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How to unblock a household drain

It's important to understand the location and type of blockage to determine who is responsible for fixing it. If you're unsure, the best thing to do is to do is ask your plumber, but generally, if the problem is clearly on your grounds, it's your responsibility. The question is - do you attempt to fix it yourself or call out the experts immediately?

Telltale signs your drain is blocked:

  • A foul smell coming from your drain
  • Water bubbling or gurgling noises
  • The water level in your toilet is too high or low
  • Water  not draining at all or draining slowly
  • Damp floors or walls

One of the most common household drain blockagesis usually in the kitchen sink, a telltale sign is the water drains out very slowly or not at all. This means that something is caught somewhere in the pipes, causing an obstruction. The most common reasons for a blocked drain are hair, build-up of soap, food scraps or grease. Before you call in the experts to fix the issue, here are a few “do it yourself” suggestions to try as they may be surprisingly easy to fix, and save you a few dollars as well. These suggestions should also work for blocked bathroom sinks or drains.

Before you start you may also need to create an effective seal to block any possible overflow. You can do this by using a dishcloth or an old towel.

Do-it-yourself solutions for unblocking your inside drain:

A plunger -Most households will have one of these very useful and handy gadgets at home, however, if you do not, you can purchase one from most supermarkets and hardware stores. Now, a little tip, before using your plunger,  soak it in hot water as this will soften the rubber and provide better suction.

Place the sink plunger over your plughole and cover it with water, this will help you to create an airtight seal and grip the handle with both hands. Pump up and down to create suction until the blockage is dislodged. If the sink is full of water that won't be a problem, since you'll need it there to create an airtight seal. The weight of the water might also act to push the blockage through. However, if this method is not working, you'll need to empty out as much water as possible. Use a jug or saucepan, to reduce the water level then try the other listed methods to unblock your sink.

Kinetic Gun Type Drain Cleaning Tool- This tool is very effective in clearing most blockages, and is available for purchase from most hardware stores. This tool has a flexible, spring shaft to navigate around bends. If you can reach the blockage with it, then you will likely have success with cleaning it.

The Zip-it- What is a Zip-It? The Zip-It tool is a wonderful little plumbing gadget that can be used to clean out a clog in a shower, tub, or sink, basically anywhere that collects a lot of hair.; And purchasing one won't break the budget, and is very easy to use. A Zip-it is a little under 2 feet long. When placed down the drain, pull out the grime as you lift the stick back up. If a plunger does not work in the first instance try The Zip-it and it should hook the mess out from your drain, and have it unblocked in no time. You will find most hardware stores will stock them.

Baking Soda and Vinegar- This old-fashioned method can be very effective in clearing a blocked drain, the products are cheap and easily available at your supermarket. Mix 1/3 of a cup of baking soda with 1/3rd of a cup of vinegar, when the mixture starts to fizz, pour immediately down the sink. For the best outcome leave for an hour or even overnight, finally, flush through with hot water.

Salt and Baking Soda -As with Baking soda and vinegar, another age-old remedy for unblocking a drain is Baking soda and salt, These are household items and are often readily on hand. Start by mixing half a cup of table salt with half a cup of baking soda and pour it down the blocked drain. Leave for approx for 10-20 minutes before pouring boiling water down the sink. When these are mixed together a chemical reaction should dissolve some of the nastiest blockages in your drain.

Boiling Water- This is one of the easiest and fastest ways of unblocking a drain/sink. Fill your kettle and bring it to a boil, once boiled, pour it slowly down the drain, but not all at once, waiting a couple of seconds between each pour. The boiling water should then dissolve any obstructions as it travels down the pipe.

Cleaning the Pipe- This method is slightly more involved. However, it is still a simple procedure. Place an empty bucket underneath the U-shaped pipe beneath the sink. Place a container or bucket under the U-shaped pipe under the sink- use a wrench, loosen the slip nuts at both ends of the pipe and remove the pipe. Remove any objects into the bucket, you may need to use a small brush to reach any hidden objects in the pipes. Rinse the pipes with water and then put it all back together. This method is generally very effective.

Chemical Cleaners- There are times when the old-fashioned methods just don't seem to work and something stronger is required. There are numerous chemical drain cleaners available from the local supermarket. The instructions are generally very straightforward, basically, it's pouring the recommended amount down your drain, leaving it to sit and work for a couple of hours or for best results overnight. Complete the process by running hot water down the sink, this should unblock your drain and have it back to perfect working order.

Biological Cleaners- If you are more environmentally friendly and are trying to avoid strong chemical cleaners, why not try a biological cleaner? These cleaners use enzymes which chew through any blockages but they do have limited power in contrast to harsh chemical cleaners so they may not be effective in removing more stubborn grime blocking your drain. However, if you are trying to get rid of hair, soap or other easy-to-tackle blockages, a biological cleaner is extremely effective.

Unblocking an outside drain:

Have you noticed an odd drain smell coming from somewhere outside your doors and windows? The smell may be coming from an overflowing sewer drain that's not just creating a stench and a putrid mess but also potentially a health issue. However, in most cases, you will need to look into how to unblock drains outside. Your drains may have become clogged up with tree debris, mud, moss and other gunk or objects, or due to pouring oil, fat or grease down your inside drains. Another potential reason for blocking outside drains can be recent downpours and storms. Alternatively, there may be a breakage within your plumbing system.

Unblocking an outside drain may be a little more challenging, but with the right tools, you may be able to fix the problem.  You will need a pair of rubber gloves, and ideally, but not essential, a pair of protective glasses. Below are a few tools you will require.

  • A screwdriver
  • A drain rod or plumber's auger
  • A hose (ideally a high-pressure jet hose)

Let's get to work on the clogged drain:

Firstly remove the drain cover with your screwdriver, now let's use those gloved hands and see how much debris you can remove simply by going fishing into that blocked outside drain.

Using the drain rod insert, apply pressure, twist and plunge, and repeat until the blockage has been softened.

Then using your hose, a high-pressure jet rodder will be perfect because it can simply be directed into a drain with its incredible power to blast just about any obstruction away. But even with the garden hose on full blast, the softening up you did with the drain rod or auger may now be ready to wash away with a stream of fast-moving water.

In most instances, a blocked drain can be successfully cleared without the need for calling in a professional drain cleaner. The tools mentioned here are a few that are available on the market and you may find you need to try another product for your particular drainage issue. Speaking to your local hardware store or plumbing supplies for some advice before calling in the experts may be beneficial.