5 Ways To Unblock A Drain At Home 2024 (Infographic)

• September 13, 2023
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Looking for Ways To Unblock A Drain? Well, It’s just one of those truths we can’t dodge: If you have drains, You’ll be playing plumber sooner or later.

However, we Aussies love a good DIY challenge! So come on, let’s get stuck in and show those drains we’re not to be messed with!

Whether it’s the bathroom sink throwing a tantrum or the toilet deciding it’s on strike, fear not; we’ve got some ripper tricks up our sleeve for those pesky little plumbing issues. 

Here are five nifty ways to tackle those blockages head-on, all from the comfort of your home. 

5 Ways To Unblock A Drain At Home

• The Mighty Plunge: Using A Plunger
• The Hot Water Hustle: Using Hot Water
• The Bubbling Duo: Using Baking Soda & Vinegar
• The Handy Hanger Hook
• Trust The Pros At HolyMess Repairs

The Mighty Plunge!

Ah, the trusty plunger! It’s as Australian as backyard cricket, and it’s been saving our drains for donkey years. It’s the old-school hero of the plumbing world, and there’s a good reason why both seasoned plumbers and everyday guys reach for it when faced with a stubborn blockage.

You’ll Need;

• A Plunger 

(Did you know? Not all plungers are created equal. Some are shaped specifically for sinks, others for toilets. (Make sure you’re wielding the right one specifically for unblocking your drain.)

Getting Down to Business – Using A Plunger

• Position is everything. Ensure the plunger covers the entire drain opening. 
• The Technique: Start by giving a good, vertical plunge. None of that fancy diagonal stuff—straight up and down will get the job done. An angled approach could break the seal, and we wouldn’t want that.

• Air Be Gone: If your plunger feels a bit airy, gently press down to push that extra air out. You’ll feel a stronger suction once you’ve got a good seal, making the plunge even more effective.

• Water Level Check: If you can’t get the plunger to submerge fully, no drama! Simply fetch some water in a cup or bucket and pour it in. We want that plunger to swim! And there you have it! With a bit of elbow grease and the right technique, you’ll have that drain flowing faster than Wallaman Falls. Cheers!

The Hot Water Hustle

Ever thought about how many everyday woes can be washed away with a bit of hot water? Surprisingly, those pesky drain blockages, from overzealous toilet paper to sneaky soap scum and cheeky grease, can meet their match with just some boiling water.

You’ll Need:

• A kettle full of boiling water (But just a heads-up—no fancy ingredients or potions needed!)

Steps To Unblock A Drain – Using Hot Water

• Boil Away: Start by getting that kettle to whistle! Once it’s piping hot, you’re good to go.
• The Pour: Gently and steadily, introduce your blocked drain to the kettle’s contents. Pour slowly, so you’re not sending a tidal wave down there. Slow but steady would do. 
• Observe and Assess: Give it a moment. You’re looking for signs of movement, or perhaps even a little whirlpool as things start shifting.
• A Temporary Fix: Now, let’s keep expectations realistic. If you’ve got a blockage that’s been hard to get rid of for ages, this might just be a temporary solution. It might buy you some time before you call in the big guns, a.k.a. your friendly neighborhood drain specialist.

A Few Tips:

• PVC Pipes: If you’ve got PVC pipes running through your place, maybe skip this trick. The heat could loosen those joints, leading to more problems. We don’t want that!
• Toilet Tactics: For our porcelain throne users, here’s a hot tip (pun intended!). Make sure you pour the water straight into the watery part and not directly onto the bowl. Our toilets might not appreciate the sudden heat and could even crack.

And there we have it! Simple, effective, and almost as satisfying as a hot cuppa on a chilly morning. Cheers to clearer drains!

The Bubbling Duo – Baking Soda & Vinegar

Before you think of using those harsh, environment-harming chemical cleaners that sit on supermarket shelves, consider turning to the dynamic duo we’ve all got in our pantries: baking soda and vinegar. 

Not only is this combo kinder to our dear Mother Earth, but it’s also gentler on our home’s plumbing.

You’ll need;

• Baking Soda: ⅓ Cup
• White Vinegar: ⅓ Cup

Steps To Unblocking A Drain: Using Baking Soda & Vinegar

• Mix & Pour: Take equal parts baking soda and vinegar (that’s your ⅓ cup of each) and watch them fizz and bubble like a primary school science experiment! Once the concoction has had its little party, pour it straight into the blocked drain.
• Wait for the Magic: After the bubbles have settled down and the fizzing’s done its job, follow up with a good rinse using water. This will help to wash down any remnants, thus unblocking the drain.
• A Note for Toilets: If your toilet’s acting up, ensure there’s enough space for the mixture to get to work. If the water’s filling up more than three-quarters of the bowl, it’s a good idea to remove some using a trusty bucket.

There you have it—a simple, eco-friendly, and effective method that’s as easy as pie! Here’s to clean drains and a happier planet. 

The Handy Hanger Hook

Alright, DIY champs! No plunger at hand? No worries. The humble coat hanger is here to save the day. A little bending and shaping can turn this everyday item into a trusty drain unclogging tool.

You’ll Need:

• A trusty wire coat hanger
• A pair of pliers (preferably with a good grip!)

Steps To Unblocking A Drain: Using A Hanger

• Prep Time: Grab your wire coat hanger and those pliers. It’s transformation time!
• Shape Your Tool: Unwind that hanger till you have a straightened piece of wire. At one end, curve it gently to forge a small but effective hook. It’s your DIY drain unclogging tool!
• Unblock: With your newly-made wire hook in hand, gently probe down your drain, catching hold of any culprits causing the blockage.

There you have it—a simple and ingenious solution using items you’ve likely got lying around. Who knew a coat hanger could be a plumber in disguise?

Trust the Pros at HolyMess Repairs

Sometimes DIY just won’t cut it, and that’s alright. When home remedies fail or you’re short on time, it’s HolyMess Repairs to the rescue! 

Why wrestle with stubborn blockages when we’re just a call away? With our quick response and commitment, our plumbing experts in blocked drains will have your drains flowing smoothly before you can say “blocked drain.”

Our Expertise in Action: The HolyMess Effect

At HolyMess Repairs, it’s not just about unclogging a drain; it’s about precision, professionalism, and most importantly, a registered person doing the task; Here’s a peek into our process:

• Deep Dive Analysis: First up, we evaluate your drain’s situation. By understanding the root cause of the blockage, we can tailor our approach for optimal results.
• Tech at its Best: Our team boasts some impressive tools of the trade. From CCTV drain cameras that let us peek into the heart of the problem, to the muscle of electric eels and hydro jetters, we’re equipped to tackle any blockage head-on.
• Safe & Effective Solutions: We not only have traditional tools like plungers but also industry-grade acid treatments that are used responsibly and effectively. Our primary goal? A clear drain with minimal fuss and maximum longevity.

For residents in Melbourne, Canberra, and throughout the ACT, HolyMess Repairs is the trusted name for drain dilemmas. When in doubt, trust the experts – we’re here to make your life a whole lot easier!

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I pour down my drain to unblock it?

You have several household solutions at your disposal. Depending on the severity and nature of the blockage:

• A simple method is to use hot water. This works especially well for minor blockages caused by grease or soap buildup.
• Additionally, a mixture of vinegar and baking soda is effective. This combo creates a fizzy chemical reaction that can help break down many blockages. 

Why should you never use baking soda and vinegar to unclog a drain?

While the baking soda and vinegar combination can be effective for some blockages, it’s not a cure-all for every situation. The reaction between them produces carbon dioxide, which can create pressure in your pipes, potentially causing more problems. Plus, if used excessively, the acidic nature of vinegar can damage certain types of pipes. It’s essential to assess the situation and type of blockage before deciding on this method.

Can you pour boiling water down the drain?

Yes, you can pour boiling water down most drains. It’s a handy method for breaking down organic blockages like soap, grease, or toilet paper. However, there are a couple of caveats: If you have PVC pipes, you should be cautious, as the heat can cause the joints to loosen. For porcelain fixtures like toilets, ensure you pour the hot water directly into the water in the bowl to avoid cracking the porcelain from sudden temperature changes.

How long does it take for boiling water to unclog a drain?

The time it takes for boiling water to unclog a drain depends on the nature and severity of the blockage. For minor obstructions, you might notice improvement almost immediately. For more stubborn blockages, it might take a few attempts or even a combination of methods. If after several tries the blockage remains, it might be time to call in the professionals or use a different approach.

Remember, while DIY methods are effective for minor issues, some blockages require the touch of a professional for the best and safest results.

A Quick Fix or the Real Deal?

While our trusty home remedies can save the day in a pinch, they’re like understudies to the main event: professional plumbing care. Resorting to baking soda or boiling water might seem like a quick solution, but using them often could set the stage for bigger issues down the road. Remember, nothing beats the expertise of qualified plumbers in Canberra. So, before making DIY your go-to, think twice and let the pros handle the encore!