5 Ways to Unblock a Drain

One of the most common plumbing issues we get calls about is a blocked drain. It’s a frustrating problem many homeowners experience and can be a messy problem to resolve. However, it can be relatively easy to unblock a drain if you know how. Below, we’ve outlined five ways to unblock your drain quickly and effectively.

1. Use Baking Soda & Vinegar

This is a safe, cheap option to try as a first resort. To begin, pour a cup of baking soda down your drain. Then add two cups of boiling water to help wash the baking soda down the pipes. Let this sit for 10 to 20 minutes before moving to the next step.

Next, add one more cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar down the drain. Add the plug to the drain to stop the mixture fizzing out into the sink. You’ll hear gurgling noises as the mixture works its way through the blockage.

Leave this for a further 15 minutes and then pour boiling water down the drain to wash the mixture and any blockage out.

2. Use a Plunger

If the above mixture doesn’t work, the next easiest option is a plunger. Start by applying Vaseline to the edges of the plunger to give the best seal. Then place the plunger over the sink whole making sure to cover the entire opening.

Force the plunger down for around 5 minutes, never breaking the seal. Then run some water down the drain to see if the blockage has shifted. If not, repeat the plunging process.

3. Use a Wire Hanger

If you don’t have a drain snake, a wire clothes hanger is a good alternative. Straighten the hanger and bend a small hook into one end that’s just big enough to fit in the plug hole.

Push the wire down the plug until you feel the blockage. Gently twist the wire so the hook works into the blockage. You’ll then be able to pull up whatever is causing the clog.

Once you’ve pilled up a good amount of product, pour boiling water down the drain to wash away any residual still trapped.

4. Use a Vacuum Cleaner

A vacuum cleaner is a more aggressive option for touch blockages. Make sure the drain hasn’t been used in at least an hour so it’s dry. Place the vacuum tube over the drain ensuring to create the best seal possible. Use a high setting on your vacuum to give the most power.

This should be powerful enough to pull out any nasties stuck in the drain.

5. Call a Plumber

If all else fails, call a professional plumber to come and unblock the drain for you. We have specialist tools to unclog the toughest blockages and if these don’t work, we can open up the pipes for you to see what the issue is.

If you need a plumber in Sussex to unblock your drain, call Abacus Flame to book an appointment.