How To Clear Blocked Drains

Blocked Drains

Blocked drains can really ruin the flow of your day! Especially when they happen as you're just about to walk out the door to work ...

However, clearing blocked drains doesn't have to be a half-day ordeal. Read on for Sydney Emergency Plumbing's expert tips and tactics for clearing blocked drains around the home.

Clear Obstacles

If your sink is still full of muck, either use a finger to remove what you can or pour some drain cleaner down the plug hole.

Undo the Trap

If your blockage is in a sink which has a trap, or U-shaped bend underneath which is accessible through a cabinet, start by undoing the piece of pipe to see if the blockage will come out with the help of gravity and space.

Use Chemical Cleaners for Slow Drains

If your drain is slow, but not completely blocked, a chemical cleaner (available from your supermarket) could remove a partial blockage.

Remember that if you use chemical cleaners on your drain, but then need to do further work on it, you'll need to protect yourself from coming into contact with the caustic water.

Get the Right Tools

Clearing a blocked drain will be both pointless and time-consuming without the right tools. We use all of the below tools to clear blocked drains. In some cases we use more than one:

• Power plunger: A 'power plunger' is pumped up by hand, and stores the compressed air inside it until you squeeze the trigger. This then releases a blast of air to force the blockage through.
• Water injector: These tools are useful for clearing blocked drains when the blockage has occurred within a couple of meters of the sink hole. They both force water into the hole, and suck it up again, using water like the air from a regular plunger.
• Corkscrew cable: This tool has a piece of flexible wire which can be unwound and wound up again.

Do a Home Clean Regularly

Stop residue building up in your drains over time by cleaning them every couple of months with ¼ cup of baking soda and 1 cup of white vinegar. Pour in a litre of boiling water down the drain after the reaction has taken place.

Still Won't Budge?

Don't worry! Sydney Emergency Plumbing's plumbers are always on standby for you, and will give you a fast FIXED PRICE quote over the phone when you ring.

Don't struggle with a blocked drain that just won't unblock - Phone 1800 862 565 to clear your blocked drains today.

Call Sydney Emergency Plumbing TODAY on 1800 UNBLOK (862 565)