A blocked drain can be frustrating and sometimes messy. Whether it’s your kitchen sink, bathroom drain, or an outside drain, you must know how to unblock a drain at home.
In this guide, we have listed 10 of the best drain unblocker methods for quickly removing blockages before you call your plumber in London.
So, let’s move ahead in the blog and break each one down in detail.
The 10 Best Ways To Unblock Your Drains
The following are the ten ways that one can get rid of clogging in drain pipes at home, which happens most of the time when grease, food particles, hair, or soap scums tag along in their way.
1. Boiling Water With Dish Soap Method
It’s a very simple yet efficient technique used for unclogging small to medium blockages in kitchen sink drains.
- Boil a kettle of water.
- Then, pour a few drops of the dish soap into the drain.
- Carefully and slowly, pour the boiling water down the drain.
- After a few minutes, check to see if it’s draining freely.
2. Cleansing Pipes Using Baking Soda And Vinegar
This is a useful natural and chemical-free remedy for clearing out grease and soap clogs.
- Pour ½ cup baking soda into the drain.
- Follow with a ½ cup white vinegar.
- Allow bubbling action for 15 minutes.
- Flush with hot water.
The method is just great for unblocking sinks with natural homemade unblocked pipes, an environmentally-friendly drain cleaning method.
3. Plunger For Drains
A plunger unclogs bathroom drains and kitchen sinks effectively:
- Fill the sink with enough water to cover the cup of the plunger.
- Place the plunger on top of the drain; press down hard.
- Pump up and down quickly for about 20 to 30 seconds.
- Remove the plunger and forward to see if the water drains away.
4. Drain Snake For Clogged Drain Removal
A drain snake or auger is helpful for stubborn drain blockages.
- Insert the snake into the drain.
- Rotate the handle to hook onto the debris.
- Pull it out and dispose of the debris.
- Repeat if necessary.
This is especially useful for unclogging bathroom drains and removing hair buildup.
5. Chemical Drain Blocker
If all-natural methods don’t work, you may want to consider using a chemical drain unblocker.
- Follow the instructions carefully as to how to use it.
- Make sure to wear safety gloves and goggles.
- Do not apply too much so that your sewer line does not back up.
Caution: Chemical cleaners cause damage to pipes through the years. Contact a Plumber in London if you’re not sure.
6. Unblocking A Sink Naturally With Salt And Baking Soda
This method is similar to the vinegar and baking soda approach but is particularly useful for grease clogs.
- Mix ½ cup of salt with 1 cup of baking soda.
- Pour the mixture down the drain.
- Leave it overnight.
- Flush with boiling water the following day.
7. Application Of Wet/Dry Vacuum
Wet/dry vacuum cleans stubborn drains in sink and sewer block lines.
- Switch the vacuum to liquid mode.
- Cover vent for suction.
- Place the hose over the drain and start the vacuum on the pipe.
This method works for drains clogged with debris, such as food scraps.
8. Wire Hanger Trick
For minor blockages, a wire coat hanger can help.
- Straighten a wire hanger, but leave a small hook at the end.
- Insert it into the drain and fish out any debris.
- Dispose of the debris and flush the drain with hot water.
9. Unblocking An Outside Drain
To unblock a drain outside the kitchen, follow these steps:
- Remove any visible debris from the drain cover.
- Use a hose to flush the drain.
- If necessary, use a plumber’s snake to remove deep blockages.
- Pour boiling water to ensure a clear flow.
10. Call A Professional Plumber
If none of these methods work, call a plumber in London. A professional has the tools and expertise to resolve severe blockages quickly and safely.
Always choose a plumber who meets the criteria below to ensure quality service and long-term plumbing solutions:
- Licensed and certified—Ensure they are Gas Safe, Registered, and accredited by CIPHE or NAPIT for safety and compliance.
- Experience & expertise – Look for at least 5+ years in residential and commercial plumbing.
- Insurance coverage – Must have public liability insurance to protect against damages.
- Reputation & reviews – Check for the reliability of Google Reviews, Trustpilot, and customer testimonials.
- Transparent pricing – Request a detailed quote with no hidden fees before hiring.
- Emergency services – 24/7 availability for urgent plumbing issues.
- Quality materials & workmanship – Uses trusted brands with warranties for durability.
- Professionalism & punctuality – Timely, well-equipped, and transparent in communication.
- Local coverage – A plumber who services your area for faster response.
- Guarantees & aftercare – Offers warranties and follow-up support for peace of mind.
Conclusion
So, we hope that you will save time and money after you learn these effective methods for unblocking a drain. Try these drain-unblocking methods before calling a plumber. However, if the problem persists, don’t hesitate to contact a plumber in London for expert help.
For more tips, check out our guide on how to unblock a sink for better understanding.
FAQS
1. What is the easiest way to unblock a drain at home?
The simplest method is to pour boiling water down the drain to break down grease and minor blockages.
2. Is it safe to use chemical drain cleaners?
Yes, but they should be used sparingly, as excessive use can damage pipes over time.
3. Can chemical drain cleaners damage my pipes?
Yes, especially if it is used too often or on old pipes. Consider natural products like baking soda and vinegar for drain cleaning.
4. Can I unblock a drain without using chemicals?
Yes! Plunging, drain snaking, and baking soda can clear most blockages naturally.
5. Can I use salt to unblock a drain?
Yes, salt can help unblock a drain by acting as a natural abrasive to break down grease and debris. When mixed with hot water, it dissolves blockages and effectively clears clogs.
6. When should I call a plumber for a blocked sink?
Call a plumber for a blocked sink when:
- Severe blockage – Water isn’t draining or drains very slowly.
- Unpleasant smells – Foul odours coming from the drain.
- Multiple clogs – Several drains in your home are blocked.
- Recurring clogs – The same sink keeps getting blocked.
- Deep blockage – The clog is beyond the reach of essential tools.
- Visible damage – Leaks, cracks, or pipe damage are present.
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