked showers and tubs.

Pouring boiling water down the drain can break up most clogs. This method is most effective for clogs that build up in the drain trap. For this technique to work, the boiling water must be hot enough to melt the grease or soap scum.

If a full cup of boiling water does not dislodge the clog, try combining it with salt and hot water. This trick works best on kitchen clogs, which can be caused by grease that cools and hardens inside the pipes. To use this technique, pour a half cup of salt down the clogged drain and then follow it with two cups of boiling water. Be sure to pour the boiling water slowly and carefully to avoid scalding your skin or cracking porcelain fixtures.

2. Boiling Water

Blocked drains in Melbourne can be one of the most irritating home plumbing problems. It can cause food to smell bad and prevent you from using a sink, shower or tub. Luckily, there are many ways to fix a blocked drain without having to use chemicals. It should be noted that a lot of do it yourself tasks may cause bigger plumbing problems.

For example, if your drain is clogged with hair or soap gunk, you can try pouring boiling water down the drain to break up the clog. This method is also effective for grease clogs, as the heat from the boiling water melts fats that have narrowed the pipes.

The only drawback to this method is that it can damage your pipes if used for too long. Most homes have PVC pipes, and these are prone to melting or cracking when exposed to high levels of heat. For this reason, it’s important to limit how much boiling water you pour down your drain. If you notice that the water is beginning to cool down, you should stop pouring it down the drain and flush it with hot tap water instead.

3. Chemicals

There are a number of chemical drain cleaners available in hardware stores that

promise to dissolve blockages quickly. However, they are often highly corrosive and pose risks to your health and the environment.

For a mild clog, you can try using a plunger. A strong, consistent plunging motion will push the blockage away and restore water flow. For severe clogs, you can try using a plastic snake or a drain auger (also known as a plumber’s snake). These are long, flexible tools that physically break up and remove the blockage.

Sulfuric acid is another common and effective chemical drain cleaner. You can purchase it in hardware stores, but it is corrosive and must be handled with full personal protection equipment including gloves, safety goggles and a lab coat.

Follow instructions on the label to use it safely. After using it, flush the piping with water to wash away any remaining chemical residue. This will also help ensure that the clog is completely eliminated.

4. Baking Soda

A lot of the time, little bits of hair, grease and dirt fall down your drains when you wash or rinse dishes and get stuck in the plumbing passageways. They build up over time to create an obstacle that prevents water from flowing down your drains.

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and vinegar can help to clear blocked drains and prevent future problems. This natural solution is inexpensive and doesn’t contain the harmful chemicals that are in many store-bought drain cleaners.

Pour a cup of baking soda and then a cup of vinegar down the drain, plug it, let it fizz for an hour, then flush with a pot of hot water. This natural cleaning agent is also a great deodorizer and can keep your kitchen sinks, toilets and garbage disposals fresh and clean.

To prevent clogged drains, always use a mesh sink strainer to catch hair and other gunk as you wash dishes. You should also clean your drains and garbage disposals regularly with baking soda to avoid a big blockage.