5 Methods to Unblock a Drain

How to Unblock a Drain Before Ringing a Professional Plumber

Do you want to Try and Clear Blocked Drains Yourself?

Is your kitchen sink or bath draining slowly and gurgling? Or do your drains smell bad? You probably have a blocked drain. In the kitchen the most common causes of a blocked kitchen sink are fat, oil and grease (FOG) blockages or food particles clogs. In the bathroom, most blockages are a result of hair and soap build ups. However, before reaching for a chemical drain cleaner or rushing out to call a professional plumber, try these 5 DIY techniques.

The Trusty Old Plunger

Plungers are excellent at dislodging food particles stuck in p-traps beneath your sink. Using this method, half fill your sink with warm water and push up and down on the plunger. After the blockage is removed, flush the drain with boiling hot water.

Another Use for Coat Hangers

If you have hair or other small objects clogging your bathroom drains, simply remove the drain cover then use a straightened coat hanger or wire to fish around. This will loosen any blockages in the pipe and allow the free flow of water once again.

Got FOG Blockages?

This option is best for fat, oil and grease clogs and can help fix blocked kitchen sinks. Simply put a few tablespoons of an environmentally-friendly dish washing liquid in a litre of boiling hot water and slowly pour down your kitchen sink. This may need to be done a few times to fully remove the blockage.

Versatile Salt

Another option to melt grease and soap clogging up your drains is salt and boiling water. Start by pouring half a cup of salt down the slow-moving drain then follow it with a few of litres of hot water. This technique is efficient as salt is abrasive and the boiling water melts grease.

An Old Home Remedy

This is an old favourite technique of many housewives. Begin by pouring hot water down the drain then add half a cup of baking soda. Let that sit for a few minutes then pour 1 cup of vinegar and one cup of boiling hot water into your clogged drain. Simply put on the drain plug again and 5 to 10 minutes later, flush the drain once more with boiling water. This method is useful for stubborn blockages.

Is Your Drain Still Blocked?

Although many blocked drains should be able to be cleared using these methods, sometimes you will need to call in a professional plumber. After trying these techniques but your drains are still blocked, call Hughes Plumbing Contractors for professional help. With competitive rates and 24/7 availability throughout South East Queensland, we are drain clearing experts and will have your pipes freely flowing again in no time.