10 Tips for Clearing a Blocked Drain
- Written by Samantha Ball
Blocked drains can be incredibly frustrating, especially when they result in foul odours and overflow. Thankfully, there are several ways of clearing a blocked drain, some of which you can do by yourself.
1. Boiling Water
Boiling water should always be your first attempt to unclog your drains, largely because it's both effective and cheap. Many of the substances that clog your drains have a low melting point, such as grease and conditioner. The extreme heat of boiling water helps break them up once it's poured down the drain. Please note, though, that boiling water can be damaging to PVC pipes.
2. Natural Cleaners
Natural cleaners, such as a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar, have a fizzing effect that helps break down blockages. For the best results, start by pouring boiling water down the drain, follow up with your natural mixture, wait 10 minutes, and then pour down more boiling water.
3. Caustic Cleaners
If natural cleaners aren't working, you can purchase tougher caustic cleaners that dissolve fats and oils. Given the number of chemicals they contain, you should always follow their instructions and open up your windows.
4. Plunger
Plungers create an airtight seal around your drain hole, allowing you to essentially vacuum out more shallow blockages. Unfortunately, blockages that are deeper into your pipes may need something more heavy-duty.
5. DIY Drain Snake
You can make your own drain snake at home using a coat hanger or any other thin metal wire. Just make sure that it has a hook shape at its end so you can grab onto blockages and remove them effectively. DIY drain snakes are best used for shower drains, typically to remove hair. For tougher blockages, you may need...
6. Plumber's Drain Snake
A plumber's drain snake is an advanced tool that will reach and remove the blockages that a DIY drain snake can't. They're able to go much deeper into your pipes, in part because they'll be operated by an experienced professional.
7. CCTV
CCTV technology, or video surveillance, can be used like a drain snake to locate the clog and determine its severity. This will help in forming a strategy on how to remove it. Given the equipment and expertise required, you'll need to call a plumber for a CCTV drain inspection.
8. Hydro-Jet
Professionals use hydro-jets to blast a powerful stream of water into a pipe, reliably removing the majority of bulkier blockages. After using a hydro-jet, however, you may need to utilise some of the more basic blockage removal methods to flush out anything the hydro-jet may have left behind.
9. Excavation
More severe blockages may require excavation. Excavation is when your affected pipes have to be dug up and repaired or replaced. This method is ideally the last resort, given its cost and the time it takes to complete.
10. Pipe Relining
Pipe relining becomes necessary if your pipes have become damaged due to a prolonged blockage. Though the process of having your blockages removed and pipes relined manually can be costly, it's far cheaper than having to arrange a full pipe replacement.
When to Call in Professional Help
As you can see, there are a few blockage removal methods you can do by yourself. However, if the blockage is too severe, seek the help of a professional before it does lasting damage. Be sure that anyone you call to work on your pipes is licenced, insured, and capable of providing hydro-jets, CCTV assessments, and any other professional services you may need.
