Drain blockages are a common occurrence in households all over the world. It can be a real pain when your sink or shower decides to start overflowing, and it’s often difficult to know how to clear a blocked drain yourself. Here are some tips from the experts to help you unblock your drain quickly and easily.
How To Clear A Blocked Drain
There are several ways to clear a blocked drain, some of which are more effective than others. It is recommended to start with the easier and safer method and move on to the more challenging ones if you can’t seem to clear your blocked drain. Some of the most popular methods used to clear a blocked drain include:
Boiling water is one of the most common methods for clearing a blockage. The hot water will help dissolve any fatty deposits or food particles clogging up the drain.
Natural cleaners such as vinegar or baking soda can also be used to clear a blocked drain. These cleaners are gentle on the pipes and work by breaking down the deposits built up over time.
Caustic cleaners such as bleach should only be used as a last resort, as they can damage the pipes if used incorrectly. Caustic cleaners work by corroding the deposits until they are flushed away.
If all else fails, you can try using a plunger to dislodge the blockage. Be sure to cover the overflow hole so that suction is created, and push and pull quickly on the plunger until the blockage is cleared.
Another option is to try a DIY drain snake made from a coiled wire hanger. This method can be effective for removing small blockages, but it is not recommended for use on clogged toilets.
If the blockage is more severe, you may need to call a plumber to clear it for you. Plumbers have specialised equipment, such as a plumber’s drain snake, that can quickly and easily remove even the most stubborn blockages.
A CCTV drain camera is one of the most common pieces of equipment used by plumbers. You can hire a plumber that offers CCTV services, which will allow them to quickly locate the blockage and determine the best course of action. This allows them to see exactly what is causing the blockage, and then they can clear it using a hydro jet or an excavation method if needed.
Hydro jets are high-powered water jets that can blast through even the toughest blockages. Excavation involves digging up the pipe to access the blockage and then clearing it manually.
Pipe relining is a newer method that involves inserting a new pipe into the existing one. This is often used when the old pipe is damaged or cracked.
Blocked drains are a nuisance, but there are several ways that you can clear them yourself. If the problem is more severe, be sure to call a qualified plumber for assistance. They will have the tools and knowledge necessary to fix the problem quickly and efficiently.