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.
HOW TO UNBLOCK YOUR DRAINS
There are a few easy ways to unblock your drains at home. These methods work for both kitchens and bathrooms, whether you need to unblock your sink, shower or bath drains.
1. METHOD - BAKING SODA AND VINEGAR
First, flush boiling water from the kettle down the drain. Next, mix 240ml of boiling water with 240ml of vinegar in a measuring jug.[2]
Protect your skin and eyes while adding 120g of baking soda to the jug. The substances will immediately fizz, so pour the mixture down your blocked drain immediately. Leave it to sit for an hour or overnight for severe blockages. The mixture should foam up inside your drainage pipes.
Finally, run the hot tap for at least a minute to flush it all through.
2. METHOD - BOILING WATER
This simple and cheap method is a great way to unblock your kitchen drains, which might suffer from a build-up of cooking fats.
Fill your kettle with water and boil. Now, slowly pour the hot water down the drain in two to three stages, waiting for it to work for several seconds between each pour. Sometimes, washing up liquid can help dissolve any grease.[3]
3. METHOD - CHEMICAL OR BIOLOGICAL CLEANERS
If these home remedies aren’t working, head to your local supermarket or DIY store to pick up an unblocking agent specially formulated to unblock your household drains. Simply follow the instructions on the bottle and leave to work for a few hours as required.
Biological cleaners are a more environmentally friendly option and use enzymes to eat their way through blockages.[5] Be careful when using chemical or biological cleaners. Always follow and read the instructions when handling these products. [6]
4. METHOD - WIRE HANGER
Most people will have a wire coat hanger in their wardrobe at home. Simply straighten it out and bend one end over into a hook shape. Then, push it through the drain cover and start fishing around for any gunk causing the blockage.
This method unblocks bathroom drains clogged up with hair and soap scum. Ensure you use the hanger to lift out the stuff blocking your drain rather than push it down further, and don’t push past the blockage. When you have finished, run the hot water to clear everything through. [7]
5. METHOD - DRAIN COIL OR SNAKE
If the coat hanger doesn’t work, buy a drain coil [3] or snake to tackle stubborn blockages. It has a handle to force a long, flexible cable into the blockage. Simply rotate the handle back and forth until the obstruction breaks up. Rewind the snake, remove it from the sink or toilet, and run hot water down the drain. Repeat until your drain unblocks. [7]
CALL A PROFESSIONAL
If your drain is still blocked after trying these methods, or the blockage is nasty, it’s time to call an expert drain engineer to deal with the problem.
WHAT TO DO AFTER UNBLOCKING YOUR DRAIN
Once you have tried these methods to unblock your drain, run your tap for several minutes to check that the water is flowing freely and you have removed the blockage. If the problem keeps occurring, call a professional to check it.
HOW TO PREVENT A BLOCKED DRAIN
Take these few easy measures to help prevent blocking your drains.[8]
- Control what goes down your drain. If you have long hair, comb it before bathing or showering. Ensure you throw food scraps and cooking fats in the food waste or compost rather than down the kitchen sink
- Use a drain protector to cover your plughole and catch anything that might cause a blockage
- Enzyme cleaning sticks are a great way to keep your drains clear and smelling fresh. Simply drop one into your plughole once a month and leave it to eat through any grease or soap scum.
FAQS
How often should you unblock your drains?
You should unblock your drains at least once a month to keep them clear. [9]
How do professionals unblock drains?
Professionals such as drainage specialists will unblock your drains by finding the source of the problem and using the latest kit, such as high-pressure jets. [5]
What can happen if you don’t unblock a drain?
If you don’t unblock your drain, the problem will likely worsen, causing damage to your plumbing system, overflow, and even flooding.
What is the best method to unblock a drain?
The best method to unblock your drain will depend on what’s causing the problem and how severe it is. Try a few methods to see what works best.
What is the best long-term solution for unblocking a drain?
Prevention is better than cure. The best long-term solution for unblocking a drain is avoiding throwing waste down the sink and regular cleaning.
How much does it cost to clear a blocked drain?
The cost to unblock a drain depends on the problem’s severity. If boiling water does the trick, then it will cost very little. If it’s more severe, you will need to pay a professional. Costs range from £80 to £100. [10]
Find out more about Ageas Home Insurance, and our optional Home emergency cover.
Sources
[1] [3] https://www.dyno.com/help-and-advice/how-to-unblock-a-clogged-bath-or-shower
[2] https://www.checkatrade.com/blog/cost-guides/drain-unblocking-cost/
[4] https://www.diy.com/ideas--advice/kitchen/sinks--taps/how-to-unblock-a-sink
[5] https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/g31153987/best-drain-cleaners
[6] https://www.asllimited.co.uk/drainage-blog/best-products-unblock-drains-your-home
[7] https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/uk-news/plumber-shares-five-cheap-ways-26359945
[8] https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/five-simple-tips-to-prevent-a-blocked-drain-aJgV13b2MX2u
[9] https://www.totaldrainageservices.co.uk/how-often-should-drains-be-cleaned/
[10] https://www.checkatrade.com/blog/cost-guides/drain-unblocking-cost/
