It’s Friday night, and you’re hosting friends for dinner. While preparing the kitchen, you notice the sink water isn’t draining.

What a mess! A blocked sink.

Sound familiar? Definitely, it does!

Blocked drains don’t just cause frustration. They can quickly turn your home into a plumbing nightmare with foul smells, stagnant water, and potential health risks.

The good news? You don’t always need a plumber on a speed dial.

You can tackle some clogs yourself with simple tricks using household staples like baking soda and vinegar.

So, before you grab the phone, let’s find out how to unblock the drain without breaking a sweat and when it’s time to call in the professionals.

5 Common Causes of Blocked Drains and How to Prevent Them

Clogged drains don’t appear out of the blue. They usually result from everyday habits that seem harmless but build up over time.

Here are five common causes and how to prevent them:

1. Grease and Fat Build-Up

Pouring oil and grease down your kitchen sink may seem harmless until it cools down and solidifies, causing a blocked sink drain. This can clog the pipes and lead to serious plumbing issues.
Therefore, it is imperative to dispose of oil and grease properly by placing it in a sealed container and disposing it in the trash.

2. Hair Build-Up

Hair tends to accumulate in bathroom drains, forming a tangled mess that leads to blockages.
To prevent this, use a drain cover to catch hair before it runs down the drain.

3. Soap Scum

Soap residues can combine with water minerals to create stubborn blockages. Regularly cleaning your drains with vinegar can break down mineral deposits.

4. Foreign Objects

Sometimes, the culprit behind a blocked drain isn’t what you think. Accidentally dropped items like rings, bottle caps, or kids’ toys can cause significant blockages.
Educate everyone in your home on what is safe to flush and what isn’t.

5. Tree Roots

If you have older pipes, tree roots can enter tiny cracks, causing major blockages. Hydro jet drain cleaning can detect these roots early with a CCTV inspection.

Quick and Simple DIY Methods to Unblock a Drain

Sometimes, DIY solutions are all you need to restore blocked drain flow.

Here’s how to tackle the problem using common household items.

1. Unclogging Drains with Baking Soda and Vinegar

This method is effective and eco-friendly. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Pour boiling water down the drain to loosen build-up.
2. Add half a cup of baking soda, letting it sit for a few minutes.
3. Pour a cup of vinegar into the drain and cover it with a plug or cloth to contain the reaction.
4. Let the mixture fizz and work its magic for 10-15 minutes.
5. Flush the drain with boiling water again.

This natural method works well for minor blockages in a blocked sink or bathroom drain.

2. Using Household Tools to Clear a Blocked Sink Drain

Sometimes, baking soda and vinegar aren’t enough to clear stubborn blockages.

Try these household tools:

• A Plunger

This old-school tool can clear a blocked sink drain. Just ensure there’s enough water in the sink to cover the plunger’s base and create a seal.

• Drain Snake or Wire Hanger

For deeper blockages, use a drain snake or a makeshift one from a wire hanger. Insert it into the drain, twist it, and remove the debris.

Professional vs. DIY Drain Unblocking: When to Call a Plumber

While DIY solutions are effective for minor blockages, they can’t fix everything.

If you have persistent issues or notice signs like water backing up in multiple drains, it might be time to call a professional.

A professional service like Adelaide Emergency Plumbing offers peace of mind if you’re in Adelaide and dealing with chronic or serious blocked drains.

Adelaide Emergency Plumbing offers services for all drain problems, including a FREE CCTV inspection with every hydro jet drain clean.

We provide efficient and reliable service, saving you from plumbing disasters.

Quick Tips to Prevent Future Blocked Drains | Adelaide Emergency Plumbing

• Consider regular drain maintenance.
• Monthly clean-ups with natural solutions.
• Avoiding improper disposal of food and hygiene products.
• Installing drain screens can make a big difference.

Clogged drains are common but manageable if you know what to look for and how to tackle minor blockages.

Simple DIY methods like baking soda and vinegar can fix minor clogs. However, for persistent or recurring problems, it’s advisable to leave them to professionals.

Need help with blocked drains?

Book a professional cleaning today for hassle-free service!

By regularly maintaining your drains and knowing when to seek professional help, you can keep your plumbing system in pristine shape.

Whether you’re dealing with a blocked sink or a more severe blockage, remember prevention is key!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How to Unblock a Drain Without Harsh Chemicals?

Baking soda and vinegar are safe, eco-friendly methods for clearing minor clogs without harming pipes or the environment.

2. How do you clear PVC pipe blockages at home?

PVC pipes are sensitive to heat, so avoid boiling water. Instead, use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar or a gentle enzyme-based drain cleaner.

3. How Do Plumbers Unblock Drains, and When Should You Hire One?

Professional plumbers use tools like Hydro Jetting and specialised drain cameras to inspect and clean stubborn clogs.

If you have recurring blockages, strange noises, or water backups, it’s time to call the pros.