How to Clear a Blocked Drain Without Calling a Plumber

At Swish Plumbing, we know how frustrating blocked drains can be. Whether it’s a slow-draining sink, a toilet that’s backing up, or a drain making strange gurgling noises, blocked drains can seriously disrupt your day. The good news? With the right approach, many blockages can be tackled easily at home. Let us walk you through the common causes of blocked drains, the best DIY methods to clear them, and when it’s time to bring in a professional.

What Causes Blocked Drains?

Blocked drains happen for various reasons, usually because of what we unknowingly put down the drain. Identifying the cause is key to knowing how to fix the problem and prevent it from happening again. Here are the most common culprits:

• Hair: In bathrooms, hair is a top cause of blockages. It clumps together with soap residue and forms tough clogs over time. Hair stoppers can help, but regular cleaning is a must to prevent buildups.
• Food scraps: Even when using a strainer, small food particles like coffee grounds, rice, or vegetable peels can make their way down the kitchen sink and build up in the pipes.
• Grease and fat: Grease from cooking can seem harmless when it’s in liquid form, but as it cools, it solidifies in the pipes, causing blockages that are difficult to clear.
• Foreign objects: It’s not uncommon for items like wipes, sanitary products, small toys, or even excess toilet paper to accidentally block toilets and pipes. These items don’t break down in water and can cause serious blockages.
• Tree roots: Outside drains are vulnerable to tree roots. Roots naturally seek moisture and can invade underground pipes, causing cracks and blockages that require professional intervention.

Signs Your Drain Is Blocked

Not sure if you have a blocked drain? Watch out for these common warning signs:

• Slow draining: when water is draining slower than usual, it’s often a sign that a blockage is forming.
• Bad smells: foul odours coming from the drain are a sign of trapped food or waste in the pipes, and it’s best to act quickly before the blockage worsens.
• Gurgling noises: strange noises, especially gurgling sounds, indicate air trapped in the pipes due to a blockage.
• Backflow: if water starts backing up into your sink, tub, or toilet, you’re likely dealing with a more serious blockage that requires immediate attention.

DIY Methods to Clear a Blocked Drain

Before calling a plumber, there are a few effective DIY methods you can try to clear minor blockages. These are simple, budget-friendly solutions that can save you time and money.

1. Baking Soda and Vinegar

This natural, non-toxic method is great for small blockages:

• Boil a kettle of water and carefully pour it down the drain to loosen debris.
• Pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain and let it sit for about 5 minutes.
• Add one cup of vinegar, followed by a cup of hot water. The mixture will fizz and break down the blockage.
• Cover the drain with a plug and wait 10 minutes.
• Finish by pouring more boiling water to flush away any remaining debris.

2. Plunger

A plunger is a tried-and-true tool for clearing clogs, especially in sinks and toilets:

• Fill the sink or tub with enough water to cover the plunger’s rubber part.
• Place the plunger over the drain, ensuring a tight seal, and plunge up and down vigorously for about 30 seconds.
• Once the blockage is cleared, flush the drain with hot water to ensure everything is flowing smoothly.

3. Dish Soap and Hot Water

This method works well for clearing grease blockages in kitchen drains:

• Pour a good amount of dishwashing liquid down the drain to break up the grease.
• Follow with a litre or two of nearly boiling water. This helps flush out the grease and dissolve any fat buildup.
• Repeat as necessary until the drain flows freely.

4. Wire Coat Hanger

For hair blockages in bathroom drains, a wire hanger is a handy tool:

• Straighten a wire coat hanger and bend one end into a small hook.
• Carefully insert the hook into the drain and fish out any hair or debris that’s clogging it.
• Be gentle to avoid damaging your pipes, especially if you have plastic pipes.

When to Call a Plumber

While DIY solutions can work wonders for minor blockages, some situations call for professional help. Here’s when it’s time to contact a plumber:

• Persistent blockages: If your drain remains blocked after trying different DIY methods, the blockage might be deeper or more complex, requiring professional tools.
• Multiple drains blocked: If multiple drains in your home are backing up simultaneously, this could indicate a more significant issue with your main sewer line.
• Foul smells: If bad odours persist even after clearing the blockage, there may be a larger problem, such as a deeper blockage or damage to your pipes.
• Visible damage: If you notice cracks, water damage, or leaks near your pipes, it’s essential to call a plumber immediately to prevent further issues.

Professional Drain Clearing Solutions

At Swish Plumbing, we have the tools and expertise to handle tough blockages quickly and efficiently. Here’s how we tackle the most stubborn blockages:

• CCTV drain inspection: We use small, specialised cameras to look inside your pipes and pinpoint the exact location of the blockage, ensuring an accurate diagnosis.
• High-pressure water jetting: This method involves blasting high-pressure water through your pipes to break up and remove blockages, including grease and tree roots.
• Mechanical Aaugers: For deep or hard-to-reach blockages, we use mechanical augers to snake through your pipes and clear out the blockage.

Preventing Future Blockages

Blocked drains are a hassle, but there are simple steps you can take to prevent them from happening in the future:

• Use drain strainers: Place strainers over your sink and shower drains to catch hair, food particles, and debris before they go down the drain.
• Dispose of grease properly: Never pour cooking grease or oil down the sink. Instead, let it cool and dispose of it in the trash.
• Regular maintenance: Schedule regular plumbing check-ups to catch potential problems early. Regular drain cleaning can help prevent future blockages and keep your pipes flowing smoothly.
• Never flush sanitary products or wet wipes down the toilet, even if they say “flushable.” These items don’t break down properly and can cause major blockages.

Keep Your Drains Clear and Flowing Smoothly

Blocked drains can be a real hassle, but with a little know-how, you can tackle minor issues on your own and know when to call in the experts. If you’re dealing with persistent drainage problems, trust the professionals at Swish Plumbing to get your drains flowing again and prevent long-term damage to your plumbing system.

Need help with a blocked drain? Contact us today for reliable, expert service. Whether it’s a minor clog or a major blockage, we’re here to help keep your plumbing in top shape!