7 Ways to Clear a Blocked Drain

Your water stops draining. A bad smell permeates through the air. Worse still, you’re experiencing flooding. Yep, you might have blocked drains.

 

At Melbourne Blocked Drains, we know that dealing with a blocked drain can cause a real headache. We have a few ways to clear a blocked drain. Some you can try yourself and others require help from a professional.

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1. Baking Soda and Salt

Most people have salt and baking powder in their homes. Both are effective in clearing drains that aren’t severely blocked. Mix half a cup of salt with half a cup of baking powder, pour it down the drain that is giving you trouble, and then wait for about 20 to 30 minutes for it to work.

 

After that, pour boiling water down the drain. This creates a chemical reaction that helps dissolve any debris that might be trapped in the pipes. This method works best for a blocked bathroom sink. It can also help with blockages in the kitchen.

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2. Boiling Water

A buildup of oil, grease, and conditioner can cause a blocked drain. Using boiling water breaks down the oil build up, which in turn allows everything to flow freely through the pipes. This method can shift a blockage, but not necessarily fix it. You may want to call us at Melbourne Blocked Drains if you still experience an issue after trying this method.

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3. Vinegar and Baking Soda

Baking soda and vinegar is a common way to unblock drains. Mix ⅓ cup vinegar and ⅓ cup baking soda into a bowl. Start with the baking soda and then add the vinegar. They will react with each other straight away, so give it a mix and then pour it down your clogged drain immediately. 

 

Leave it to sit for at least an hour. If you can, let it sit overnight. Then, pour boiling water down the drain to initiate the final chemical reaction and clear all gunk from your drain pipe. This mixture can help remove everything from oils to hair. Use it to unblock shower drains and kitchen sinks.

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4. Caustic Soda

Caustic soda, or sodium hydroxide is one of the best home remedies for a blocked drain. You will need gloves and eye gear to protect yourself as it’s a powerful chemical that can burn you if it comes into contact with your body. 

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In a large bucket, mix 3 L of cold water with three cups of caustic soda. Stir it up with an old wooden spoon. You will hear it start fizzing. Then, it’s ready to pour down the drain. Leave it for about 20 to 30 minutes and then pour boiling water to flush away the blockages. 

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You may need to repeat this process to fully unblock your drains. If that doesn’t work, then give Melbourne Blocked Drains a call. We have a range of services to help unclog your blocked drains.

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5. Wire Hanger

Sometimes a blockage just needs a little help coming unstuck. A wire hanger is one of the best ways to do this. Unwind the hanger, leaving the hook intact at the end. Once it’s straight enough, send it down your blocked kitchen or bathroom sink. 

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You can either lift the debris causing the blockage out of the sink or simply loosen it so that it flows out of the drain. This method isn’t the best for serious blockages as it can sometimes make them worse. Call the professionals if you suspect you have a major pipe blockage.

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6. High-Pressure Jet Blaster

Experienced plumbers, like us at Melbourne Blocked Drains, use high pressure jet blasters to clear drains. It’s one of the best methods for unblocking a drain as it can help remove objects like tree roots. 

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Using cameras, we locate the source of the blockage and then use a high-pressure jet blaster to push the debris through and out of your pipe. This method is best to unblock kitchen sinks, shower drains, and bathroom sinks.

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7. Wet and Dry Vacuums

It is possible to hire a wet and dry vacuum to unblock your drain on your own, but it’s better to let the professionals do it for you. The devices work best from blocked stormwater drains and blocked sewer lines.

 

To start, set the machine to wet mode, cover the grate so no backsplash happens, and then draw up any liquids that pooled in your blocked drain. Then, create an airtight seal around the hose and the grate. Switch the machine to its highest setting and suck up anything that might be clogging your drain.

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Melbourne Blocked Drains Can Help You With Your Plumbers Needs!

Unclogging a drain isn’t always a huge hassle. You can use some of these methods to help you with minor issues. It’s always best to contact a professional if the problem persists. At Melbourne Blocked Drains, we have over 20 years of experience helping people find and clear any blockages in their drains. We use various methods, like jetting plumbing, to remove everything from oils to invasive tree stumps.

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We’ve completed over 200 projects and cleared more than 350 drains. We can help you unclog your drains. Visit https://www.melbourneblockeddrains.com.au/, give us a call on 0425 620 535, or send an email to enquiries@melbourneblockeddrains.com.au. You can also complete this contact form, and one of our experienced plumbers will get in touch.

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