How To Clear A Blocked Drain?

1. Use a sink plunger

A sink plunger uses alternate compression and suction to loosen the blockage. A few up/down strokes should normally be enough to loosen a small to medium-sized blockage.
 

•   Wear gloves.
•   Block the overflow by holding a rag over it. This increases the force acting on the blockage.
•   Position the plunger over the plughole.
•   Move the handle up and down using regular movements.

2. Baking Soda And Vinegar Method

Using baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) and vinegar relies on both the cleaning power of baking soda (which is a base that clears grease, dirt and organic matter) and the carbon dioxide that's formed when baking soda and vinegar combine.

The carbon dioxide gas bubbles through the liquid in the blockage, helping to loosen it.
 

•   Pour a bucket of hot water down the drain.
•   Follow it with 0.5 of a cup of baking soda, then add 1 cup of vinegar.
•   Put the plug in the sink or tub.
•   Leave the mixture in place for half an hour.
•   Rinse thoroughly with hot water.

3. Remove And Clean The "P" Trap

Also known as the "U" bend, the "P" trap is a curved piece of pipe that sits beneath the sink or tub. Its function is to prevent toxic gasses from entering the home from the sewer pipe.

Because the wastewater slows as it moves around the "P" trap, it's a common site for deposition.
 

•   Wear gloves.
•   Empty the sink or tub, manually if necessary.
  
•   Put a bucket under the "P" trap to catch any trapped water.
•   Unscrew the "P" trap at both ends.
•   Inspect for build-up or blockages.
•   Clean thoroughly.
•   Replace the "P" trap.

4. Drain Snake

A drain snake is a long, flexible coil of metal with a hook at one end. Fed down the drain or blocked sink, it can be used to either break up the blockage and/or fish bits of it out.
 

•   Wear gloves
•   Check the "P" trap using the method outlined above, if you haven't already done so. Depending on your sink or tub, it may be easier to leave the "P" trap off and insert the snake directly into the pipe.
•   Insert the head of the drain snake into the plughole (if you haven't removed the "P" trap) or pipe (if you have removed the "P" trap) and gently feed it into the pipe, rotating it continuously.
•   If the drain snake stops moving freely, you may have found the blockage. Move the snake in and out and continue rotating to try to break down the blockage.
•   Depending on how much resistance you encounter, you may wish to draw the snake back out, clean off any detritus, then have another go.
•   Continue until the drain snake can be inserted to its full length without encountering any resistance.

5. Proprietary Drain Cleaner

Manufactured drain cleaners rely on powerful chemicals to break down blockages. When using a proprietary drain cleaner, make sure to follow all the safety instructions, as the chemicals are usually harmful to children and animals. Wear appropriate protective clothing, including gloves.

6. Dish Detergent And Hot Water

A combination of dish detergent (to break down fats and grease) and hot water (to melt solidified fat) can be a good way to loosen fat and similar blockages. This method can be used alone, or alongside a plunger or drain snake to optimise results.
 
If your drain remains blocked despite these measures, you'll probably need to call in a professional plumber to hydro-jet your drain.

For fast, skilled plumbing assistance in and around Grafton, contact Gillespie Plumbing on (0417) 299338.