How to unblock a drain

We have all had that moment whilst washing up only to find the water drains away very very slowly (or perhaps not at all). This means your drain is blocked and there is an obstruction in the pipework. Here at First Choice Drainage Solutions, we are fully equipped to deal with problems like this but we are keen to help you with smaller issues so you don’t have to worry about getting your wallet out to fix the problem. Below we look at a number of solutions you can try to unblock your drain at home without too much fuss or hassle...

Baking Soda and Vinegar

Baking Soda and Vinegar are two of the most effective natural, home-remedy cleaners you will find in your house. Simply mix 1/3 of a cup of baking soda with 1/3rd of a cup of vinegar and pour down your sink straight away. When mixed they will start to fizz. Let it sit for an hour then flush it all through with some hot water.

Boiling Water

The oldest trick in the book... boiling water. Boil the kettle with as much water as it will hold. Then pour it slowly down the drain in a couple of stages, waiting a couple of seconds between each pour. The boiling water will travel through the pipes, dissolving any obstructions in its way.

Cleaning the Pipe

This is a more advanced way to unblock a drain so if you are not confident about taking apart a drain pipe simply give us a call. However, if you do, firstly place an empty bucket underneath the U-shaped pipe beneath the sink. The bucket will collect any water or leaks that occur during the process. Using a wrench, loosen the slip nuts at both ends of the pipe and remove the pipe. Empty any contents into the bucket. You may need to fish around for any hidden debris in the pipes, using an old toothbrush for this is an effective method. Rinse the pipes with water and then put it all back together. In most cases, this will completely unblock your drain.

Baking Soda and Salt

Generally, salt and baking soda are two items we all have in our kitchen. Simply mix half a cup of table salt with half a cup of baking soda and pour it down your drain. Let the solution work for half an hour and then pour boiling water down after it. These three ingredients all mixed together will produce a chemical reaction that should dissolve some of the nastiest blockages you are struggling with.

Get Out the Plunger

About 80 per cent of the time, a clog can be cleared with just a couple of thrusts of a plunger. To make the messy job easy, though, it’s important to have the right kind of plunger and the proper technique. As it turns out, not all plungers are created equal; some are best suited for sinks and showers, while others are appropriate for use on toilets. Plunging can get messy, so if there is too much water, scoop out any excess water into a nearby bucket in order to reduce the cleanup at the end. Push down on the handle -gently at first, forcing the air out. Then continue plunging with quick and deliberate thrusts, directing the pressure down the drain without lifting the plunger enough to break the seal. Continue this action for approximately 30 seconds. When you pull the plunger away, the clog should be cleared.

Chemical Cleaners

If you have tried all of the above methods without success, your drain may require something a little stronger such as a chemical cleaner. You can buy chemical drain cleaners in most supermarkets and DIY stores. Simply follow the instructions on the bottle and be careful as some can be irritant to your skin. Generally, however, you simply pour it down your drain, leave it to sit and work for a couple of hours or overnight and then pour hot water down the sink to finish the process and you should have a clean and unblocked drain. Please note there are also some eco-friendly chemical cleaners which are biological.

Do you still have a blocked drain? Call our team today...

If you drain is still blocked and you have tried some of the methods above, it is necessary for you to call a professional to sort the problem out for you. Give us a call today and let our plumbers and engineers unblock your drain safely and effectively so that you can get on with your life. Remember we cover all of London and surrounding areas such as Enfield, Harlow, St Albans, Essex, Hertfordshire, Watford, Heathrow and more. Simply enter your postcode into our postcode finder to see if we cover your area.