Having drain problems at home? Read about these 5 easy tips to quickly unblock a drain before it turns into a burst pipe.
Like most homeowners, you’ll know that blocked drains can be a real nuisance. Not only are they a hassle to deal with, but they can also be quite expensive to fix if left untreated.
That’s why it’s important to take some simple steps to help prevent clogged drains in the first place. This blog post will give you five helpful tips to help you unblock your drains at home. Read on for more information!
You may have a drainage blockage problem when you notice that:
They’re all signs that you may soon be facing a blocked drain. And then one day, boom. Your drain is blocked completely. You need to deal with it quickly or face the mess of a burst pipe.
{{img:'how-to-unblock-a-drain.jpg' | alt | title | height | width | lazyload}}
The drain system may be blocked in the trap area (the curve), or a problem outside. Always start by removing the excess hair and gunk built up at the surface of the drain. Then try any or all of the following:
Take a wire coat hanger and straighten it out best, then bend one end to create a small hook. Push that past the drain cover and start fishing. You should be able to get all sorts of hair and nasty stuff out of the clogged drain.
Remember, you need to pull gunk out, not push it further when you’ve got as much out as possible; flush with hot water, which should clear things up nicely. You can also use a DIY drain snake (drain auger) for drain blockage, which you will find at your local hardware store.
Pour boiling water down the drain slowly in two to three stages, allowing the hot water system to work for several seconds between each pour. This is usually the easiest and quickest way to unclog a drain. If you are doing this for a drain clog in your sink, ensure you have a bucket underneath for any excess water flow.
If you haven’t resorted to tipping caustic drain cleaners down to clear your dr5ain blockage, you can try to fix your clog with a plunger. This handy tool can break up clogs quickly and easily in your toilet, sink or shower drain. You may need to have several goes at it to correct the problem.
If plunging does not solve your problem, mix ½ a cup of vinegar with a handful of baking soda and pour it down the drain. Follow this with several cups of boiling water. Let this sit overnight and flush with more water in the morning.
Caustic soda (also known as Sodium Hydroxide) can cause nasty chemical burns, so always use rubber gloves and eye protection. Add 3 cups of caustic soda to about 2 litres of cold water in a bucket (read the instructions on the packet to get it right) and mix it well with an old wooden spoon or stick. When it starts to fizz and heat up, pour it into the clogged drain, leave for 20-30 minutes, and flush the drain with boiling water. Repeat if necessary.
Never use caustic or chemical drain cleaners in clogged drains. This can cause dangerous chemicals to build up in your PVC pipes and cause more damage.
Never use a plunger on a drain while using a caustic or commercial drain cleaner. This can cause the dangerous chemicals to splash back out and harm you.
If you want more advice on clearing blocked drains in Melbourne – call us on (03) 9511 1336. We can unclog your drains quickly and efficiently. We also have some excellent equipment for pinpointing the exact location of clogged areas.
{{author:bio}}
Find them on their website: Precision Electrical & Plumbing, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Are you concerned that your bathroom or kitchen sink drain may be clogged? Here are some of the most likely reasons for blockages in your drain and how to prevent them.
Read MoreKeep your family and home safe from electrical accidents. Read about these safety tips from registered electricians that you can easily do at home.
Read MoreA blocked shower drain can be seriously annoying, so don't put up with standing water around your feet! Check out our 6 easy methods to unclogging your shower drain.
Read More
