A Beginners Guide to Unblocking Drains

Whilst the notion of unblocking drains is not the most glamorous of subjects, it is worth  mentioning that unblocking the drains is a serious household chore that should be completed a couple of times a year. Unfortunately, clearing out the drains is one of those tasks we either completely avoid or completely forget about. Should you have no idea where to start, or if you fear making the blockage worse, then this handy step-by-step guide will be able to help you turn your drains into a thing of beauty.

 

How to Spot a Blocked Drain:

Spotting a blocked drain can be difficult, particularly if you have recently moved into your property and you are unsure of previous maintenance that has been carried out.  Do not despair! There are a number of telltale signs that will alert you to a blocked drain. The most obvious is an unpleasant smell when you turn on the taps. Other things to look out for is the toilet not flushing and draining quickly and efficiently or if waste water takes an age to drain. Likewise, manhole covers may start to overflow, but hopefully you will notice the other signs of a blocked drain before that happens!

Equipment:

Appropriate equipment is needed before undertaking this messy task. A simple and cheap kit will allow you to clear your drains efficiently, should you want to opt for the DIY option. Your DIY kit is as follows:

  • Thick rubber gloves

  • Drain rods

  • A bucket

  • Hot water

  • A cheap, household detergent

Method:

Here comes the fun part! Start with inserting the rod into the drain chamber. Keep poking at the chamber until you feel the blockage. Always turn the rods in a clockwise direction to ensure that you loosen the debris as you go. Remember to use the same motion as not to block the drain further. Keep using the ‘push and pull’ method to remove the blockage and once you start to feel the blockage move, you are going in the right direction.

Once the debris starts to move, fill the bucket with hot water and any household detergent to flush through the drainage. This will remove the build up of fats and tough household waste that will be clinging to the drain.

Are There Alternatives?

Of course, should the blockage not clear and the thought of cleaning your own drains does not sound entirely appealing, then you can call drain unblocking experts who will complete the task on your behalf. It is always worth checking that you are covered by your house insurance to pay for this task. Likewise, you may not be covered by your insurance should you attempt to clear the drains yourself and subsequently make them worse. If you are ever in doubt of your competencies of clearing your drains effectively, call in the professionals!

Prevention:

As the adage goes, prevention is better than cure. There are a handful of ways that you can prevent a severe blockage, so do take note of the following items that should not be flushed:

  • Fats and oils from cooking

  • Nappies and sanitary products

  • Cotton wool and buds

  • Waste food

Of course, drain blockage is unavoidable, but the burden can be lessened. Due care and attention is needed to avoid this particularly unglamorous task, but by taking the appropriate preventative steps, you can reduce the need to unblock your drains more than what is necessary, giving you more time to indulge in the things you love.

Comments

  1. I got a new product at a conference recently that is just for this purpose. It’s called a drain wig. It’s a little chain you put down in your drain (it has a little flower on top to keep it from falling through). And it has little things that stick out the side of it that gather the hair as it goes down the drain. Then after a few months, you pull it out and toss it away. Eeesy peesy! #SITSSharefest

  2. Personally I would go with the more natural or non-chemical related ways of solving clogs.

    You can use Vinegar, baking soda, and boiling water to do so – along with the plunger of course.

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