5 Ways to Clear a Blocked Drain Fast

Blocked drains are a huge inconvenience in the home or business. Not only that, but they’re nasty, potentially causing bacteria filled water to overflow or sit in the sink refusing to budge. Grease, hair, food particles and other foreign objects are usually the cause of a blocked drain.

Once enough gunk has flowed down into the pipes, this builds up over time causing a blockage. Tree roots may also cause a drain to block. Occasionally they get into the drainage system, stopping water from flowing away. If this is the reason for your blocked drain, you’ll need an expert Logan plumber to remove the problem. For common blockages, take a look at these five ways to clear a blocked drain fast.

Boiling Water

One of the simplest ways to clear a blocked drain is by using boiling water. Take your kettle of boiling water and pour it down the blocked drain in stages. Wait 10 – 15 seconds between each pour. The boiling water will travel down the pipes and dissolve obstructions in its path. If the obstruction refuses to budge, you may need to use a method detailed below.

Salt and Baking Soda

Mix half a cup of baking soda with half a cup of salt and pour it into the blocked drain. Leave for 10 – 20 minutes and follow with boiling water. Salt, baking soda and boiling water produce a chemical reaction which should break through the majority of nasty drain blockages.
Sink

Baking Soda and Vinegar

A top natural home remedy for clearing drains is baking soda and vinegar. Both can usually be found in home cupboards and when mixed, are a powerful way to dislodge blockages. Mix 1/3 of a cup of vinegar with 1/3 of a cup of baking soda. They will start to fizz immediately and should be poured straight into your blocked sink or drain. Leave overnight or at least an hour and flush with hot water.

Using a Plunger

Plungers are one of the oldest and simplest ways to unblock a drain. But, they do require persistence and strength to be effective. Fill your sink half with water, place the plunger over the sinkhole creating an airtight seal and plunge up and down for 60 seconds. Remove and see if the water drains. If not, repeat.

Chemical Cleaner

If all the above methods don’t work, try a strong chemical drain cleaner which can be purchased from most supermarkets. Each will have individual instructions, but the usual method is to pour the cleaner down the drain. Let it sit and run hot water to finish clearing the blockage.

If You Still Have a Blockage – Call AJP Plumbing

Has the blockage refused to budge? Is water threatening to overflow your sink, toilet or drain? Sometimes it is necessary to call in professional plumbers to sort the problem for you. Contact AJP Plumbing on 07 3290 1977 or fill out the online form.

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