Top 10 Ways To Unclog A Blocked Drain

A blocked drain can be an unpleasant situation. It can cause inconvenience and unhygienic circumstances, whether a sink is slow-draining or a shower is fully backed up.

The good news is that there are several efficient solutions to this frequent home problem. Let us look at the top 10 ways to unclog a blocked drain, from do-it-yourself fixes to calling professional plumbers for stubborn clogs in household and commercial settings.

Common Signs of a Blocked Drain

Numerous issues with your home’s plumbing can result from a blocked drain. Here are some frequent indicators that you may have a clogged drain:

Slow Draining: Water draining from showers, sinks, or bathtubs takes longer than usual. This is often one of the first indicators of a blockage.

Gurgling Sounds: Gurgling sounds from your drains after using a nearby plumbing fixture may indicate that air is trapped in your pipe’s clogged portion.

Foul Odours: Unpleasant odours coming from drains or sewage backups might be a significant indicator of a clogged drain. Food particles, hair, and other waste can become trapped in blockages, resulting in bacterial growth and foul odours.

Water Backing Up: Water that comes back up through a drain, frequently accompanied by particles or debris, indicates a blockage farther up the line. This situation commonly happens in sinks, toilets, and showers.

If you observe any of these symptoms, immediately addressing the issue is vital to prevent further harm or significant obstructions. 

When the blockage is more persistent or deeper in the plumbing system, it is best to contact professional plumbing assistance to identify and fully fix the problem.

Stubborn Causes of a Clogged Drain

You can select the best remedy by knowing the potential drain blockage causes. The following are persistent reasons for clogged drains:

Grease and Food Residue: Grease, fats, and food particles that accumulate in the pipes can thicken and cause blockages.

Hair: Hair is a regular offender, particularly in shower and bathroom sink drains. Over time, it can tangle and mingle with soap, silt, and other debris, leading to a severe blockage that may require more than a clogged drain clearing.

Soap Scum: When soap and minerals combine, a hard deposit forms that limits water flow. After some time, soap residue can build up in pipes, particularly bathroom sinks and showers. When combined with other trash, this scum can form a solid clog that needs to be thoroughly cleaned.

Foreign Objects: Dropping little objects down the drain, such as bottle caps, jewellery, or toys, can cause a blockage that is tough to clear without professional assistance.

Deteriorating Pipes: Pipes may decline over time due to rust, corrosion, or other issues. These degraded areas can collect debris and cause jams. Clearing pipe blockage is essential to keeping the water flowing.

How to Unclog a Blocked Drain

Here are the top ten methods to unclog blocked drains, ranging from easy do-it-yourself remedies to more complex techniques:

Boiling Water: Begin with the simplest way. Pour boiling water into the drain to clear grease and wash out minor clogs.

Baking soda and vinegar: Mix a half-cup each of baking soda and vinegar. Pour the liquid down the drain, wait a few minutes for it to foam, and then flush it with hot water. The chemical reaction can help dissolve tough residue buildup and unblock drain clogs.

Plunger: Apply pressure with a plunger to clear obstructions from sinks and toilets. For optimal results, ensure a tight seal and vigorously pump the clog to clear the blockage.

Plumber’s Snake: A flexible cable with a corkscrew-like head, known as a cable auger, can be placed into the drain to break apart and eliminate clogs.

Wet/Dry Vacuum: When dealing with more serious obstructions, use a wet/dry vacuum to remove debris from the drain.

Pipe Removal: In some circumstances, removing and cleaning the p-trap (the u-shaped pipe beneath the sink) will clear blockages produced by trapped debris.

Enzyme cleansers: These biological cleaners contain bacteria that decompose organic debris, assisting in removing clogs over time.

Calling a Professional Plumber: When DIY remedies fail, it’s essential to call a professional plumber. This is especially important for commercial settings like restaurants and business establishments where jams can seriously affect daily operations.

Avoid using too much force when clearing clogged drains, which can harm your pipes. It’s also advisable to call a professional plumber if you have a blocked sewer line or believe you may have a worse plumbing issue to prevent further damage and costly repairs.

Conclusion

A blocked drain can quickly escalate from a simple frustration to a serious problem if left untreated. The top ten ways listed above can be used to properly deal with clogged drains, whether you’re dealing with a typical sink blockage or a complex plumbing issue in your home or business.

Although do-it-yourself remedies might be effective, it’s crucial to know when to call a professional plumber, especially for difficult blockages that may affect business operations. 

You’ll be well-prepared to manage any blocked drain scenario if you keep these methods in mind.

Call Link Plumbing in Sydney for the best solutions when drain blockages become too difficult. Our expert team is equipped to deal with any drain-clearing problem. Call us anytime at 0412 056 027. We have on-call professionals ready to serve you 24/7!