How to unblock a drain – all the tips and tricks

Blocked drains can be avoided with a few preemptive measures. Taking care of what’s going down your drains is probably the single most important thing you can do to avoid blocked drains. Avoid pouring fats down the sink, once cooled they solidify and will quickly clog your drains up. The best thing is to wait for them to cool down and dispose the solid fat into the dust bin. Food if thrown into the sink over a period of time, will also end up blocking your sink. The best thing is to throw any solid items into the dust bin; only water and liquids should be going into your sink. The same applies to your toilet. Avoid throwing anything other than toilet paper into the toilet if you want to avoid any blockages.

Hot water

One of the most effective ways to unclog blocked drains is with very hot water, baking soda and vinegar. Cheap, natural, environmentally friendly and very effective; what could be better than that. The fizz caused by the chemical reaction between the baking soda and the vinegar is enough to give your drains a good clear out. Simply pour about a gallon of very hot water down your sink or toilet followed by half a cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar, leave overnight to work its magic and bingo your drains should be clear by the morning.

Snakes and coat hangers

Straighten out a coat hanger and bend the end into a hook shape. Using the end with the hook plunge it into the sink or the toilet and use it to fish out whatever nasty stuff is hiding out down there and blocking up those drains. A snake is a professional plumbing tool used to fish out more serious blockages that the coat hanger can’t always achieve. If you can get access to one it works the same way, but use with care since these can get very messy.

Plunger

Another simple and chemical-free method for unblocking drains. Try this method before using any harsh chemicals, sometimes it’s all you need. Place the plunger over the toilet hole to create a seal and begin to pump. The suction from the plunger should eventually dislodge any nasty culprits causing the blockage. Make sure you’re not wearing your Sunday best since this method can prove messy.

Chemical drain cleaner

Chemical drain cleaners really should be left as a last resort since they’re toxic to people and pets as well as being damaging to the environment. If you do resort to this method you must use these products with care. Make sure you wear protective clothing and gloves and never use with a plunger since you want to make sure that it doesn’t come into contact with your skin. Chemical drain cleaners can cause chemical burns if they come into skin contact. Make sure that the room is well ventilated and if using in the toilet, make sure you close the toilet lid and use a special drain cleaner formulated for toilets to ensure that no damage is done. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instruction and use with care.

If you still have a question on how to unblock a drain or you want a professional help with drains, don’t hesitate, contact Plumbers, 4 U – the best Plumbers in London.