Blockages – DIY vs Professional Fixes
Situation |
DIY Fix Possible? |
When to Call a Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Small blockage near the surface (leaves, food waste, hair, soap scum) | Yes – try rodding, boiling water, baking soda + vinegar, or a drain snake | Not needed unless blockage keeps returning |
| Standing water in outside drain | Sometimes – remove what you can by hand and use drain rods | If water level doesn’t fall after several attempts |
| Blocked gully or kitchen drain | Usually – DIY methods can work if it only affects your home | If it’s shared with neighbours (contact your water company) |
| Bad smells with no obvious blockage | Often indicates deeper issue | Call a drainage engineer to inspect further |
| Repeated blockages in same place | DIY won’t solve the root cause | A professional may need to jet clean or repair the drain |
| Overflowing manhole or shared sewer | Not your responsibility | Contact your water provider immediately |
HomeService.Insure Safety Disclaimer
At HomeService.Insure, we encourage safe and sensible DIY, but your safety always comes first.
- Only attempt basic checks and fixes if you feel confident.
- Stop immediately if you notice burning smells, scorch marks, leaks, or anything that looks unsafe.
- Never attempt electrical or gas repairs beyond simple resets or checks.
- For complex, repeated, or potentially dangerous problems, always call a qualified Gas Safe engineer (for heating) or a certified electrician (for electrics).
By following this guidance, you reduce risks — but professional help should always be your first choice if there’s any doubt.
