How to clear your blocked drain

Dealing with a blocked drain is a real inconvenience. Here are 11 hassle-free ways to unblock drains that you can try at home, before calling us in to help.

If you try these tips and still need help then contact us – we’re drain clearing specialists in Melbourne.

1. Plunge Away: Grab a plunger and go to town. Create a tight seal and plunge away, whether it’s the kitchen sink or the bathroom drain. A few good pumps might just do the trick [1].
2. Baking Soda & Vinegar: Create a fizzy concoction by pouring baking soda down the drain, followed by vinegar. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then finish with a kettle of boiling water. It’s a natural drain cleaner that can break down gunk and grime [5].
3. Wire Hanger Trick: MacGyver-style, straighten a wire coat hanger and use it as a DIY drain snake. Fish out the culprits causing the blockage with patience and persistence [3].
4. Hot Water Blitz: Sometimes, all it needs is a hot water soak. Boil the kettle and pour that scalding goodness down the drain. It can melt away grease and soap scum [4].
5. Chemical Drain Cleaners: If the blockage is stubborn, chemical drain cleaners can be the heavy artillery. Use with caution and follow instructions closely [2].
6. Regular Hot Water Run: Prevent future blockages by running hot water down your drains regularly. It helps flush out accumulated grease or oil [4].
7. Dish Detergent: Shower drains often get clogged with hair. Combat this by pouring dish detergent down the drain to break down oils and grease [6].
8. Use a Larger Wire Snake: If the blockage is deep, opt for a larger wire snake to unclog the pipe [1].
9. Regular Drain Maintenance: Keep drains happy with weekly rinses. For kitchen sinks and bathroom drains, make it a habit to clean them out to prevent sluggishness [2].
10. Cleaning Vinegar and Baking Soda: A non-toxic way to loosen muck in bathroom drains is by using a mixture of cleaning vinegar and baking soda [3].
11. DIY Maintenance: Stay proactive by incorporating DIY tips and tricks for clearing and preventing blocked drains [6].

Remember, prevention is the key. Keep those drains clean, and you’ll be singing “No More Blockages” in no time!

🌐 Sources

1. thisoldhouse.com – How to Unclog Any Drain: Sink, Toilet, and Tub
2. realsimple.com – How to Unclog a Drain Without Harsh Chemicals or Drano
3. bunnings.com.au – How to Unblock and Clean Bathroom Drains
4. simplyspotless.com.au – 9 Tips for Clearing Blocked Drains Using Household Items
5. parklandsplumbing.com.au – Unclog Drains with Ease: Best Practices to Maintain Clear…
6. wpplumbing.com.au – DIY Tips & Tricks For Clearing A Blocked Drain