DIY Tips & Tricks For Clearing A Blocked Drain

A blockage in the drain is a serious issue. But do you need to call the local plumber every single time?

In Australia, many homeowners can tackle blocked drains themselves, saving both time and cash. If you’re unsure where to start, stick with us. We’ll walk you through some clever methods to get your drains flowing again.

We’ve also covered why drains tend to clog and how you can prevent it. Make sure you check that out too.

7 Simple Ways To Clear A Blocked Drain

Here are 7 DIY tips and tricks for clearing a blocked drain:

1. Dish Detergent

It is no news that shower drains get easily clogged with hair. And toilets, wipes, sanitary products, and excess toilet paper cause the blockage. You can apply dish detergent to these areas as it lubricates the drain and breaks up residue. We recommend pouring a mug of dish detergent and boiling water.

You can then use a plunger to get rid of the blockage. However, If you don’t have one, use your hands to remove the clog; wear rubber gloves before proceeding.

2. Use A Wire Hanger or Drain Snakes

Food particles, dirt, and hair can quickly clog your drains as they tend to stick to the soap scum that piles up on your drain walls. This can eventually slow down the flow of water.

A simple tool like a wire hanger or a drain snake from your local hardware can work wonders on a clogged kitchen or bathroom sink. Straighten a coat hanger and create a small hook at the end. Carefully insert it into the drain, gently moving it around to snag the blockage. Remember, go easy to avoid pushing the blockage deeper.

3. Washing Soda

Washing soda, or sodium carbonate, is a handy cleaning agent that works wonders on blocked drains. Thanks to its high alkalinity, it can be more effective than many chemical drain cleaners, which is why we highly recommend it.

You must pour a cup of washing soda down your sink, followed by boiling hot water. Then, leave it for five minutes to unclog the blockage. If you still notice your sink draining slowly, repeat the process until the water flow returns to normal.

4. Vinegar And Baking Soda

Try the vinegar and baking soda combination if you don’t have washing soda at home. We assure you that its fizzing power can help clear minor clogs away. It would be best to pour a mug of boiling hot water down your drain and half a mug of baking soda.

Follow up with another mug of hot water and a mug of white vinegar. Let this fizzy mix work its magic for about an hour. Afterwards, run tap water to rinse any leftover residue and check the flow.

5. Plungers

You can manually unclog a blocked drain using a plunger, but ensure you use the right one. As it is relatively small, a traditional toilet plunger should not be used if you work with your shower or sink drain. Use a cup plunger instead.

First, take the screws off the stopper or grate and place the cup plunger on the drain, ensuring the seal is as tight as possible. We suggest applying petroleum jelly to the edges of the plunger so you can provide a tighter seal. After that, all you need to do is start plunging with force.

After this step, let the water run to confirm that you have successfully cleared the blockage. If not, repeat as necessary.

6. Caustic Soda

Also known as sodium hydroxide, caustic soda is one of the harshest drain cleaners on the market. Therefore, wear hand gloves and safety goggles while using it. Also, remember to keep the windows open, as you do not want the toxic fumes to accumulate in the room.

Add cold water and two or three cups of caustic soda to a bucket. Then, stir it for some time using a wooden spoon. Once you notice the mixture fizzing, pour it down the drain blockage and leave it to do its job for at least half an hour. After that, pouring hot water will remove the mixture from the clogged drains

7. Clear The P-Trap

If the methods mentioned above don’t work, you might have to remove the clog manually. Fortunately, you don’t have to call the plumber to clear the P-trap, as the process is simple. However, we advise preparing with all the necessary tools and equipment before you begin.

Keep a bucket under the P-trap and a curved pipe under your sink to collect excess water. Then unscrew the pipe to clear its contents and take the P-trap to a different sink to remove any build-up. Lastly, put back the P-trap and check if your issue is resolved.

Why Is My Drain Clogged?

Here’s a look at some of the usual culprits behind a blocked drain:

1. Cooking Oil

Believe it or not, cooking oil is one of the major causes of a blocked drain due to its high viscosity. So, ensure you don’t throw cooking down your sink as it can clump with food scraps and cause a blockage.

2. Hair

Hair is another common culprit that can cause drain blockages. After taking a shower, try collecting some of it; otherwise, it will most likely mix with other substances in the drain and cause a blockage.

3. Toiletries

Even though toiletries are necessary, some of them can clog your drain. For instance, sanitary products, baby wipes and napkins should not be flushed down the toilet.

Clearing Your Blocked Drain

We’ve reached the end of this guide! Hopefully, these handy DIY tips have helped you tackle that blocked drain. Remember, regular drain maintenance and being mindful of what goes down your sinks can prevent future clogs.

If the blockage is severe and you fail to clear it away on your own, we strongly recommend calling a local plumbing company and having them take a look. After all, these professionals are equipped with the latest technology and equipment, allowing them to clear significant drain blockages quickly. If you are in Melbourne, contact the team at WP Plumbing. We offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services for clearing blocked drains in your drainage system!

With that said, it’s time for us to sign off. See you soon!