Thanks to the internet, DIY home maintenance is becoming a popular way for homeowners to deal with seemingly minor plumbing issues like blocked drains. With older homes across several neighbourhoods, many Bayside properties have ageing plumbing systems. But even though DIY drain clearing sounds like a quick fix, it could lead to bigger problems in an older property. Having serviced plumbing systems across Bayside Melbourne, we can lay out the hidden risks and why DIY is a bad idea.
Plumbing Systems in Older Bayside Homes
Many homes in Bayside were built decades ago, with some even being heritage listed. These properties feature materials like clay pipes, galvanised steel, or old copper systems in their plumbing. Over time, these materials became prone to wear, corrosion, and root intrusion.
These ageing systems can be fragile and incompatible with modern chemicals and tools. Not to mention, DIY techniques could put added stress on already weak pipes.
Common DIY Drain Cleaning Methods and Why They’re Risky
Chemical Drain Cleaners
When you use harsh caustic agents, they corrode old pipes, especially if they’re made of brittle clay or metal. It also increases the risk of exposure to toxic fumes in enclosed bathrooms.
Plungers and Drain Snakes
Plungers seem like a go-to solution for any clogged drain, but it could damage the fragile plumbing in your older Bayside home. Excessive force from a plunger can crack older clay or ceramic pipes. Similarly, using a drain snake without adequate experience can scratch the inside of pipes or even push blockages further down.
Hot Water Flushes
While flushing hot water down the drain can work for grease, it’s ineffective for collapsed sections or tree roots. It also hides bigger issues by improving drainage temporarily, delaying proper repairs.
Common Problems Affecting Drains in Bayside Melbourne
Tree Root Intrusion
In Bayside Melbourne, blocked drains in older homes are frequently the result of tree roots intruding by growing into the plumbing. Compared to new plumbing materials, root intrusion is much more common with older clay options.
Pipe Misalignment
Old plumbing systems can misalign, break, or crack, usually because of soil movement, ageing, or tree roots. Misalignment keeps pipes from connecting properly, leading to leaks or blockages. This eventually leads to a collapse, which is when a part of the pipe caves in, preventing water from flowing through.
Grease Build Up Over Time
When grease or oily food scraps make their way down the sink, they cool and harden in the pipes, stuck to the walls. This build-up narrows the pipe, causing it to block entirely, particularly in older homes with narrow pipes.
Effects of DIY Drain Cleaning
1
Costly Damage
When you try to clear a drain yourself, you risk cracking the joints or causing it to break, resulting in leaking joints. These issues can lead to property damage, and if you’re based in a high-value suburb, repairs can set you back by a lot of money.
2
Health and Safety Risks
Trying to clear a drain on your own doesn’t just risk damaging your property, but exposes you to health and safety issues, too. The biggest concern is that you’re exposed to harmful chemicals or sewage, which could lead to hygiene or health concerns.
3
Insurance Complications
Another problem of DIY drain clearing is that it could void your home insurance policy in the event of damage. Not to mention, some plumbing jobs in Victoria require hiring a licensed plumber.
Why It’s Best To Call In Professionals
Advanced Tools
A major advantage of hiring a professional is that they come with advanced tools to allow CCTV drain inspections, hydro jetting, and root cutting equipment to do the job with precision and efficiency.
Tailored Approach
Not all homes are built the same: some need a more careful approach than others, like older homes in Bayside. Professional plumbers will carefully assess the pipe material and condition before recommending solutions.
Long-Lasting Solutions
Most importantly, licensed plumbers provide solutions that fix the cause of the problem instead of just the symptoms. You’ll get long-term savings and peace of mind without frequent blockages.
Specialist Drain Clearing in Bayside Melbourne
At Plumb Well Solutions, we provide expert drain clearing in Bayside Melbourne. Our experience allows us to carefully clear blockages from older Bayside homes, without affecting fragile plumbing systems. To learn more about our services, get in touch today.