Visual inspection & manual removal

It may be possible to remove the drain cover, visually detect the blockage, and remove the offending material by hand or with a simple tool. 

Boiling water

A build-up of soap, grease, or fat is a common cause of blocked drains. A good way to avoid these build-ups is to run hot water down the drain each time these substances are poured down the drain. This will help dissipate any residue and prevent build-up. 

If a blockage nevertheless occurs, try pouring a bucket of hot water with as much pressure as possible down the drain, taking care not to burn yourself or melt the sink seal.

Natural enzymes

Pouring natural enzymes down the drain may help. Pour a cup of salt, a cup of bicarbonate of soda, a cup of vinegar, and a cup of hot water down the drain, in that order. Repeat several times. 

These substances will not damage sinks, pipes, or the environment. Alternatively, your local pharmacy or health food store usually stock bacteria-based enzyme cleaners that can also be used.

Use a Plunger

Vigorous thrusting with a plunger is another alternative. Plunging pushes air through the pipe and that force may clear the clog. Before plunging, seal any area at the drain opening not covered by the plunger with a damp cloth. 

This forms an air seal and maximises the force produced by the plunger. Similarly, if you are unblocking a double kitchen sink, seal the second drain. Don't stop after a couple of minutes. Like mouth-to-mouth and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, energetic plunging can take a while to produce a successful outcome.

Check the S-bend

Blockages often form in the pipe S-bend beneath the sink, washbasin, or tub. Place a bucket under the bend to catch any water or waste, unscrew the two connections, and check the piping for blockages. 

If there is one, it should be easy to remove by hand or with the help of a length of flexible metal wire.

Chemical drain cleaning products

Chemical cleaners are an option. Examples include hydrochloric acid, caustic soda, and Drain-O. These products are widely available in hardware stores and they should always be used according to instructions. 

These normally involve pouring the substance down the drain, letting it stand for a short period (say, 30 minutes), and then flushing water down the drain to clear the substance, and the blockage, away.

Some precautions are recommended. Follow the instructions carefully. Do not pour hot water down the drain immediately after the chemical has been poured as it may trigger a reaction that causes the substance to spray back up in the pipe. 

As such, always wear gloves and a breathing mask. The downside to these products is that they are toxic and damage the environment.

Drain auger

This tool, also known as a plumber's snake or electric eel, will unblock the most serious blockages, even toilet paper clogs and tree roots. Augers can be rented from equipment hire outlets. 

However, they require some skill to be used successfully, especially because they can scratch ceramic and stainless-steel plumbing surfaces. Moreover, they can be dangerous if not used correctly. If in doubt, call in a plumber to do the job.

Contact the plumbing experts at Richardson Plumbing & Gas Service!

Get in touch with one of our expert team members for a quote or advice today if the above methods of drain unclogging don't work.

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