How to Unblock and Clear Drains: 4 Easy DIY Steps

Every homeowner would agree that blocked drains are one of the most common problems that can be stressful. From dealing with unpleasant odours to overflowing excess water, it’s not a pleasant job.

The good news? There are some DIY methods you can try before calling a plumber. Many blockages can be cleared with a few tools and a bit of elbow grease. In this article, we’ll help you easily navigate a way on how to unblock your bathroom drains effectively.

Tools you’ll need:

• Rubber gloves (to protect your hands from dirty water and debris)
• A screwdriver (for opening the drain cover)
• A bucket or container (to catch any overflow or debris)

1. Put on rubber gloves

Reminder: Safety first! Drains can contain bacteria, grime, and sharp objects. Put on thick rubber gloves to protect your hands and prevent any direct contact with dirt or unpleasant odours. It’s always a good idea to wear gloves when handling any cleaning chemicals or dirty water.

2. Open the drain cover with a screwdriver

Using a screwdriver, carefully remove the drain cover. If you don’t have a screwdriver, a spoon can also become handy. If it’s a sink or bathtub drain, you may need to unscrew it.

Be cautious and keep any screws in a safe place so you don’t lose them. Once the cover is removed, use a flashlight down the drain to check for visible blockages like hair or other debris.

3. Clear out visible debris by hand

If you see any debris like hair buildup or fat, try to pull it out with your gloved hands. Removing any large, visible pieces of debris can help free up the drain, making water flow better. If the blockage is too deep, you may need to use a tool like a plumber’s snake or a straightened wire or coat hanger.

4. Run water to test the drain

After using these methods, run hot water for a few minutes to ensure the drain is fully cleared. Watch for any slow drainage or pooling that might occur. If the water flows freely, that’s a good sign. It means your drain is unblocked!

Does the water still drain slowly or overflows? The problem might be inside the drains you can’t see. Some blockages can be found deep inside the drain and it’s only possible to see it through CCTV drain inspection.

For expert drain camera inspection and blocked drain services in Sydney, Dr Leak Plumbing is only a phone call away! We clear drains using advanced tools like hydrojetting, plunging and using a drain snake. Our plumbers are tidy, fast and efficient when working and will keep doing the job with minimal disruption.

5 methods to clear blocked drains

Boiling water/baking soda/vinegar

The holy trinity of a blocked drain is hot water, baking soda and vinegar. The hot water can dissolve grease, soap scum, and other build-ups. Pour hot water down the drain first, then follow with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes, then check the drain and flush it with more hot water to test the flow.

Plungers

Plungers are a go-to tool for drain blockages. By creating a seal around the drain and pushing forcefully, you can dislodge materials causing the clog. Plungers are especially effective for sinks, toilets, and other accessible drains.

Drain snake

Also known as an auger, a drain snake is a flexible tool that can reach deep into the pipe to grab and pull out blockages. It's particularly useful for more stubborn clogs, like hair or debris stuck in a U-bend.

Liquid drain cleaners

Liquid drain cleaners contain strong chemicals designed to dissolve various types of clogs, including organic matter and grease. They are convenient but should be used sparingly, as repeated use can damage pipes over time.

High-pressure water jetting

For severe blockages, high-pressure water jetting is an effective solution. This method uses a specialised nozzle that produces a powerful water stream, sometimes reaching up to 4000 psi. The force of the water can blast through heavy obstructions, breaking them apart and flushing debris out of the pipe.

Top causes of blocked drains

Bathroom drains can get blocked mostly because of hair build-ups and bar soaps. It’s important to regularly clean your shower drains to avoid extensive blockages. Some reasons that can cause blocked drains in other areas are:

• Grease and oil: These harden in pipes, sticking to the sides and causing blockages, especially in kitchen sinks.
• Flushing non-flushable: Wipes, sanitary products, and cotton balls don’t dissolve and can easily block toilets.
• Tree roots: Roots can grow into outdoor pipes, causing clogs and even damage.
• Small objects: Things like jewellery, toys, and toiletries can fall in, creating clogs.
• Old pipes: Corrosion or scaling in older pipes reduces water flow, causing clogs.
• Improper pipe installation: Misaligned or sagging pipes create spots where debris gathers and clogs form. 

When you call Dr Leak Plumbing for all your plumbing needs, you’ll never have to worry about issues like blocked drains again. Our team of skilled professionals is here to handle everything from emergency repairs to general plumbing.

Our team is licensed, on time, available 24/7 and offers a lifetime labour warranty. We have our fully stoked vans readily available to arrive when you need us. We are also your after-hours plumber for any emergency plumbing job across Sydney ready to respond to your call.

Trust Dr Leak to keep your home or business problem-free. Book a plumber online and save $50.