You know the warning signs; the sink takes a little longer to drain. You begin to notice water pooling around your feet in the shower. Then you have the unpleasant smell that just keeps getting stronger.

These are signs that you may soon be faced with a blocked drain. It’s something you really need to deal with quickly, or you may have an unusable bathroom which is particularly annoying if you only have one bathroom in your house.

We’ve put together a few quick tips to help homeowners clear their drains first before calling us.

THE NATURAL WAY

Baking Soda and Vinegar 

Baking Soda and Vinegar are two of the most effective natural, home-remedy cleaners that you can use.

We suggest that you mix 1/3 of a cup of baking soda with 1/3^rd of a cup of vinegar. When mixing the two ingredients, they should start fizzing straight away. Once you see the fizz, pour the solution straight down your sink.

Let it sit for an hour or even over-night, for best results. Then flush it through with some hot water.

Boiling Water 

One of the oldest tricks is using boiling water. This is pretty self-explanatory but we’ll explain it anyway.

Boil your kettle with as much water as it will hold. Then pour it slowly down the drain in a couple of stages, waiting a couple of seconds between each pour.

THE CHEMICAL WAY

If you’ve tried the natural methods without success, your drain may require something a little stronger such as a chemical cleaner.

You can purchase chemical drain cleaners from most supermarkets. Follow the manufactures instructions. Remember not to overdose it as this could cause more problems.

THE PLUNGER WAY

Plungers can be an effective way to clear a drain or toilet if used correctly. The key is to make sure a tight seal is formed around the drain and plunge slowly.

Plunging too quickly or with too much force can prevent a tight seal from forming, making your efforts ineffective. It’s also important to note that different types of plungers are designed for clearing different types of drains. Plungers with a funnel cup at the bottom are best for clearing toilet clogs, while flat cupped plungers work well for baths and sinks.

Just remember that plunging can sometimes only be a short term solution. As it will push the soft blockage through, but you may still have an obstruction in the pipe that may cause frequent blockages. 

THE TECHNICAL WAY

Plumbing mishaps can become worse, pose safety risks or create structural problems if not addressed by an experienced plumber. If you have tried all of the above and your drain is still not clearing properly, then it’s best you leave the technical side to the professionals.

Get in touch with us today https://www.onthejobplumbing.com.au/get-in-touch/ or call us on 1300 171 125 to book in a time for one of our friendly team members to unblock your drain effectively without any added stress.