How to Unblock a Drain by Hills Plumber

A blocked drain is pretty common and can be easier to fix than we expect. Once you have identified what is causing the blockage, such as grease, solid material, and mineral build-up, you can choose the approach to take. Here are some methods you can try without enlisting the help of plumbers.

Plunging

To unblock a drain by plunging, seals are first placed in points of overflow to avoid spillage. Then, a plunger is used to create a force that will clear the blockage materials by moving the plunger up and down.

Boiling Water

This method is non-toxic but can easily cause a burn if you are not cautious due to the high temperature of the water. The water is mixed with detergent, then poured into the sink while carefully avoiding the seal. This hot water then goes into the drain and dissolves the materials causing the blockage.

Caustic Cleaners

Of all the DIY methods of unblocking a blocked drain, this is the most toxic. Caustic cleaners are great for commercial use, and therefore, safety precautions must be taken in order to use them in the home. Always wear goggles, masks, overalls, gloves, and boots before using them.

Natural Cleaners

Natural cleaners can be mixed and used to dissolve drain blockages caused by soft materials like grease. Some examples of substances that can be used to make natural cleaners include:

● Bicarbonate of soda,

● White vinegar, and

● Bacteria-based enzymes.

Plumber Drain Snake

A drain snake is a sharp-tipped metal coil that extends into the pipe to remove blockages near the drain opening. When inserted into the drain, it chips away at the materials causing blockage until completely cleared. Drain snakes are best operated by plumbers.

CCTV

Cameras are often used side by side with the plumber drain snake in cases when the materials clogging the drain are proving hard to locate and take out.

DIY Drain Snake

This serves the same purpose as a plumber drain snake and is constructed just like it with flexible objects such as an iron hanger. The hook end of the snake is inserted into the drain and used to pick out the materials causing a blockage.

Occasionally, you may need a plumber to look at severe blockages as the blockage might need a more technical approach. Here are some methods that you should not try at home without a professional!

Pipe Relining

Pipe relining is a cost-effective approach to fixing extreme cases of blockage. The blockage is first removed, then rather than replacing the entire drainpipe, old pipes are relined by a professional plumber.

Hydro-Jet

The principle behind unblocking a drain using a hydro-jet is using the force created by a burst of water to blast blockages apart from each other.

Excavation

When blockages are too severe to remove by all other methods, plumbers save the day by digging around the drainpipe to remove the blockage. Then the pipe is changed and the area put back in its original state.