6 Ways to Unblock Any Drain

Identifying Signs of a Blocked Drain

Unexpectedly encountering a blocked drain is a common issue in plumbing. There are a few key signs that may indicate your drain is starting to clog or is already fully blocked:

• Water draining slower than usual from your sink, shower, tubs, or other drainage areas
• Gurgling sounds coming from drains
• Unpleasant sewage odours coming your way from the drains
• Water pooling near drains or starting to back up from a drain
• Toilets overflowing or taking longer to flush, possibly due to excessive toilet paper buildup

Such signs suggest a blocked drain that requires prompt attention to prevent escalation within your plumbing system. Taking swift action and understanding how to unblock a drain can help avert expensive plumbing repairs.

If neglected, it’s crucial to learn how to fix a blocked drain to avoid complete clogs and unpleasant sewage overflows in your home.

Common Causes of Blocked Drains

Grease and Food Buildup

One of the causes blocked drains experience is when fats, oils, and grease (FOG) enter the drain, typically from cooking activities. As FOG cools inside drain pipes, it sticks to the sides, which can collect other debris floating by, eventually forming a thick clog.

Food scraps can contribute to blockages by lodging in kitchen plumbing; therefore, prevent fats and large food particles from entering the sink.

Hair and Soap Scum

Over time, various types of blocked drain issues can occur as hair and soap scum accumulate on drain walls, trapping other debris and forming obstructions. Hair winds around pipes and, along with soap scum, can make a thick, sticky coating resulting in one of the most common types of buildup.

Using drain catchers and covers correctly, along with a bent wire hanger for regular cleaning, can substantially reduce blockages. Avoid letting items that may get stuck down the drain, and consider using cleaning solutions; for instance, dish soap can effectively clear a blocked drain by dissolving scum.

Tree Roots

Invasive tree root infiltrations, which are a pesky issue, can clog your pipes, especially older ones that have cracks or leaks. The roots grow into pipe crevices seeking moisture, which standing water can cause, leading to major clogging issues.

Root cutting or other methods may be required to unblock your drain blockage through relining or replacement. Keep trees and shrubs at bay to unblock outside drains and protect the main sewer line on your property.

Manual Methods to Unblock Drains

Before calling a plumber, explore beneficial DIY solutions to this common plumbing challenge. DIY techniques, such as applying Plungers, engaging drain augers, or using natural cleaners are common methods for unblocking drains at a fraction of the cost, but sometimes professional help is needed.

Using a Plunger

A standard cup plunger, available at any hardware store, can efficiently dislodge many blockages, ensuring your drains can remain clear. Ensure a tight seal around the drain using the plunger, then plunge up and down rhythmically 10-15 times to apply pressure.

1. Fill the area under sink with water to cover the entrance, preparing to plunge down the drain
2. Force plunger firmly over drain opening to seal
3. Work plunger up and down quickly, forcing air into the sink drain, and repeat process if necessary
4. Repeat the process a few times over several minutes, refilling the sink as needed

When plunging toilets, wear rubber gloves and ensure the plunger’s seal is airtight before attempting to resolve a blockage.

Drain Snakes and Augers

Inserting a coat hanger reshaped to snake the drain or deploying a drain auger can physically hook and extract debris, such as excess toilet paper. Carefully insert the drain snake several feet into the drain, then twist the handle to snag and remove debris.

Natural Drain Cleaners

Mixing one cup of baking soda with vinegar, or 'soda vinegar’ as it’s sometimes called, creates a chemical reaction that breaks up organic materials. Often, simply sending hot water down the drain can be effective:

• Pour into the drain a generous half cup of baking soda, then add an equal amount of hot vinegar, then pour boiling water down
• Allow the mixture to fizz, then flush with water to cleanse the pipes
• Finally, flush the concoction with some hot water, about 2-3 litres, down the pipes

Instead of harsh chemicals, Boiling water from your kettle can be used as a cost-effective alternative for minor blockages; a solution that doesn’t cost as much as chemicals, which should be reserved for instances where gentler methods have not succeeded.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

You can try DIY approaches first, which is logical, including mastering how to unblock drains, yet recognising that sometimes it’s time to call a professional plumber is essential. Stubborn blockages, water overflows, or widespread slow drainage in your home point to severe blockages that may require professional intervention.

Plumbers may use high-pressure hoses with hydro-jetters to remove blockages and employ miniature cameras to identify and locate issues within drain lines. They can also spot issues like pipe cracks or root infiltrations regular homeowners would miss.

Blacktown Plumbing’s team can efficiently handle severe clogs, unblocking drains effectively. Our high-powered jetting and drones designed for drainage can be used to proficiently navigate and eradicate the most common stubborn of obstructions. We also offer affordable drain inspections.

If DIY efforts fail to improve drainage, it’s time to call, email, or book an appointment to leverage our expertise. Our skilled technicians from the plumbing service will thoroughly assess your drainage system and advise the best solutions to restore proper function.

Preventing Future Blockages

While dealing with current drain blockages is important, prevention is the best long-term solution. By adopting some simple, regular maintenance habits to clean out your system, you can help prevent clogs and keep your drains operating smoothly.

Use Drain Strainers and Filters

Fine mesh strainers or filters on sinks and showers catch debris early, protecting hot water systems. They catch hair, food scraps, and other particles, preventing this material from accumulating into blockages.

Regularly maintain strainers or opt for self-cleaning models.

Properly Dispose of Fats, Oils and Grease

Gaining insight about how clear blocked pipes of fats, oils, and grease (FOGs) is critical, as cold water can readily convey these substances. As it cools inside pipes, FOG sticks to interior walls and entraps passing solids.

Collect FOG in containers and dispose in the garbage instead of the sink. FOG recycling programmes are also available in some council areas.

Avoid Harsh Chemical Drain Cleaners

Aggressive chemicals may break down organic material but pose the risk of damage coming out your pipes. Corrosive ingredients like caustic soda or sulfuric acid can eat away at plumbing.

Regarding remediation, when comes to eliminating persistent clogs, consider milder, eco-friendly enzyme or bacterial drain cleaners. They gently clear a blocked drain without harming the pipes.

Conduct Routine Drain Checks

Detecting potential issues early on helps prevent minor blockages from escalating into major clogs. Every 1-3 months, do the following checks:

• Run water down each drain and check flow rate for any reduction which might indicate a blockage your drains are facing
• Listen for gurgling that may indicate partial obstructions
• Assess odours that could suggest organic buildup
• Check pipe joints for any leaks or cracks

Periodic drain camera inspections provide a visual check for potential problems within drains. Catching problems early is useful preventative maintenance.

Installing protective sealant linings in drains mitigates internal corrosion and buildup.

Our expertise can be utilised for cost-effective drain inspections, offered by your local team at Blacktown Plumbing. We also offer pipe relining to reinforce your plumbing system against blockages. Contact us today to prevent future plumbing issues!