Best ways to unblock your household drains

Back to solved

9 September 2024

If there’s a nasty smell coming from your plughole or it’s taking forever to empty your bath, chances are your drain is blocked. While this can be a real pain, it’s a simple problem to fix. Follow our step-by-step guide to unblock your drains in no time.

EASY AS HACK

Keep your drains clear by regularly flushing them with boiling water – once a month should do it.

AT A GLANCE

Discover the warning signs that your drain is blocked
Avoid blocked drains by stopping hair, food waste and cooking fat from going down the plughole
Try one of our home remedies to unblock your drains
If the problem persists, call a professional

signs your drain is blocked

If left untreated, blocked drains can cause various issues, from slow drainage and foul odours to property damage and health problems for people and pets.

To avoid costly repairs to your home, look out for these early signs your drain is blocked: ^[1]

Unpleasant smells: stagnant water and decomposing food can create a real stink, which worsens when the water is running
Slow drainage: if your pipes are blocked, the water will take longer to drain away and will pool in your shower or sink
Raised water levels: if water is higher than usual after flushing your toilet or water is overflowing, that’s a clear sign you have a blockage
Gurgling sounds: indicate there is trapped air in your drain that is escaping when you run the tap.^[9]

What can cause a blocked drain?

There are several reasons why your bath, shower or sink drain might be blocked: ^[1]

A build-up of different substances in your drain, such as cooking fats, food scraps, hair and soap suds, can clump together, making it difficult for water to flow freely
Foreign objects, from cotton wool pads, sanitary items and wet wipes to car keys and children’s toys, should never be flushed down the toilet as your drains can’t handle them
Tree roots can damage the main sewage system, causing your drains to block.

TIPS FOR STAYING COOL

There’s no reason anyone should suffer stifling temperatures indoors, as there are plenty of ways to keep the worst heat at bay. Handy tips in the ‘keep cool at home’ checklist^[1] published online at gov.uk include:

Keep blinds or curtains closed as they are an effective barrier against the sun’s heat – the same applies to external shutters or awnings.
Open windows on opposite sides of the house to release warm air and allow cooler air in. But only do this when the air temperature outdoors is cooler than inside, which tends to be overnight or for a couple of hours in the early morning. However, avoid leaving ground floor or lower-level windows open as it could invite burglars.
Put an electric fan before an open window (if it is cooler outside) to encourage fresh air to blow throughout the room. Another trick with a fan is to place ice cubes in front of it to cool down the air blown in your direction.

REMEMBER, it’s best to use electric fans at temperatures below 35°C.^[2] Using a fan above that point might make you warmer as you waft yourself with hot air, like a hairdryer.
To reduce heat in your home, turn off lights without low-energy bulbs, and don’t use washing machines, dishwashers or ovens during the hottest parts of the day.
Cook outside on the barbecue rather than inside.
Growing plants outside can shade your home, but not too close (to avoid subsidence risks). See more below. Indoor plants may also help keep it cool inside.^[11]
If you have a home ventilation system, check it to ensure it operates properly. According to available figures, air conditioning is still rare in the UK – under 5% of UK homes have it.^[3]Portable air conditioning units are a possible option for some as they are less expensive than fitting built-in air conditioning.^[4] However, if you have air-conditioning in your home, set the thermostat to between 24 and 27°C or as high as you feel comfortable. It will help to keep your energy costs down.^[5]

MORE WAYS TO BEAT THE HEAT

Clever use of extractor fans is another tip for staying cool indoors. When temperatures climb, open your internal doors and leave your bathroom and kitchen fans running to rid your home of some excess heat. If it’s still unbearably close inside, consider using a dehumidifier to draw moisture out of the air and let your skin breathe better.^[6]

Large amounts of glazing can turn your home into a greenhouse in fierce sunshine, but applying a solar control window film is an inexpensive and easy way to ensure you and your rooms won’t overheat.^[7]

OTHER HOT WEATHER THREATS TO YOUR HOME

Long sunny spells can dry out the soil around your home’s foundations, potentially causing subsidence.

Clay-rich soil in southern parts of England is particularly vulnerable. Insurance claims for subsidence did show a significant increase after the UK’s summer heatwave of 2022 when temperatures peaked at 40°C-plus in mid-July.^[8]
Trees and shrubs near your home can increase the risk of subsidence as their roots absorb water, so get expert advice before planting new vegetation – or removing it. Homeowners should also consider the soil-drying effect of laying impermeable drives, paths or hardstanding around their homes.^[9]
The heatwave of 2022 also resulted in London firefighters experiencing their busiest day since the Second World War, with 41 properties in London damaged by fire.^[10]

Tips for protecting your home from a fire include:

Keep electronic equipment, e.g. e-scooters, mobile phones, and items with a lithium battery out of direct sunlight.
Keep mirrors, crystals, glass ornaments and other reflective items out of direct sunlight.
Although it’s tempting to plug in multiple fans and all your other electrical appliances, be aware that overloaded plug sockets can start fires.
Consider buying a fire extinguisher and check your heat and/or smoke detectors are working.

Related article: how to prevent the risk of fire in a heatwave.

Find out more about our home insurance or visit our Heat hub.